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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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2024 Fire Year in Review

2025 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.

Ransom Road Fire Storymap

This module provides learners with an enhanced understanding of the Ransom Road Fire, which occurred on June 8, 1981. This Storymap is a supplement to the Ransom Road Fire video released in Fall 2025 for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR). Learners should watch that video before beginning this module.
Category: Case Studies
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 20 minutes
Video Length: 30 minutes

View the Randsom Road Fire Storymap.

Ransom Road Fire Storymap Banner (decorative).
Click Image to View Storymap

Intent:

This module provides learners with an enhanced understanding of the Ransom Road Fire, which occurred on June 8, 1981. This Storymap is a supplement to the Ransom Road Fire video released in Fall 2025 for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR). Learners should watch that video before beginning this module.

Facilitator Preparation:

  • Review the Ransom Road Fire video
  • Review this module’s tools and the Storymap.
  • Identify what resources are available to firefighters in your organization after a tragedy.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions relevant to the geographic location and your respective agency.

Facilitating the Discussion:

  • Show the class the Storymap. Scroll through it to display the maps, pictures, and videos. Alternatively, learners may use their cellphones or laptops with headphones.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the activity and discussion questions.
  • Present the scenario below and guide students through the exercise.

Conduct Activity (Optional)

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

Activity Questions

  1. When was the last time you updated your final wishes or your will?
  2. Have you talked with your family about what to do if something happened to you?
  3. What resources are available to your organization in the aftermath of a tragedy?

Resources:

Website: Mental Health Subcommittee (Look under “Additional Resources”)

Website: WFSTAR, Wildland Fire Mental Health

Website: WFSTAR, The Ransom Road Fire

Video: Invisible Wounds: Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (7 minutes)

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

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

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal