Collection of Historical Photographs, Dude Fire

Click the image to enlarge.

Crown fire at the head of Walk Moore Canyon.

Fire approaching "The Corner House."

Dude Fire on June 26th - Mogollon Rim visible on the left.

Fire aftermath on the mesa above Walk Moore Canyon.

Remains of homes destroyed by fire in Bonita Creek Estates Subdivision.

Fire aftermath in the bottom of Walk Moore Canyon.

Warning sign for potential flash floods due to diminished vegetation.

Crosses mark the fatality sites of Joseph Chacon and James Denney.

Crosses mark fatality sites of Alex Contreras and Sandra Bachman.

Cross marks fatality site of Curtis Springfield.

Kiosk marking the Dude Fire trail.

Kiosk trail sign describing the events of the Dude Fire.

Photo of the trail signs with mountains in distance.

Hikers making their way down the Dude Fire trail.

Fatality site with markers indicating fire shelter deployment locations.

Current view looking down the road at "The Corner House."

Remains of historic Zane Grey Cabin destroyed by the Dude Fire.

Vortex in smoke during the Dude Fire.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date: September 8, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date: August 13, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date: July 30, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more.

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date: July 24, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field: