Skip to main content

RT-130 (WFSTAR)

WFSTAR Overview

WFSTAR Catalog

Course Delivery Information

Core Components

2024 Fire Year in Review

2025 Core Components Module Package

Target Audience

FAQ

Historical Modules (Archived)

 

RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of wildland firefighters hiking down a valley to a fire. Black topo map and WFSTAR logo on left.

Aviation Watch Out Situations

Regardless of aviation training or experience, all firefighters have a responsibility to voice concerns and even refuse a flight if they observe unsafe conditions. Review Aviation Watch Out Situations and other useful references in the IRPG Aviation pages to better prepare yourself when working with aviation resources.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 11:58

Intent

Regardless of aviation training or experience, all firefighters have a responsibility to voice concerns and even refuse a flight if they observe unsafe conditions. Review Aviation Watch Out Situations and other useful references in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Aviation section (blue) to better prepare yourself for working with aviation resources.

Facilitator Preparation

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Share the intent of the module.
  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using discussion questions and IRPG.

Discussion Questions

  1. Locate and review Aviation Watch Out Situations in the IRPG. Discuss how changing conditions would warrant stopping a flight or operation. Specifically address the following changing conditions: Communications, Confusion, Conflicting Priorities, Weather, Turbulence, and Personnel.
  2. Review how your module interacts with aviation resources. Discuss the following:
    1. Who on the incident is in charge of aviation resources on local incidents (Type 3, 4, or 5) and larger team incidents (Type 1 or 2)?
      1. How does the chain of communication change between incident types?
    2. Discuss hazards which may impact aerial operations. Refer to the Aviation section in the IRPG for examples.
      1. How do you communicate these hazards to both ground and aerial resources?
  3. When using aerial resources, a risk benefit analysis should always be part of the tactical conversation. Discuss the following:
    1. Are current strategies and tactics utilizing aircraft justifiable? Is there a better way to accomplish the mission?
    2. Are there multiple aircraft working the incident?
      1. How does this impact communication (air-to-ground and air-to-air) and airspace coordination?
    3. Do you have an escape route when working under aircraft?
  4. One Aviation Watch Out Situation asks if any rules are being broken. Recall situations where you may have seen aviation rules broken.
  5. Another Aviation Watch Out Situation asks if communications are getting tense.
    1. Many factors may contribute to tense communication, such as structures/high-value assets threatened, multiple aircraft on scene, misunderstanding of who is in charge, etc.
      1. How do you manage tense moments?
  6. And one Aviation Watch Out Situation asks about deviation from the assigned operation or flight.
    1. What factors might necessitate a change in operation or mission?
    2. How do you ensure safety when such changes occur rapidly?

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 1.3 GB) with .srt file for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.
  • Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; for IE, right click and select Save Target As.

Please Provide Feedback

Indicates required field

NWCG values your constructive input and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Although contact information is optional, we hope that you provide a way for us to contact you in case we need clarification on your comment. If you would like to be contacted regarding your feedback, you must provide contact information. 

Would you like a response?
If you would like a response, you must provide contact information (name and email) below.
CAPTCHA
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

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