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Organizational Types

NWCG accomplishes its mission using a system of committees and subgroups organized around the primary functional areas of wildland fire management. These committees and subgroups are categorized into the types listed below based on purpose and organizational hierarchy.

Committee

A long-standing body of subject matter experts representing one of the primary NWCG functional or business areas. Develops and maintains NWCG standards and associated support materials. Meets objectives stated in its mission statement. May establish a subcommittee structure as workload requires. Established by and report to the NWCG Executive Board.

Subcommittee

A long-standing body of subject matter experts representing a subset of an NWCG committee’s functional or business area. Meets objectives stated in its mission statement. May establish a unit structure as workload requires. Established by and report to a parent committee.

Unit

A long-standing body of subject matter experts representing a subset of an NWCG subcommittee’s functional or business area. Meets objectives stated in its mission statement. Established by and report to subcommittees

Board

A long-standing body of subject matter experts organized to establish performance criteria, evaluation processes, business requirements, and operational standards in specific NWCG business areas (e.g., airtankers, incident reporting, position naming). Established by and report to the Executive Board, committees, or subcommittees.

Task Team

A limited-term body of subject matter experts formed via a tasking memorandum to accomplish a specific, time-bounded, undertaking for the tasking entity. Established by and report to any NWCG established group.

Course Steering Committee

A long-standing body of subject matter experts responsible for oversight and maintenance of a national level course, or a geographic area delivered course maintained by a single cadre. Meets objectives stated in its mission statement. Established by and reports to the parent committee or their designated subgroup.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” 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.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal