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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.

Assessing the Fire Environment to Anticipate Fire Behavior

Good situational awareness is a cornerstone of good decision making. Assessing the fire environment is a key component of the Situational Awareness Cycle for wildland firefighters.
Category: Fire-Environment
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 40 minutes
Video Length: 14:46

Remote Video

Intent

Utilizing factors identified on the NWCG Fire Environment Poster, PMS 439, and the Look Up, Down, and Around principles, describe a step-by-step process to assess the fire environment and anticipate the next big changes in fire behavior.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Print or display the Cheat Sheet Companion to How to Assess the Fire Environment to Anticipate Fire Behavior and explore the digital information sources listed in the online resources column.
  • Print or display the NWCG Fire Environment Poster, PMS 439.
  • Reference the Look Up, Down and Around principles in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the IRPG for students to utilize and answer questions.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a discussion after each phase of the video, using the Cheat Sheet as a guide. Consider pausing the video after each of the three phases to initiate a review of the topics.
  • Use the NWCG Fire Environment Poster, PMS 439 as a discussion reference.

Discussion Questions

Phase 1: Before an Assignment 2:28-5:55

  • What information sources are used to evaluate forecasts? To review yesterday’s activity? And to anticipate today’s problems?
  • Identify information sources available that were not listed in the module.

Phase 2: Assigned and En Route 5:56-8:57

  • What tools are used to get on-scene weather and fire information?
    • Evaluate maps and photos.
    • Ask for a spot forecast.
    • Interpret sky and smoke.
  • Identify strengths/weaknesses of these tools and how/when each may be best used.

Phase 3: On-Scene Fire Assessment 8:58-12:38

  • What methods are used to determine the current situation, including:
    • What fuel and terrain are ahead of the fire?
    • How to verify forecast and request updates?
    • How to determine escape route and safety zone requirements?
  • Identify existing references to assist you with these methods.

Big Change Factor Clues 12:39-13:38

  • Which clues determine what the next big change will look like and where/how fast it will occur?
  • How do you determine if it is time to act or time to move to safety and wait it out?
  • Identify big change factor clues in your local area.

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 982 MB) 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-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

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