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Surface Fire: References

Andrews, P. L., Heinsch, F. A., Schelvan, L., How to generate and interpret fire characteristics charts for surface and crown fire behavior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2011.

Rothermel, R.C., How to predict the spread and intensity of forest and range fires, USDA Forest Service General Technical Report, INT-143, 1983.

Rothermel, Richard C., Fire behavior nomograms. Appendix A excerpted from How to Predict the Spread and Intensity of Forest and Range Fuels, PMS 436-3, NFES 2220, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, 1992.

Scott, Joe H., Burgan, Robert E., Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use with Rothermel’s surface fire spread model, Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-153, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2005.

Scott, Joe H.,  Nomographs for estimating surface fire behavior characteristics, Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-192, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2007.

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NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

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NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

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RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

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NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

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NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508