Training Topics
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Training Topics Introduction

The objective of the topics page is to highlight and guide individuals through topics that are mandatory per your agency direction on Annual Fireline Safety Refresher training. Refer to the links below.

The training topics web page is broken into Core Topics and Supplemental Topics. Core topics are those topics identified by interagency fire mangers as topics that are mandatory core content subjects and should be emphasized when facilitating Annual Fireline Safety Refresher. Supplemental topics are links to publications, websites, and other instructional material that will assist in the training development.

If you are unsure of your agencies requirements for annual fire refresher training, it is important to research your agencies guidance. For more information, view the Policy Statements.

 
Core Topics (as recommended by the NWCG)

 

Current Issues

Review National Emphasis Topic, Hot Topics, forecasts and assessments for the upcoming fire season and discuss implications for firefighter safety.
Suggested time frame = 1 to 2 hours

National Emphasis Topic

Hot Topics

Forecasts and Seasonal Assessment Links

National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC)
The National Interagency Coordination Center is the focal point for coordinating the mobilization of resources for wildland fire and other incidents throughout the United States. This website is a good source of information pertaining to national and geographical seasonal assessments.
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/index.htm

National Predictive Services Group (NPSG)
The National Predictive Services Group provides leadership and direction for Predictive Services.
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/NPSG/NPSG.htm

National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS), nationally or by geographic area
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/fuels_fire-danger/fuels_fire-danger.htm

Predictive Services links by state
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/predictive/statelinks.htm

Avoiding Entrapments

Use training and reference materials to study the risk management process and rules of engagement contained in the green pages of the Incident Response Pocket Guide, January 2006 edition (PMS # 461, NFES #1077).
Suggested time frame = 2 to 4 hours

Entrapment Avoidance (ppt)

Incident Response Pocket Guide NFES #1077

Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (Red Book), 2008 edition (Ch 7)
http://www.nifc.gov/policies/red_book/2008/Ch07Safety.pdf

Common Denominators (ppt)

Fire Shelter

Review and discuss last-resort survival and how to conduct "hands-on" fire shelter inspections. Practice shelter deployments in applicable crew/module configurations. Past and current publications can be downloaded to assist the instructors cover a wide variety of topics to deal with fire shelter training and issues.
Suggested time frame = 1.5 to 2.5 hours

2008 fire shelter update
http://www.nifc.gov/wfstar/archives/fire_shelter.html

NIFC fire shelter web page
http://www.nifc.gov/safety/fire_shelter.htm

Fire shelter transition dates to the new generation fire shelter.
NFAEB Fire Shelter Transition Update, June 20, 2007
Federal agencies: end of calendar year (January 1, 2009)
State and private cooperators: end of calendar year (January 1, 2010)

Firefighters Concerned About Fire Shelter Length

Link to fire shelter information posted on USFS Fire and Aviation Management website
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/safety/shelter/shelter_index.html

Fire Shelter Deployment - Avoid the Flames
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/safety/shelter/deployment/deploy.html

History of the development of the fire shelter
http://www.wildlandfire.com/docs/2003_n_before/fire_shelter_history.htm

Avoid the Flames
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/safety/MTDC_Lessons/documents/Avoid_Flames/index.htm

Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC)
MTDC is a detached unit of the Washington Office engineering organization. MTDC supports the US Forest Service and cooperating agencies by creating tools and processes based on proposals.
http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/
Important: a user name and password are required to enter this website.
Username: t-d
Password: t-d

Entrapment/Deployment information
Fireline Handbook, PMS 410-1 (March 2004), Ch 1, pg 40-47
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/410-1/chapter01.pdf

Fire Shelter Training Aids
In order to assist firefighters with a more realistic fire shelter training experience, MTDC has produced a short video and flyer describing more clearly how to refold the practice fire shelter. Using early refresher training classes as test subjects, firefighters were able to refold and rebag their practice shelter with relatively no problems. The video and flyer can be found at:
www.fs.fed.us/t-d/programs/fire/new_gen.htm (user name: t-d, password: t-d)

Other Hazards and Safety Issues

Choose topics from the supplemental topic list below based on the needs of the specific training audience.
Suggested time frame = 1.5 to 3 hours

 
Supplemental Topics

 

Fire Operations

2006 Federal Fire and Aviation Operations Action Plan
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/administrative/nmac/strategy/NMAC_Apx_1.pdf

Interagency Preparedness Review Checklists (revised in 2006)
http://www.nifc.gov/references/prep_review.html

Fire Behavior

Air Operations

Firefighter Health

Transporting Firefighters

Safety Communications

Wildland Fire Communications website
http://www.fireradios.net/

 

 

 

 

NIFC
National Interagency Fire Center
3833 S. Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
208-387-5512
 NOTE: Contents of this site will be reviewed and updated annually by January 31st.