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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

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.

References:

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. 

References:

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.

References:

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.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508