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Attempting a Frontal Assault on a Fire

 

It is safer to start firefighting where the activity is lesser or the fire is moving away from firefighters. This Watch Out shows a firefighter in a position where he would be unable to safely engage in fire suppression.

10. Attempting frontal assault on fire. Large, orange flames move towards a lone firefighter holding a shovel and standing in grass and brush.

10. Attempting frontal assault on fire.

Read about all 18 Watch Out Situations.
 

Attempting a frontal assault on a fire is Watch Out Situation #10. It is a potentially dangerous tactic.

If your tactics include a frontal assault, adequately address the following before engaging the fire:

  • Has the fire been scouted and sized up? Who will scout and size up a fire and what are they looking for?
  • Is your position defensible? List what makes a firefighter’s position defensible (anchor points, safety zones, escape routes, etc.).
  • Are escape routes and safety zones adequate? Review what constitutes an adequate safety zone and escape route.
  • Do you have an anchor point? How would you establish an anchor point for a frontal assault on a fire?
  • Do you have adequate resources to complete the assault? Discuss things you need to consider. For example, if the frontal assault fails, do you have backup?
  • Are you informed on strategy, tactics, and hazards? Consider what could happen if someone has implemented a different approach; for example, the Incident Commander (IC) has a burnout operation planned while you are attempting frontal assault.
  • Is the terrain favorable to holding the fire? Discuss ways the terrain will influence where you will make a stand.
  • Are you relying on aircraft to support the operation? Any operation, especially frontal assault, should not need air resources to be completed safely.

To reduce the risks, reassess your tactics, post lookouts, and identify situations in which firefighters may be enticed to attempt frontal assault on a fire. Review why this may or may not be a good idea.

References:

Category
Operational Engagement

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WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal