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Week of Remembrance

2021 WOR: Understanding Group Dynamics

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7

 

Thirtymile Fire – July 10th, After the Shelter Deployment

Watch Learning from the Thirtymile Fire video from 1:19:00 minutes to the end

Remembering those that lost their lives on the Thirtymile Fire. From left to right; top row, Tom Craven and Karen FitzPatrick.; bottom row, Devin Weaver and Jessica Johnson.

Remembering those that lost their lives on the Thirtymile Fire. From left to right; top row, Tom Craven and Karen FitzPatrick.; bottom row, Devin Weaver and Jessica Johnson.

When it appeared safe, and there was communication with air attack, everyone from the road exited their shelters. After 15 minutes, moving to the sandbar they joined the crew member in the river. One of the squad bosses radioed for help, saying they were not in a condition to self-extricate. The Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) that had already organized for a rescue operation had to make two attempts to access the entrapment site due to heat and fallen snags. Upon arrival, the IHC Superintendent assumed control of the incident until local law enforcement arrived.

The crew member who didn’t have gloves was found in shock with second and third degree burns on his hands. Others had minor burns and smoke inhalation issues.

The four remaining crew members in the rock scree were still unaccounted for. The IHC was unable to access the area where the shelters were deployed due to heat, burning material, and rolling rocks. They attempted to make vocal contact—but received no response.

It was later determined that four firefighters—Tom Craven, Karen FitzPatrick, Jessica Johnson, and Devin Weaver—died during the burnover.

To this point we’ve focused on what happened.  Now, take a moment and learn about who it happened to. Each of them were wildland firefighters doing their job, just like you. You have heard the stories of some of the survivors.  Here is a chance to learn about those who were lost.

Organizational Learning

Following these tragic events, the Thirtymile Accident Prevention Action Plan was created. One of its action items addresses the early development of what we now know as the Leadership Curriculum: The curriculum must specifically address how group dynamics influence situation awareness, communications, group judgments, decision-making, and responsibility for individual personal actions.

Have we succeeded in addressing these topics in our training?

A purple ribbon symbolizing remembrance of those who have passed away. Discussion Questions:

Use events described above and your experience to answer:

  • What are the group dynamics on your crew, team, or group?  Consider conducting this Crew Cohesion Assessment.
  • How do group dynamics influence situation awareness?
  • How do group dynamics influence communications?
  • How do group dynamics influence decision-making?

 

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
Thirtymile Fire Memorial Page
Thirtymile Accident Prevention Action Plan
Crew Cohesion Assessment Tool

6MFS Suggestion Form


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NWCG Latest Announcements

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group