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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.

2021 Fire Year in Review

Revisit significant events and statistics from 2021 to identify lessons we must learn to prepare for the future.
Category: Operations
Core Component(s):
Local Topics, Incident Reviews and Lessons Learned, Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 12:26

Remote Video

Intent

Revisit significant events and statistics from 2021 to identify lessons we must learn to prepare for the future.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video, module tools, and additional resources.
  • Review significant events and statistics from 2021 for your local area.
  • Print or display the current National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook from Predictive Services.
    • Optional: Print or display additional fire potential outlooks for your Geographic Area (links on Geographic Area Coordination Centers – Outlooks) or local response area (local dispatch center).
  • Review the current COVID-19 direction from NWCG and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
  • From the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) website, print or display the 2021 LLC Incident Review Summary and 2021 Year End Infographic.

Facilitating the Discussion

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

Questions / Scenario / Directions

  1. Discuss significant events and trends from your local response area in 2021. How did the last year compare to a typical fire year? What is the outlook for 2022?
  2. What did you/your crew do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in 2021? What changes will you make to continue to protect yourself/your crew this year? Identify and explore resources available to educate yourself and others.
  3. The LLC segment introduced two topics from the 2021 LLC Incident Review Summary: Proper Personal Protective Equipment Use and Proper Drip Torch Configuration During Burn Operations. Discuss the LLC Incident Review Summary Action Items presented in the module. Choose another topic from the 2021 LLC Incident Review Summary, review the information, and discuss how you/your crew can apply the Action Items in 2022.

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 578MB) 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

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter 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 Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center