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Fire Assessment: A Process to Follow

  1. Before an Assignment
  2. Assigned and Enroute
  3. On Scene Fire Assessment
  4. Determine Decision Thresholds to Ensure LCES
  5. Document Your Assessment

What Makes a Good Analyst (Mark Finney...FBSC YouTube Video)

Time: 07:19

Before an Assignment

  • Evaluate Weather Forecasts and Outlooks
  • Consider local climatology and critical fire weather patterns
  • Review area Pocket Cards and current season severity
  • Review yesterday’s fire activity and notable fire behavior

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Assigned and Enroute

  • Get on scene weather reports from yesterday, overnight and current conditions
  • Assess maps and photos of the fire area with current perimeters and recent activity
  • Ask for Spot Forecast and confer with fire weather forecaster
  • Interpret sky and smoke conditions for stability, wind speed and direction, and burning intensity.

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On Scene Fire Assessment

  • Request current weather observation and validate your forecast. Is your fireline exposed to or sheltered from the expected winds?
  • Get a picture of current fire activity level.
  • Anticipate today’s next big changes. Do you anticipate changes? When?
  • Characterize fuels (fuel types, loadings, moistures) adjacent to your fire, especially where folks are working and where fire could move.
  • Inventory of significant terrain features ahead of the fire. Will it burn upslope or down?
  • Continue to monitor the sky for cloud and smoke indicators.
  • Estimate the fire behavior you anticipate in view of the current situation and the expected changes. What spread rates do you anticipate? What flame lengths? Do you anticipate crown fire? Spotting across your lines or long range?

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Determine Decision Thresholds to Ensure LCES

  • Determine time frames for escape to safety and escape routes. What windspeeds or changes in fire behavior will render those time frames insufficient?
  • Identify best locations and methods for lookout to monitor and validate your assessment.
  • Ensure that weather and fire behavior observations are communicated to the entire crew.
  • Will fatigue and logistics factors impact these decisions?

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Document Your Assessment

  • Record your observations and assumptions.
  • Use worksheets and include notes for each assessment.
  • Include assessments and decisions in personal logs.
  • Remember: If you’re not keeping score, it’s just practice.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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