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

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Fire Danger Rating: More Than Just A Number

Fire danger rating systems utilize a complex mixture of science, technology, and local observations to generate outputs which support wildland fire suppression decisions. These outputs are used by various functions to increase situational awareness and to support decision-making at all levels of the fire management organization.
Category: Fire-Environment
Core Component(s):
Local Topics, Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 20 minutes
Video Length: 9:17

Intent

Introduce the fire danger rating concept. Describe the uses of the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). Demonstrate the relationship between NFDRS outputs and firefighter safety through examination of PocketCards.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Print or display a PocketCard.
  • Print or display the Six Minutes for Safety document linked below.
  • Display the Wildland Fire Assessment System, and familiarize yourself with the web-based fire danger forecast products it provides.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is a fire danger rating system? Why is it necessary?
  2. What is the National Fire Danger Rating System? What are the four outputs of the NFDRS?
  3. How are the outputs of the NFDRS related to firefighter safety?
    • (Hint: The numbers relate to conditions of the fire environment.)
  4. Why is only knowing the number not enough? What will you use to interpret these outputs?
  5. Where can you find a PocketCard for your area?

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download. (Size 1.1 GB) with the .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.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

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