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Equipment Technology Committee

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ETC header graphic. Photo of firefighter with a hose inset in photo of fire. Decorative.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) provides national leadership in wildland fire equipment, supplies, and chemicals. The ETC enables coordinated interagency management of wildland fire equipment, supplies, and chemicals, including planning, development, acquisition, and utilization. The ETC provides oversight of the National Interagency Support Caches and National Fire Equipment System.

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Primary Objectives

Firefighter with chainsaw cutting down a tree

  • Establish, maintain and communicate consistent interagency standards and guidelines for equipment, supplies and chemicals for wildland fire suppression.
  • Establish processes and procedures for the introduction, utilization, refurbishment, replacement, or disposal of any piece of equipment, supply item, or wildland fire chemical that has an established standard or specification.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures for ETC business practices which establish consistent, well defined methods of operations and decision making.
  • Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational elements.

Alerts

Alert Title Additional Information
ETC-EA-2025-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use
ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing
ETC-EB-25-004: New Aquatic Invasive Species - Golden Mussels
ETC-EB-25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities affecting use, appearance, and serviceability
ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits Available (NFES #0244) - 2025 Field Season
ETC-SW-25-001: Non-specification fire shelters
ETC-SW-24-001: Stihl Toolless Fuel Caps Spill Prevention
ETC-EB-24-003: Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers
ETC-EB-24-004: Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories
ETC-EB-24-005: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance
ETC-EB-24-002: NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard – Request for Comment
ETC Bulletin 24-001: Discontinued Use of Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2024 Field Season
ETC-EB-2023-02: Fire shelter training material moved to a website and publication renamed
ETC-SW-2023-001: Non-specification Fire Shelters
ETC-EB-2023-01: Discontinuation of Shelf Stable Food Boxes (NFES 7478) in NISC
ETC-EA-22-05: BKR5000 Series Radio Firmware Update
ETC-EA-22-04: BK Radio Not Powering Up When Switched to the On Position
ETC-EB-22-01: 50:1 Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio Recommendation for 2-Stroke Wildland Fire Portable Pumps
ETC-EA-2022-03: Performance Differences Between Pre-and Post-2006 Fire Shelters
ETC-EA-22-02: Fuel Container Geysering
ETC-EA-22-01: Inspection of 3,000 lb. Cargo Nets
ETC Safety Advisory 21-01: Drip Torch Lock Rings Detaching
ETC-EB-21-01: Fire Shelter Training Update/Reminders
ETC-EA-21-01: Fire Shelter PVC Bag Retrofit 2021
ETC-EB-2019-04: Medical Kit Changes – Urgent Recall of Altaire Pharmaceuticals Eye Wash Solution
ETC-EB-2019-03: NWCG Dozer Typing Standard - Request for Comment
ETC-EB-2019-02: Firefighter Pants Questionnaire Survey
ETC-EB-2019-01: Medical Kit Changes for 2019 Field Season
ETC-EB-2018-01: Further information on removal of NFES 001175 Five Gallon Fuel Can from NISCs
ETC-EB-2017-01: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Issues STIHL Chainsaw Recall
ETC-EB-2016-03: Engine and Water Tender Foot Valve Leakage - Field Test Protocol
ETC-EB-2016-01: Phase-Out of Drip Torches That Do Not Comply with US DOT and US OSHA Specifications

Wildland Firefighter's Helmet Serviceability Guide Flowchart

Flow chart identifying the indicators of whether a wildland firefighter's helmet should be serviced or repaired.

This link will take you to the etc-determine-dom.pdfThis link will take you to the etc-helmet-notice.pdf

Helmet Inspection and Safety video (Time:  7:10)

PDF of the above Wildland Firefighter's Helmet Serviceability Guide flowchart

Determine Date of Manufacturing (DOM)

Inspect the Helmet: Helmet Notice: Summer 2012 by the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) regarding reports of cracking, delamination, and broken suspension keys in helmets.

Alternate Head Protection Available (March 2011)

Fuel Geyser Awareness

Vaporless Fueling System Field Evaluation

The Soter Fueling System (SFS) is a vaporless refueling system designed for chainsaws to mitigate the risk of injury from fuel geysering.  The SFS is a closed refueling system that prevents vapor from being released.   Information on the durability, maintainability and usability of the system is being evaluated by selected chainsaw operators. 

Soter Fuel System Orientation Video.  This video provides an overview of the Soter fuel system.  It includes instructions for proper installation and use.  Please watch the video before using the system.

Soter Fuel System Fuel Bottle Probe Retrofit Instructions.

Link to the evaluation.

Guidance Documents

Innovative Ideas

If you have an idea that you feel will improve wildland fire fighter safety, operating efficiency, and reduce costs, review the Guide for the Submission of Innovative Ideas for Product or Process Improvement and submission form. We'd like to hear from you!

Useful Resources for the Equipment Technology Committee

Helmet information is now available on the FSPPES homepage

Forest Service Technology and Development Centers

Forest Service Fire Equipment Specifications and Standards (cache equipment)

Wildland Fire Chemical Systems (WFCS) - The WFCS provides national resource agencies with detailed information promoting safe and effective fire suppression chemicals and aerial delivery systems.

Roscommon Equipment Center - Wildland fire engine and equipment designs and information

Chair: Hesse, Nate

NWCG Coordinator: Lamb, Erica

Parent Committee:

Meeting Schedule:

Bi-annually – spring and fall

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

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