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RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) (ILT)

Course Title
Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) (ILT)
Training Required For
ICT4 310-1 Training Path 01, PIOT 310-1 Training Path 01, FIRB 301-1 Training Path 01, OPBD 310-1 Training Path 01, LTAN 310-1 Training Path 01, SOF3 310-1 Training Path 01, STCR 310-1 Training Path 01, UASP 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 03, FOBS 310-1 Training Path 01, UASD 310-1 Training Path 01, FFT1 310-1 Training Path 01, SOPL 310-1 Training Path 01, FFT2 310-1 Training Path 01, FELB 310-1 Training Path 01, SITL 310-1 Training Path 01, ATGS 310-1 Training Path 01, DIVS 310-1 Training Path 01, UASL 310-1 Training Path 01, STEN 310-1 Training Path 01, HMGB 310-1 Training Path 01, PIO3 310-1 Training Path 01, REAF 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 06, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 02, UASM 310-1 Training Path 01, HEQB 310-1 Training Path 01, HECM 310-1 Training Path 01, HLCO 310-1 Training Path 01, FAL3 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 01, RXB2 310-1 Training Path 01, STPS 310-1 Training Path 01, ENGB 310-1 Training Path 01, COMT 310-1 Training Path 01, CREP 310-1 Training Path 01, STEQ 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 05, FAL1 310-1 Training Path 01, FEMO 310-1 Training Path 01, FAL2 310-1 Training Path 01, ICT3 310-1 Training Path 01, FBAN 310-1 Training Path 01, CRWB 301-1 Training Path 01, RXB1 310-1 Training Path 01, RXMG 310-1 Training Path 01, ASGS 310-1 Training Path 01, STAM 310-1 Training Path 01, PIO3 310-1 Training Path 02, OPS3 310-1 Training Path 01, ICT5 310-1 Training Path 01, HEBM 310-1 Training Path 01, TFLD 310-1 Training Path 01, RADO 310-1 Training Path 01, SOFF 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 04, INCM 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2024

Course Number
RT-130
Course Description

The intent of RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) is to focus line-going personnel on operations and decision-making issues related to fireline safety in order to recognize and mitigate risk, maintain safe and effective practices, and reduce accidents and near misses.

Course Objective

3. Fire and Aviation Operational Safety: (replacing Entrapment Avoidance) Review and discuss the risk management principles and tools that promote safe and effective incident operations. Utilize the appropriate sections of the IRPG. Topics may include:
Aviation for fireline personnel.
LCES, Standard Firefighting Orders, Watch Out Situations.
Common Denominators of Fire Behavior on Tragedy Fires.
Common Tactical Hazards.
Downhill Checklist.
Equipment.
Safety Zones.
Weather and fire behavior.
Wildland Urban Interface.
Chainsaw Operational Safety.
Driving Safety.
Heavy Equipment.
SAFENET and SAFECOM reports.
All hazard response.
Other hazards and safety issues.

Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

The RT-130 modules provide a range of training options to meet NWCG position training requirements and agency-specific RT-130 course-hours requirements. The intent of the NWCG Executive Board is that, regardless of the agency-specific RT-130 course-hours requirements, all RT-130 training covers the core components identified below.

RT-130 is delivered as an Instructor-Led Training. Instructor-Led Training (ILT) is usually conducted in a classroom, face to face setting.

RT-130 is not available as a Self-Directed (Online) training. To receive credit for course completion, students must complete a session of RT-130 with qualified instructors who monitor the quality of the training.

The hands-on fire shelter proficiency drills must be performed by each participant. An individual qualified as a unit instructor (or higher) must monitor the completion of the proficiency drill.

Business Steward
OMC Operations Management Committee
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Special Cadre Considerations

Adjunct instructors may be utilized to provide limited instruction in specialized knowledge and skills at the discretion of the lead instructor. They must be experienced, proficient and knowledgeable of current issues in their field of expertise. All instructors will need the knowledge and skills to utilize current educational technology as it relates to Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (RT-130) content, such as video streaming, downloading interactive videos, and use of mobile applications and devices. Instructors must be prepared to facilitate a quality refresher that engages all students regardless of ICS qualification or experience level.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee