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Firefighter Nutrition

 

Nutrition is a critical part of the health and safety of wildland fire suppression personnel. This is the fuel for the body to perform the work and maintain cognitive abilities. Wildland firefighters on the fireline need 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day to avoid an energy deficit. 

Consider the following key points when choosing your meal:

  • There are three major energy sources in food: carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
  • Carbohydrates (also called sugar) offer an immediate source of energy for your body. They provide the fuel for your muscles and organs, such as your brain.
  • Proteins are the basic building blocks of the human body. They are made up of amino acids that help build muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and internal organs.
  • Fat is an essential nutrient that provides energy, energy storage, insulation, and contour to the body.
  • National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) recommends eating 150 to 200 kcals every two hours during the work shift to maintain blood glucose and energy levels.  

Carbohydrates:

  • Studies on athletes have shown that carbohydrates are the most critical energy source for performance and health.
  • Carbohydrates are your body’s first choice for fuel. If given a choice of several types of foods simultaneously, your body will use the energy from carbohydrates first.
  • If you do not eat enough carbohydrates, the following can occur:
    • Fatigue.
    • Muscle cramps.
    • Poor mental function.
  • Fire camp lunches are designed to allow firefighters small amounts of food (primarily carbohydrates) that can be easily eaten throughout the work shift.

Discussion Points:

How are you eating your fire lunch? Is it all at once or in small amounts throughout the day? Think of long-duration events (ultra runs, triathlons). Do athletes stop for a big meal or eat small amounts constantly throughout the race?

 

This topic was submitted by Joe Domitrovich, Ph.D., Exercise Physiologist, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee