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NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire, PMS 205

Overview

The NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire provides an extensive listing of approved terms and definitions used by the NWCG community. It contains terms commonly used by NWCG in the areas of wildland fire and incident management and is not intended to list all terms used by NWCG groups and member agencies. The NWCG has directed that all committee and subgroup product glossaries be contained within the NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire to maintain definition consistency and clarity among documents.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency program manager assigned to the Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB). 

NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire, PMS 205  (Quick View)

EDG Explorer is a database platform used for managing NWCG Glossary terms.  The following table is a quick view of the terms found in EDG. More detailed information such as rules, documentation, and term relationships may be viewed in EDG Explorer.  

Note: If the NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire is not displaying below please report it to NWCG Webmaster

Title Steward Status Definition
winds aloft FWS Fire Weather Subcommittee Approved

Generally, wind speeds and wind directions at various levels in the atmosphere above the domain of surface weather observations.

windspeed meter FWS Fire Weather Subcommittee Approved

A handheld device which indicates wind speed, usually in miles per hour.

woody fuel moisture FWS Fire Weather Subcommittee Approved

In NFDRS, a calculated value representing the approximate moisture content of the live woody vegetation in the rating area expressed as a percentage of the oven dry weight of the sample.

woody vegetation condition FWS Fire Weather Subcommittee Approved

A code reflecting the moisture content of the foliage and small twigs [less than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)] of living woody plants.

Work Capacity Test RMC Risk Management Committee Approved

The Work Capacity Test (WCT) is a test to ensure a person is physically capable of meeting the minimum fitness requirement associated with assigned wildfire or prescribed fire duties as described in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.  Below are the three defined duty levels with examples of associated essential functions:  

Arduous

Arduous duty field work requires above-average endurance and superior conditioning.  Duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activity in emergency situations under adverse environmental conditions over extended periods. The pace of work typically is set by the emergency condition.  Essential functions include, but are not limited to: running, walking or hiking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, lifting more than 50 pounds, and carrying 45 pounds or more for extended periods over difficult terrain. 

Moderate

Moderate duty field work requires the average endurance and conditioning of an individual who possesses complete control of all their physical faculties. Occasional demands may be required for moderately strenuous activities in emergencies over long periods. The pace of work is usually set by the current environmental conditions.  Essential functions include, but are not limited to: considerable walking over irregular ground, standing for long periods, lifting 25 to 50 pounds, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, and reaching.

Light

Light duty mainly involves office-type work with occasional field activity characterized by light physical exertion requiring basic good health.  Individuals almost always can govern the extent and pace of their physical activity.  Essential functions include, but are not limited to: climbing stairs, standing, operating a vehicle, and long hours of work, as well as some bending, stooping, or light lifting.

The WCT consists of three separate levels of tests which correspond with the three duty types.  The tests are defined as follows:

Pack Test - This is a job-related test to determine an individual’s ability to perform the minimum standards of arduous duty.  It consists of completing a 3-mile walk over level terrain in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack.  
Field Test – This is a job-related test to determine an individual’s ability to perform the minimum standards of moderate duty. It consists of completing a 2-mile walk over level terrain in 30 minutes or less while carrying a 25-pound pack.
Walk Test – This is a job-related test to determine an individual’s ability to perform the minimum standards of light duty.  The test consists of completing a 1-mile walk over level terrain in 16 minutes or less with no load.

For more information about the Work Capacity Test consult the Work Capacity Test Administrator’s Guide, PMS 307.

work capacity test levels RMC Risk Management Committee Approved

The WCT consists of three separate levels of tests which correspond with the three duty types. The tests are defined as Pack Test, Field Test, Walk Test.

work rate IBC Incident Business Committee Approved

A daily, hourly, or mileage rate shall apply when equipment is under hire as ordered by the government and on shift, including relocation of equipment under its own power.

work/rest ratio RMC Risk Management Committee Approved

An expression of the amount of rest that is required for each hour an individual is in work status. Current NWCG guidelines require one hour of rest for every two hours in work status.

woven jacket fire hose ETC Equipment Technology Committee Approved

Fire hose of conventional construction, woven on looms from fibers of cotton or synthetic fibers. Most fire department hose is double jacketed (i.e., it has an outer jacket protecting the inner one against wear and abrasion).

wye ETC Equipment Technology Committee Approved

A hose connection with two outlets permitting two connections of the same coupling diameter to be taken from a single supply line.

Year-Round Data Collection Station

A permanent 24-hour observing station.

zone weather forecast FWS Fire Weather Subcommittee Approved

A portion of the general fire weather forecast issued on a regular basis during the normal fire season specifically to fit the requirements of fire management needs; i.e., time, areas, and weather elements. These zones or areas are a combination of administrative and climatological areas, usually nearly the size of an individual forest or district. 

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