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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 photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Aviation Watch Out Situations

Regardless of aviation training or experience, all firefighters have a responsibility to voice concerns and even refuse a flight if they observe unsafe conditions. Review Aviation Watch Out Situations and other useful references in the IRPG Aviation pages to better prepare yourself when working with aviation resources.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 11:58

Intent

Regardless of aviation training or experience, all firefighters have a responsibility to voice concerns and even refuse a flight if they observe unsafe conditions. Review Aviation Watch Out Situations and other useful references in the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Aviation section (blue) to better prepare yourself for working with aviation resources.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Reference the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the IRPG for students.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the location and agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Share the intent of the module.
  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using discussion questions and IRPG.

Discussion Questions

  1. Locate and review Aviation Watch Out Situations in the IRPG. Discuss how changing conditions would warrant stopping a flight or operation. Specifically address the following changing conditions: Communications, Confusion, Conflicting Priorities, Weather, Turbulence, and Personnel.
  2. Review how your module interacts with aviation resources. Discuss the following:
    1. Who on the incident is in charge of aviation resources on local incidents (Type 3, 4, or 5) and larger team incidents (Type 1 or 2)?
      1. How does the chain of communication change between incident types?
    2. Discuss hazards which may impact aerial operations. Refer to the Aviation section in the IRPG for examples.
      1. How do you communicate these hazards to both ground and aerial resources?
  3. When using aerial resources, a risk benefit analysis should always be part of the tactical conversation. Discuss the following:
    1. Are current strategies and tactics utilizing aircraft justifiable? Is there a better way to accomplish the mission?
    2. Are there multiple aircraft working the incident?
      1. How does this impact communication (air-to-ground and air-to-air) and airspace coordination?
    3. Do you have an escape route when working under aircraft?
  4. One Aviation Watch Out Situation asks if any rules are being broken. Recall situations where you may have seen aviation rules broken.
  5. Another Aviation Watch Out Situation asks if communications are getting tense.
    1. Many factors may contribute to tense communication, such as structures/high-value assets threatened, multiple aircraft on scene, misunderstanding of who is in charge, etc.
      1. How do you manage tense moments?
  6. And one Aviation Watch Out Situation asks about deviation from the assigned operation or flight.
    1. What factors might necessitate a change in operation or mission?
    2. How do you ensure safety when such changes occur rapidly?

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 1.3 GB) with .srt file for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.
  • 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! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal