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2021 WOR: Taking Care of People

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7

 

 

Thirtymile Fire – The Days After

Stone plaques and memorial for four individuals who died on the Thirtymile Fire.

Thirtymile Fire Memorial at the Chewuch River.

Following release from the scene and check-ups at the hospital, everyone involved were told to meet at the North Cascades Smokejumper Base (a facility able to house the large group) where an official debrief was conducted. While well intended, the way this debrief was conducted wasn’t well received by many of the participants.

The next day, separate but overlapping investigations began with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Forest Service, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG investigation lasted until 2009.

On Thursday July 12th, resources were released. Some were given the option to take a week of paid leave with their families while others were instructed to return to work on Monday or use leave for additional time off.

In the following days and weeks there were a series of memorials for the fallen firefighters.

Organizational Learning

Following feedback from this incident and others, the wildland fire service has learned and continues to learn how to move forward following critical incidents. Peer support is one of many tools used in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). For many this has become a preferred model for wildland firefighter-involved critical incidents.

“Social connectedness is one of the strongest protective factors against stress reactions and is linked to emotional well-being and recovery following trauma and adversity.”

Dr. Patricia Watson.

The peer support concept is founded on peers or people of mutual respect helping each other. In our case, firefighters helping firefighters. The shared experience of peers fosters the initial trust and credibility necessary for developing relationships. Peer-to-peer programs facilitate opportunities for individuals to talk with trained peer supporters who serve as a bridge to connect with mental health professionals. Peer support groups can offer educational, social support, build resilience, and provide avenues for additional help if needed. The standard of care for the peer support concept is the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Peer support training is offered multiple times throughout the year.

A purple ribbon symbolizing remembrance of those who have passed away.Discussion Questions:

  • Do you know your organization’s plan for taking care of people involved in a critical incident? If not, who does?
  • What can you do to mentally prepare for difficulties faced during and after a critical incident?
  • The need for human connectedness continues long after the trauma, but the traumatized individuals often can’t reach out for it themselves.  Think 30 days later…what can you do to reach out and connect to someone who experienced a traumatic event?  What about one year later? Or 10 years or even 20 years later?

References:

Category
Week of Remembrance

6MFS Suggestion Form


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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

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. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters