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Fire Prevention Education Team Member

PETM Incident Position Description

The Fire Prevention Education Team Member (PETM) assists with developing and implementing a comprehensive fire prevention program on a district, region, state, or multi-state level to reduce human-caused wildfires. The program includes components of education, engineering, enforcement, and administration. The PETM reports to a Fire Prevention Education Team Leader (PETL) or Agency Administrator and works in the Prevention and Investigation functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for assignment.
  • Ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and attire/uniform requirements are communicated to team prior to deployment.
  • Gather critical information relevant to the assignment including cultural, social, and political considerations. Be sensitive to local communication needs and styles.
  • Travel to and check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Obtain work area, supplies, and communications equipment necessary to complete assignment.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Share knowledge of fire prevention processes as appropriate with trainees.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Identify and anticipate staffing needs and request additional resources and/or replacements as needed.

Perform Fire Prevention Education Team Member-Specific Duties

  • Complete research on fire history data, current fire causes, cultural, and census information to assist the PETL in developing a strategic communication plan with key messages.
  • Provide logistical support for all team activities when needed.
  • Meet with a wide range of cooperators, partners, citizens, and public land users such as agency prevention personnel, Incident Management Teams (IMT), local fire departments, and key community leaders to discuss fire prevention issues and strategies.
  • Deliver persuasive fire prevention programs and messages to target audiences.
  • Research and utilize existing products, such as those on the Fire Prevention Education Team (FPET) Digital Library. Prepare and produce additional accessible prevention products according to Section 508 standards. Ensure new material is uploaded for approval and use on the FPET Digital Library.
  • Work with regional and local traditional and social media platforms to communicate fire causes, fire weather, and fire/fuel conditions in creative ways to get the wildfire prevention message out to the public.
  • Carry out wildfire prevention patrol or trap-line activities as appropriate.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Assist in preparation for briefings and presentations at agency and community meetings.
  • Assist the Public Information Officer (PIO) with media outreach and updates.
  • Assist with the preparation of a final report documenting the FPET’s accomplishments, methods, and recommendations.
  • Participate in functional area briefings and After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards.
    • Assess Hazards.
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions.
    • Implement Controls.
    • Supervise and Evaluate.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and those around you.
  • Report all accidents or injuries to incident supervisor.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Assist with tracking budget and salary expenses

Demobilize

  • Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
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NWCG Latest Announcements

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal