An Incident Qualification Card, or “Red Card,” is a document that verifies a firefighter’s training, fitness, and qualifications to serve in specific roles on wildland or prescribed fire incidents.

Only Paid Fire Practitioner Members are eligible to receive Incident Qualification Cards from HFA. Associate (free) members are not eligible.

1. S-130 Firefighter Training
2. S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
3. L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
4. I-100 Introduction to ICS
5. S-130 Skills Days if you did the blended option

Yes. You must pass the annual Work Capacity Test at the appropriate level (e.g., Arduous, Moderate) based on your role.

• All training certificates and task books
• A headshot photo
• Proof of current EMS/CPR certification (if required)

Red Cards must be officially issued by the Healthy Forest Alliance’s authorized NWSA Training Officer.

Red Cards are valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually with current qualifications and a fitness test.

Login to the HFA Members Area and follow the upload and request instructions.

Yes, once you’ve completed all required training and fitness tests and upgraded to a Paid Practitioner membership, you may request a Red Card.

Only NWCG-approved training from organizations with a valid NWCG MOU is accepted. Certificates from unapproved providers are not valid for Red Card issuance.

Your Red Card will list all NWCG-qualified positions for which you have completed the required training, met fitness standards, and had an official Position Task Book (PTB) evaluation completed—such as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), Faller 3 (Basic Faller), or Engine Boss (ENGB), depending on your experience and certification status.

Yes. Once a Position Task Book (PTB) has been formally initiated by the HFA Training Officer, you may be issued a Red Card showing your position with a "(T)" designation, such as FFT1(T) for Firefighter Type 1 Trainee. This allows you to gain experience under supervision while working toward full qualification.