Skip to main content

6MFS

6MFS Committee

All 6MFS Topics

6MFS Calendar

Aviation

Airtankers

Felling Safety

Fire Communication

Firefighter Health & First Aid

Leadership

Misc Fireline Hazards

Operational Engagement

This Day in History

Vehicles - Roads

Weather - Fire Behavior

Week of Remembrance

2014 WOR: Towards Better Decisions on the Fireline

Ribbon symbol for WOR next to Wildland Fire Lessons Learned logo.Week of Remembrance June 30-July 6, 2014

It’s not uncommon to find some element of human factors being discussed in a training venue these days. We talk often, on and off the line, about situational awareness, decision making, slides and leadership concepts. This was not always the case; this shift in our culture was inspired by the tragic events of July 6th 1994 and the loss of 14 firefighters on the South Canyon Fire. 

The foundation for this movement towards introspection and the increased emphasis on the individual firefighter was brought about greatly by the Wildland Firefighter Human Factors Workshop in 1995. “The goal of the workshop was not to come up with quick solutions, rather to explore the human issues of wildland firefighting and make recommendations to management for corrective actions that would have lasting effects.”  The findings from the workshop became the single most culturally influential document of the time.

With a focus on the psychological, cultural, and organizational aspects of firefighting, experts introduced new models such as Highly Reliable Organizations (HRO), Recognition Primed Decision Making (RPD), and Crew Resource Management (CRM). These models would become the foundation for the Wildland Fire Leadership curriculum and set in motion a cultural paradigm shift.  The following are excerpts from the CRM adapted for fire:

Decision making —

  • Cross-check information sources
  • Anticipate consequences of decisions
  • Use data to generate alternatives
  • Gather pertinent data before making a decision
  • Evaluate information and assess resources
  • Identify alternatives and contingencies
  • Provide rationale for decision
  • Acknowledge communication
  • Repeat information
  • Reply with a question or comment
  • Use nonverbal communication appropriately

Leadership —

  • Determine tasks to be assigned
  • Establish procedures to monitor and assess the crew
  • Inform the crew members of fire assignment progress
  • Verbalize plans
  • Discuss ways to improve performance
  • Ask for input; discuss problems
  • Tell crew members what to do
  • Reallocate work in a dynamic situation
  • Focus crew attention to task
  • Provide a legitimate avenue for dissent
  • Provide feedback to crew on performance

Adaptability/flexibility —

  • Alter fire plans to meet situation demands
  • Alter behavior to meet situation demands
  • Accept constructive criticism and help
  • Step in and help other crew members
  • Be receptive to others’ ideas

Assertiveness —

  • Advocate a specific course of action
  • State opinions on decisions and procedures even to higher-ranking crew member
  • Ask questions when uncertain
  • Make suggestions
  • Raise questions about procedures

Situational Awareness —

  • Identify problems/potential problems
  • Recognize the need for action
  • Attempt to determine why discrepancies exist with     information before proceeding
  • Provide information in advance
  • Demonstrate ongoing awareness of fire assignment progress
  • Demonstrate awareness of your task performance

Mission Analysis —

  • Define tasks based on fire assignment
  • Structure strategies, tactics, and objectives
  • Identify potential impact of unplanned events on a fire
  • Critique existing plans
  • Devise contingency plans
  • Question/seek information, data, and ideas related to fire plan

Discussion Questions: 

  1. What from the above information can you apply today? 
  2. How can you make this information relevant in every operation?

​  

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
Wildland Fire Leadership Blog: Discover more valuable information about this re…
Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program Website
Leadership Video Series: Created by the Lessons Learned Center and the Wildland…


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2

NEW! Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) Now Available

Date: May 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Aviation Committee

The Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) provides the Air Operations Branch with the number, type, location, and specific assignments of helicopters and air resources. The new ICS 220 WF also includes medical extraction capabilities and air resources tracking.

Understanding the capabilities of aviation assets is critical for effective medical and extraction responses. Coordination with the Medical Unit Leader is essential to ensure alignment and consistency between the ICS 220 WF and the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). 

References:

Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF)

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Incident Command System (ICS) Forms