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2024 WOR: Letter to Leadership

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Letter to Leadership

May we never stop learning.

Week of Remembrance (WOR) 2024 is dedicated to the thoughtful review and recognition of the events of the 2018 Mendocino Complex. As such, this year’s theme of “Learning From the Mendocino Complex” aims to embody a longstanding hallmark of WOR: the act of honoring through learning. Each day focuses on a topical area or event from the Mendocino Complex that has massive relevance on all incidents past, present, and future. Throughout the week, energy is focused toward providing a springboard for the generative conversation that will occur in briefing rooms and at tailgates.
 
This year, WOR also encourages the fire community to be reflective of our own thinking, emotions, communication style, and of the limitations of perspective on and off the fire ground. The human factor, as we call it, is a common denominator in all of our actions and outcomes. How can we study our own thinking in order to be safer fire practitioners? Where do we start?  Within the somber context of tragedy, we are reminded that our predecessors faced these same challenges. By renewing our commitment to refine and evolve our craft, and to engage with events of the past as serious students, we honor the fallen in the most meaningful way.
 
There is no doubt that, for many, this will be a difficult week. Even many years removed, the trauma of those who share a connection to an incident may become fresh and painful. We at 6 Minutes for Safety will continue to educate and draw attention to the importance of providing support for firefighter mental health. We ask our fellow and parent committees to join us in this effort.

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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