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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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2026 Core Components Module Package

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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.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Capabilities and Limitations

Agency operated Unmanned Aircraft Systems are becoming more prevalent and more capable every year. This video is designed to provide all firefighters with a baseline understanding of UAS capabilities and limitations. Through that lens the video covers typing, communications, integration in the Fire Traffic Area, decision making when ordering, and updates in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 Minutes
Video Length: 9:24

Remote Video

Intent

Enhance firefighters’ abilities to effectively use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) through increased knowledge of UAS operations and mission profiles.

Facilitator Preparation

Review the video and module tools. Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the geographic location and your respective agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

Show the video. Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the activity and discussion questions. Present the scenario below and guide students through the exercise.

Scenario

You are the Firing Boss for a prescribed burning operation on your home unit. It is late March. This burn unit is 700 acres. You have five Type 6 engine crews and a hotshot crew for this project. The area is prescribed burned every 4 years. This burn unit is in a hardwood forest. The fuel types are a compact leaf litter layer interspersed with a small amount of 10-hour fuels. 

 

A forest filled with numerous trees the ground covered with rich brown leaves.
Image 1

The terrain is relatively flat with small rolling hills. One unit boundary is a dirt road, two boundaries can only be patrolled on foot and border private land, and one boundary is a steep cliff with a 70ft drop into a drainage. Structures at risk are a large wooden footbridge over a stream and a lean-to. What factors would you consider when making the determination whether to order a UAS crew for assistance? 

Conduct Activity (Optional)

  • Divide the class.
  • Give each group the Activity Questions below.
  • Discuss group responses.

Activity Questions

  1. What are the safety protocols firefighters should follow when UAS are operating in the airspace above you?
  2. What is the process for reporting aviation near misses during firefighting operations?
  3. Discuss past experiences where there has been a miscommunication with aviation. How could the miscommunication have been prevented?
  4. How do you get ahold of UAS crews on your radio?
  5. Can UAS be used to help mitigate hazards and if so which hazards?
  6. Can you think of any ways that UAS could save resources time and energy?

Resources 

Table of Abbreviations
ADS-B  Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast
AOBD    Air Operations Branch Director
ATGSAttack Group Supervisor
BVLOS    Beyond Visual Line of Site
EO/IR Electro-Optical/Infra-Red
FTAFire Traffic Area
TFRTemporary Flight Restrictions
UASUnmanned Aircraft Systems

Additional Video Information

The video is also available as a download (zip file, size 1.28 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

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