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Roadside Incident Response

Nationally, the number of injuries and fatalities among emergency responders who are responding to roadside incidents is increasing. Although most wildland fires occur in remote areas, there are situations where wildland fire personnel are responding to fires along rural country roads, backcountry roads, or major highways; where risk still exists for firefighters.

Considerations when responding to fires and other incidents along roadsides:

  • Firefighter and public safety will always be the number one priority.
  • Utilize Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones in all incident activities.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be used on all incidents.

Upon Arrival at the Scene

Size up the incident – see NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide, PMS 461, Sizeup Report on the inside front cover.

  • What has happened?
  • What is happening?
  • What will or could happen?
  • Is this a hazardous materials situation?

Apply the Risk Management Process

Tactical Considerations:

  • Anytime traffic flow is affected by the incident, contact the jurisdictional law enforcement agency for assistance.
  • Conduct all operations as far from traffic lanes as possible to provide for crew and public safety.
  • Park units on the same side of the roadway whenever possible to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Personnel should not exit the fire apparatus until instructed to do so by the module leader.
  • Exit the fire apparatus away from the roadway or where hazard exposure is minimized.
  • Exit the fire apparatus with full PPE.
  • Post a lookout to watch for and control oncoming traffic.
  • Utilize forward and rear spotters when visibility is impaired or road conditions warrant.
  • Utilize road flares or other traffic warning signs whenever possible.
  • If equipment needs to be removed from the traffic side of the apparatus, one person will retrieve the equipment and a lookout will watch for oncoming traffic.
  • Engine operators will operate pumps from the non-traffic side or from the cab of the apparatus when possible. Keep all hose, fire tools, and equipment out of traffic lanes when possible.
  • During night operations, utilize reflective clothing, vests, and other safety equipment as necessary.
  • All emergency responses on roadways will be concluded as quickly as possible to reduce personnel exposure.
  • Cancel or demobilize unnecessary apparatus as soon as possible.

Note: Each emergency vehicle operator will follow their state laws and agency policies governing the operations of emergency vehicles.

References:

Category
Vehicles - Roads

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video