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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Aviation Watch Out Situations

Regardless of aviation training or experience, all firefighters have a responsibility to voice concerns and even refuse a flight if they observe unsafe conditions. Review Aviation Watch Out Situations and other useful references in the IRPG Aviation pages to better prepare yourself when working with aviation resources.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 11:58

Intent

Regardless of aviation training or experience, all firefighters have a responsibility to voice concerns and even refuse a flight if they observe unsafe conditions. Review Aviation Watch Out Situations and other useful references in the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Aviation section (blue) to better prepare yourself for working with aviation resources.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Reference the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the IRPG for students.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the location and agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Share the intent of the module.
  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using discussion questions and IRPG.

Discussion Questions

  1. Locate and review Aviation Watch Out Situations in the IRPG. Discuss how changing conditions would warrant stopping a flight or operation. Specifically address the following changing conditions: Communications, Confusion, Conflicting Priorities, Weather, Turbulence, and Personnel.
  2. Review how your module interacts with aviation resources. Discuss the following:
    1. Who on the incident is in charge of aviation resources on local incidents (Type 3, 4, or 5) and larger team incidents (Type 1 or 2)?
      1. How does the chain of communication change between incident types?
    2. Discuss hazards which may impact aerial operations. Refer to the Aviation section in the IRPG for examples.
      1. How do you communicate these hazards to both ground and aerial resources?
  3. When using aerial resources, a risk benefit analysis should always be part of the tactical conversation. Discuss the following:
    1. Are current strategies and tactics utilizing aircraft justifiable? Is there a better way to accomplish the mission?
    2. Are there multiple aircraft working the incident?
      1. How does this impact communication (air-to-ground and air-to-air) and airspace coordination?
    3. Do you have an escape route when working under aircraft?
  4. One Aviation Watch Out Situation asks if any rules are being broken. Recall situations where you may have seen aviation rules broken.
  5. Another Aviation Watch Out Situation asks if communications are getting tense.
    1. Many factors may contribute to tense communication, such as structures/high-value assets threatened, multiple aircraft on scene, misunderstanding of who is in charge, etc.
      1. How do you manage tense moments?
  6. And one Aviation Watch Out Situation asks about deviation from the assigned operation or flight.
    1. What factors might necessitate a change in operation or mission?
    2. How do you ensure safety when such changes occur rapidly?

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 1.3 GB) with .srt file for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.
  • Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; for IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee