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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

2025/2026 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