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2023 WOR: Loop Fire (California) – November 1, 1966

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Loop Fire (California) – November 1, 1966

Today’s topic is dedicated to all wildland firefighters.
May we never stop learning.

 

In learning from our shared history, we have the opportunity for a second chance. We ask that as you and your team read and study our wildland fire history, carefully:

  • Consider the facts as they are presented to you,
  • Apply all the knowledge of fire behavior and firefighting principles at your command, and
  • Add the benefit of hindsight of knowing what happened when arriving at your conclusions. In this way, we will each gain the advantage of a second chance in making these vital decisions.

The Angeles National Forest in Southern California is known for its steep, rocky terrain and common strong, dry downhill wind, known as Santa Ana winds. At 5:19 a.m., a fire was started by a faulty electric line at the Nike Missile Site on an exposed ridge at the head of Loop Canyon. Chamise, sage, and sumac were the dominant fuels, with critically low live fuel moistures. Santa Ana conditions prevailed, and the fire was driven downhill rapidly by 60 mph northeast winds toward an urban area at the bottom of the canyon.

The El Cariso Hotshots arrive at Contractors Point above Loop Canyon at 2:30 p.m. They receive instruction to leapfrog the other crews and cold trail down the east flank. Much of the fire’s edge was in or near a chimney canyon. Winds were decreasing but with continued considerable channeling and eddies. At 3:00 p.m., the El Cariso crew decided it was possible to cold trail down the chimney and tie in with the crews working the lower edge of the fire. It was noted that there was no clean black. Only 500 feet away from tying in with cat lines at the bottom at 3:35 p.m., the terrain was too steep. They decided to go indirect 50 to 100 feet away from the fire’s edge. They were working in an area of unburned fuel and hazardous topography and were unaware that the fire had established a hot spot at the base of the chimney below them, burning in sumac bushes and heavy litter. Their escape routes were inadequate. At 3:45 p.m., flare-up occurs and a “reverse tool order” (turn back and get out fast) was immediately given to the crew.

In less than 1 minute the fire flashes through the 2,200-foot chimney, overcoming the 23 firefighters. Ten will perish immediately, and two will succumb to their injuries in the coming days.

Many of us have and will likely again face a similar decision. We might easily have made the same decision King (El Cariso Crewboss) did. But HINDSIGHT and critique are giving us a second chance.

Action:

The Loop fire occurred 57 years ago, and firefighters continue to learn from this tragic event. Following this incident, the Downhill Checklist was created and is still used today.

Discussion:

How do you share your lessons learned? Big or small. How do you facilitate a learning culture in your program or organization? What was your crew or resource’s most recent teachable moment?

Resources:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

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

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1