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Uninformed on Strategy, Tactics, or Hazards

 

 

5. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards. A fire is burning on a hillside. A white airtanker drops red retardant in the foreground, where no flames are visible.

Wildland firefighters rely on coordinated strategies and tactics to efficiently suppress fires and avoid hazards. This Watch Out demonstrates an airtanker dropping retardant away from the intended area, potentially indicating unclear communication. Read about all 18 Watch Out Situations.

Firefighters who are uninformed on strategy, tactics, or hazards are in conflict with Watch Out Situation #5. Before going to the fireline, it is imperative that firefighters obtain information about strategies, tactics, or hazards by asking themselves the following questions:

  • Can communications be established to find out strategy, tactics, or hazards?
    • Discuss ways you might establish communications.
    • For example: Contact someone who is already on the fire and ask them what tactics and strategies are working or not working, what hazards have they witnessed, etc.
  • Can scouting safely identify potential hazards?
    • Talk about different methods of scouting a fire (e.g., using a lookout from your crew or sending a line scout ahead, utilizing air attack or the spotter on a smokejumper airplane).
    • Discuss what types of hazards you might come across and ways you would mitigate them.
    • For example: If you arrive at a fire after dark and are instructed to dig line downhill with the fire below, how could you make this a safe situation?
  • Have strategies, tactics, or hazards changed since last informed?
    • Discuss situations that might alter the way you are fighting a fire (e.g., wind shifts, resources you expected don’t arrive, etc.).
    • Also, think about what new hazards can develop while you are on the fireline (e.g., roots burning out and trees coming down, winds shifting direction and speed, etc.).
  • Can you get a briefing from your supervisor?
    • Talk about the importance of constant communications and ensuring firefighters are on the same page with strategies and tactics.
    • For example, if one crew decides to do a burnout but doesn’t let the crew at the other end of the line know what they are doing, what can happen?
  • To reduce the risks:
    • Post lookouts.
    • Determine escape routes and establish safety zones.
    • Consider retreating until you are better informed.
    • Don't leave a staging area or operational briefing until you have all the pertinent information.
      • Emphasize ways to inform firefighters about strategies, tactics, and hazards. Tell a story about when you were uninformed and what you did to correct the situation so that you were safe.
    • Use the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 (back inside cover) Briefing Checklist.

References:

Category
Operational Engagement

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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)
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  • Crew Representative (CREP)
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  • 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