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Review and Change Process for Position Standards

PMS 310-1

A formal revision of the PMS 310-1 occurs annually. However, the Operations and Training Committee (OTC) may review proposals, address issues, and make changes at any time as needs dictate. NWCG members may be requested to review and provide input for the proposed revision before the revision is adopted by NWCG.

Revision Process

  1. Proposed changes, including requests for new positions, will be identified on the Request for Change form.
  2. Required information includes reason for the change, national mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use, a draft position task book (PTB) (if appropriate), and any specific transition or implementation plan information for individuals currently residing in the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) and the Incident Qualification System (IQS).
  3. The package will be reviewed by OTC and vetted through other committees to assess any impacts and gain approval.
  4. The requesting party will be notified through official correspondence of the outcome of the request and, if accepted, the timeframe for implementation.
  5. Updates to the PMS 310-1 will be made in IQS and IQCS on an annual basis. Exceptions are critical health and safety issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Requests for position consideration in the PMS 310-1 will include the following:

  1. Completed Request for Change form.
  2. Information identifying the need for position standardization.
  3. Draft position standards and draft task book.
  4. Draft transition plan for position implementation in IQS and IQCS.
  5. National mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use.
  6. Training development and maintenance plan, if applicable.

Criteria for NWCG Position Consideration

The following criteria must be met for a position to be considered for inclusion in the PMS 310‑1, as determined by OTC:

  1. The position supports the NWCG mission and is needed for national mobilization;
  2. The position is interagency in scope and is supported by the interagency community;
  3. The proposed position has been submitted by an NWCG member agency, Geographic Area Coordinating Group, or NWCG committee;
  4. A demonstrated recurring need for standardized position qualification requirements has been identified;
  5. No other position exists that can accomplish these tasks; and,
  6. The primary position qualifications are not addressed or supported by industry standards and training.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

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