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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.

Wildland Fire Investigation and Fire Origin Protection

Define the role of fire investigation in both fire prevention and fire suppression. Define the role of first responder in fire investigation. Review fire origin protection best practices for first responders during initial suppression. Explore paths to becoming a Wildland Fire Investigator.
Category: Operations
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 40 minutes
Video Length: 14:33

Intent

Define the role of fire investigation in both fire prevention and fire suppression. Define the role of first responders in fire investigation. Review fire origin protection best practices for first responders during initial suppression. Explore paths to becoming a Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF).

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the location and agency.
  • Consider inviting a local agency INVF or wildland fire prevention educator to provide pertinent context and input for discussions.
  • Reference the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the NWCG IRPG for students to utilize and answer questions.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions

  1. Discuss your unit or module’s procedures for fire origin protection.
    1. Identify other first responders in your area. How might their fire origin protection procedures differ from yours?
  2. Discuss wildland fire investigation in your local response area.
    1. Identify (and, if present, introduce) local INVFs and Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leaders (INVL).
    2. List common human-caused fire trends in your area.
    3. Discuss local fire cause types that may be considered a crime or a civil offense.
    4. Review fire investigation policy for your area/agency. When should law enforcement be called in to assist with the fire investigation?
  3. Scenario: You have been dispatched to a wildfire in the wildland urban interface bordering your agency protection area. As a first responder, what actions do you take related to fire investigation? (Refer to the Fire Origin Protection Checklist in the NWCG IRPG.)
    1. Discuss your actions as first responder.
    2. What do you see? What do you take note of? What do you protect?
    3. Who do you notify? Who can you call to assist you?
    4. How do you identify potential origin areas? What actions can you take to protect the origin?
  4. What fire cause categories and circumstances of the causes should you be aware of when you arrive at the scene of a wildfire incident? (Refer to Ignition Factors and Sources in the Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412.)
    1. Identify and discuss cause categories common to your local response area.
  5. Discuss training paths and qualification requirements to expand your knowledge of fire investigation. (Refer to the NWCG Position Catalog and NWCG Training Course Catalog.)
    1. Which topics presented in FI-110, Wildland Fire Observations and Origin Scene Protection for First Responders would you find most beneficial as a wildland fire first responder?
    2. Identify required training and experience for INVF qualification.
    3. Discuss fire investigation training opportunities in your local area.

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 574GB) with the .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 and Firefox, right click the word download and select Save Link As; for IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

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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:

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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