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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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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

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

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