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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.

Wildland Fire Investigation and Fire Origin Protection

Define the role of fire investigation in both fire prevention and fire suppression. Define the role of first responder in fire investigation. Review fire origin protection best practices for first responders during initial suppression. Explore paths to becoming a Wildland Fire Investigator.
Category: Operations
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 40 minutes
Video Length: 14:33

Intent

Define the role of fire investigation in both fire prevention and fire suppression. Define the role of first responders in fire investigation. Review fire origin protection best practices for first responders during initial suppression. Explore paths to becoming a Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF).

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the location and agency.
  • Consider inviting a local agency INVF or wildland fire prevention educator to provide pertinent context and input for discussions.
  • Reference the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the NWCG IRPG for students to utilize and answer questions.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions

  1. Discuss your unit or module’s procedures for fire origin protection.
    1. Identify other first responders in your area. How might their fire origin protection procedures differ from yours?
  2. Discuss wildland fire investigation in your local response area.
    1. Identify (and, if present, introduce) local INVFs and Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leaders (INVL).
    2. List common human-caused fire trends in your area.
    3. Discuss local fire cause types that may be considered a crime or a civil offense.
    4. Review fire investigation policy for your area/agency. When should law enforcement be called in to assist with the fire investigation?
  3. Scenario: You have been dispatched to a wildfire in the wildland urban interface bordering your agency protection area. As a first responder, what actions do you take related to fire investigation? (Refer to the Fire Origin Protection Checklist in the NWCG IRPG.)
    1. Discuss your actions as first responder.
    2. What do you see? What do you take note of? What do you protect?
    3. Who do you notify? Who can you call to assist you?
    4. How do you identify potential origin areas? What actions can you take to protect the origin?
  4. What fire cause categories and circumstances of the causes should you be aware of when you arrive at the scene of a wildfire incident? (Refer to Ignition Factors and Sources in the Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412.)
    1. Identify and discuss cause categories common to your local response area.
  5. Discuss training paths and qualification requirements to expand your knowledge of fire investigation. (Refer to the NWCG Position Catalog and NWCG Training Course Catalog.)
    1. Which topics presented in FI-110, Wildland Fire Observations and Origin Scene Protection for First Responders would you find most beneficial as a wildland fire first responder?
    2. Identify required training and experience for INVF qualification.
    3. Discuss fire investigation training opportunities in your local area.

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 574GB) with the .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 and Firefox, 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! 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

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