Firefighting Safety Information
Do You Know?
The links on this page have been compiled by the U.S. Fire Administration to provide wildland and structural firefighters with the latest safety and situational information.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Safety Alerts
The Safety Alert system is intended to provide safety-related information to the field in the shortest possible timeframe. It is a Web-based system that sends the alerts as an e-mail message to a list of recipients within each agency. Those recipients are in turn expected to forward the message as soon as possible to subordinates, co-workers and interested parties within their organization. The expectation is that the messages will continue to be forwarded within the appropriate fire and safety communities, down to the lowest levels, and that they will receive a wide distribution in a short period of time. Visit the NWCG Website to read posted alerts.
Wildfire Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher
Focuses on operations and decision-making issues related to fireline safety and includes information on current initiatives, the upcoming fire season, and any policy/ guidance changes. The annual refresher is provided in order to help recognize risk, maintain safe practices, and reduce accidents and near misses.
Weather, Outlooks and Assessments
For information on the meteorological, fuel load, and snow melt data for areas of the U.S, visit the National Interagency Fire Center Website.
Aviation Strategy
Limitations on use of large air tankers and expanded use of other aircraft may change the type of support in your area. For more information on this topic, visit the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, and also the National Association of State Foresters for a list of State Foresters to contact to better understand any changes in your state or area.
Resources for Wildfire Responders in Rescue and Clean-Up Activities
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers resources for fire departments, firefighters, and partner organizations to prevent injury, illness, and death in the line of duty from hazards associated with fighting wildfires. These hazards can include burns, heat stress, smoke inhalation, risk of injury from operations involving rough terrain and unstable structures, and other dangers. NIOSH also provides resources for responders in rescue and clean-up activities.
