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Parking Safely on Slopes

In 2005, three fireline fatalities occurred related to improper parking on slopes. One each involved a water tender, a fire engine, and a command vehicle. In wildland fire operations, we frequently exit vehicles quickly, but it is imperative that anytime a vehicle is left unattended, time is taken to assure it is parked safely and will not present a hazard to ourselves or others.

Standard operating procedures for parking vehicles safely on slopes are:

  • Turn the front wheels uphill or into the inside/embankment.
  • Firmly set the emergency brake.
  • Put the vehicle in park (if automatic transmission) or in forward gear (if manual transmission); do not leave it in neutral.
  • Turn off the engine.
  • Chock the wheels. When utilizing chocks, make sure they are on the correct side in reference to the slope. Assure the chocks are approved to hold the weight of the vehicle and will grip on the road surface.
  • Be aware of safe parking on slopes during an incident when moving a vehicle frequently. When using engines in pumping operations along a roadway, it is easy to get complacent with procedures. Realize when the vehicle is on a slightly different slope and requires placing chocks differently. It is the driver's responsibility to assure not only that the vehicle is operated safely but is positioned and parked safely.

 

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Vehicles - Roads

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Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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

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References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

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Please contact: Joe Schindel

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References:

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

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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)

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Date:  March 13, 2026
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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.

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Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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