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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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NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center