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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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2025 Core Components Module Package

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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.

Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations Immersive Activity

Apply the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders and 18 Watch Out Situations to simulated fireline scenarios. This interactive module intentionally provides multiple options for the user to apply a variety of decision-making tools with no right or wrong answers, only different outcomes for each scenario. Outcomes are based on individual user perceptions of risk and situational awareness based on experience level.
Category: Operations
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 30:00
Video Length: N/A

QR Code for this activity

Interact with the Activity

Intent

Apply the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders and 18 Watch Out Situations to simulated fireline scenarios. The module is intentionally designed to provide multiple options for the user to use a variety of tools to make decisions with no right or wrong answers, only different outcomes for each scenario. Outcomes are based on individual user perceptions of risks and situational awareness based on experience levels.​

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the immersive activity and work through all the scenarios prior to facilitation.
    • Hand Crew Scenario (automatically opens first)
    • Helitack Scenario
    • Indirect Line Scenario
    • Initial Attack Scenario
    • Prescribed Fire Scenario
  • Become familiar with the toolbar and icon functionality of the application and be able to describe these to participants.
  • In each scenario, there are multiple actions that lead to different outcomes.  Review all of the alternatives prior to facilitation.
  • Some elements of the activity incorporate 360 degree photos.  While they are designed for and preferably viewed on mobile devices, all functionality is maintained when viewed on a computer monitor or projector.

Toolbar and Icon Functionality

Icon Functionality
Image
Map icon

The map icon can be selected at any time to go to another scenario.
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Notebook Icon

If the notepad icon is highlighted, it is recommended that you refer to your Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
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Eye icon

If the eye icon is highlighted, you should assess your surroundings. You can survey an area by looking up, down, and all around. 
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Hand icon

If the hand icon is highlighted, actions can be taken, such as selecting a hazard or a button.
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Question mark icon

If the question mark icon is highlighted, you are encouraged to select it and ask questions provided on screen.

Facilitate Activity

  • Present the Hand Crew Scenario to the entire group in order to demonstrate the functionality of the application.
  • Divide the class into small or large groups depending on the number of participants.
  • Assign one more scenario to each group.
    • Method 1: Assign each group the same scenario (e.g., all groups complete the Helitack Scenario).
    • Method 2: Assign each group a different scenario (e.g., one group completes the Helitack Scenario, another group completes the Initial Attack Scenario, etc.).
    • Method 3: Assign multiple or all scenarios depending on time limitations and group size.
  • Establish an end time for the groups to complete the scenarios and conduct After Action Reviews (AARs).
  • Allow groups to work through the scenarios without facilitator input.
  • Have each group conduct an AAR upon completion of their assigned scenario(s).
  • Consider having participants document their decisions, outcomes, and AAR.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Once all groups have completed their AARs, facilitate discussion with all participants.  
  • Depending on which method was used to assign the scenarios, consider reviewing each scenario.
  • Identify differences in group responses and outcomes.
  • Discuss the differences between each group's perceived risk and situational awareness.

Resources

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee