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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

WFSTAR Overview

WFSTAR Catalog

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Core Components

2025 Fire Year in Review

2026 Core Components Module Package

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Historical Modules (Archived)

 

RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of wildland firefighters hiking down a valley to a fire. Black topo map and WFSTAR logo on left.

Introduction to the Crash Rescue Kit

An introduction to the Crash Rescue Kit highlighting the tools found within the Crash Rescue Kit.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Incident Reviews and Lessons Learned
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 3:50

Remote Video

Crash Rescue Kit Contents

The Crash Rescue Kit (NFES 001040) contains:

  • 1 bolt cutter, 24”
  • 1 carrying case and sleeve
  • 1 crash axe, serrated edge
  • 1 crash axe, smooth edge
  • 1 hacksaw frame
  • 1 rescue knife, seatbelt type
  • 11 hacksaw blades
  • 1 door opener with claw tool
  • 1 pliers, 12”, adjustable joint, angle nose

More information on the Crash Rescue Kit, Fire Protection, and Crash Rescue Procedures can be found in Chapter 12 of the Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG), PMS 510.

Crash Rescue Kit ordering information can be found in the NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1.

Instructor

The facilitator of this module should be familiar with helicopters and the Crash Rescue Kit.

Activity Ideas

Watch the Introduction to the Crash Rescue Kit video below. Discuss in small groups or as a class the topics below. If discussed in groups, share with the class. If possible, have a Crash Rescue Kit and a Crash Rescue Plan example on hand to show to the class.

Possible Discussion Topics

  • Has anybody ever experienced a crash rescue? If so, please share the story.
  • Where is the crash rescue plan located at your local unit?
  • How do you train for a crash rescue operation at your local units? Give examples.
  • If no training is provided, how can you implement training at your local unit?
  • Train to specific make/model of aircraft/helicopter.
  • Seek additional training with local experts.

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 284 MB)
  • Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; For IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal