"Empowering Excellence, Uniting Expertise: Igniting Tomorrow's Fire Practitioners"

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Prescribed fire is a dynamic solution to mitigate wildfire risks, restore ecosystems, and maintain healthy landscapes. To fully realize the potential of this essential tool, we understand the critical need to expand and strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations involved in prescribed fire activities.

MEMBERS DIRESCTORY

Investing in education and training is at the heart of our strategy. We collaborate with educational institutions, organizations, and experts to provide comprehensive training programs for individuals passionate about becoming prescribed fire practitioners. By nurturing a skilled workforce, we ensure that the knowledge and expertise required for safe and effective prescribed burning are readily available.

COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

We believe in the power of collaboration. The Healthy Forest Alliance provides a platform for networking and collaboration among organizations, agencies, and professionals involved in prescribed fire. By fostering a culture of shared knowledge and experiences, we create a community that continuously learns and evolves.

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HELP US IMPLEMENT “GOOD FIRE" IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

NWCG TASK BOOKS

NWCG position task books (PTBs) are a key component of the qualification process for specific NWCG positions. The PTB provides an observable, measurable, and standardized means to evaluate and document trainee proficiency. Successful completion of all tasks required of the position, as determined by an evaluator, shall be the basis for recommending certification. Evaluators are encouraged to look at the individual in terms of the competencies and behaviors and not focus solely on weather the trainee can perform each task. Accurate completion of PTBs is important to the position qualification process

  • The Healthy Forest Alliance will be responsible for Initiating and Certification of our Employees & Volunteer Members.
  • Agency employees can complete the Task Blocks, Evaluation Record and Verification/Certifications sections of a contractor’s employee PTB.
  • Agency employees will not initiate or complete the certification section of the PTB for non-agency employees.

A PTB is valid for three years from the date of initiation. Upon documentation of the first evaluation record, the three-year time limit is reset from that new date.

If the PTB expired, a new PTB will need to be initiated.

National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA)

AUTHORITY TO ISSUE

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA), through its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), has the authority to issue Task Books. These cards are essential for documenting and verifying the qualifications of wildfire responders, ensuring they meet the national standards set by the NWCG. The IQCs track an individual's training, experience, and certification levels, confirming their readiness for various roles in wildfire suppression and incident management.

Under this MOU, only NWSA Certified Instructors are authorized to issue IQCs, ensuring that individuals receive qualifications from trained professionals who adhere to NWCG standards. The NWSA is responsible for maintaining accurate records and verifying that responders meet the established criteria before issuing IQCs.

This system promotes safety and effectiveness in wildfire suppression efforts by ensuring that personnel are properly trained and certified. The collaboration between NWSA and NWCG fosters consistency across wildfire management agencies and supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of responding to complex wildfire incidents. By ensuring that only qualified responders are deployed, this partnership helps ensure that wildfire management teams are prepared to handle increasingly challenging wildfire events.

National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA)

ACCEPTED TRAINING PROVIDERS

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) works closely with agencies and organizations authorized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) to deliver standardized wildland fire training. Training providers who operate under an NWCG MOU must follow strict curriculum guidelines, instructor qualifications, and course administration protocols to ensure consistency and quality. For this reason, we can only accept certificates issued by instructors or organizations with a current NWCG MOU. Instructors or organizations listed in red are not accepted for Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards), as their courses do not meet NWCG standards and cannot be verified. Accepting non-authorized training compromises firefighter safety and violates federal and state qualification requirements. To protect the integrity of our certification process and ensure all personnel meet national standards, only training from approved NWCG MOU holders will be recognized.

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National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA)

TASK BOOK ARE ONLY AVAILIBE FOR PAID PRATITIONER MEMBERS

TASK BOOK INITIATION: PAID MEMBERS
TASK BOOK INITIATION: PAID MEMBERS$FREE

Only Paid Fire Practitioner Members of the Healthy Forest Alliance are eligible to request and receive officially initiated NWCG Task Books. This benefit is part of our commitment to supporting serious practitioners on their path to qualification. Task Books are a critical step in the certification process and must be formally initiated by our authorized Training Officer to be valid.

If you are currently an Associate Member, you will need to upgrade your membership before requesting a Task Book. Upgrading is quick and easy—and now more affordable than ever. Use discount code: GOODFIRE to receive 50% off a two-year membership, reducing the cost to just $50.

To upgrade, follow the upgrade link in the Members Area. Once your account is upgraded, you’ll gain access to the full range of training benefits, including free Task Book initiation, Red Card support, course discounts, and more.

National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, PTBs can be initiated before attendance and successful completion of required training. However, trainees cannot become fully qualified for the position until required training has been successfully completed. A trainee must be qualified in the prerequisite position(s) before a PTB can be initiated.

National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA)

How To request the Initiation of a Position Task Book

Requesting an NWCG Task Book through the Healthy Forest Alliance is a quick and simple process. Follow the steps below to begin.

Step 1: Click on the Position You Would Like to Request a Task Book For.

Select the NWCG position you are requesting a Task Book for (e.g., FFT2, ENGB, FIRB, FALA) by clicking on the appropriate link or button provided. Each position has a dedicated request form.

Step 2: Confirm You Are a Paid Fire Practitioner Member

Only Paid Fire Practitioner Members are eligible to request and receive NWCG Task Books.

If you are an Associate Member, you must upgrade before proceeding.

👉 Use discount code: GOODFIRE to receive 50% off a two-year membership.

Step 3: Complete the Request Form

Provide the following details:

  1. Full Name

  2. Contact Information

  3. Desired NWCG Position

  4. Brief summary of your fire experience and training

  5. List of any completed NWCG courses related to the position

Step 4: Submit Your Request

Submit the completed form for review by the Healthy Forest Alliance Training Officer.

Step 5: Task Book Review and Initiation

If approved, your Task Book will be officially initiated by our Training Officer. You will receive:

  • A digitally initiated Task Book (or hard copy upon request)

  • A confirmation email with instructions on how to proceed with documenting assignments and obtaining evaluator signatures

Important: Task Books must be officially initiated by an NWCG-authorized Training Officer. Do not use or distribute any Task Book until it has been formally initiated.

AVAILABLE TASK BOOKS

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FIREFIGHTER TYPE 1 (FFT1)

The Firefighter Type 1 leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents.

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FIRE EFFECTS MONITOR (FEMO)

The Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO) is responsible for collecting incident status information from personal observations at the incident, and providing this information to the fireline supervisor as directed.

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INCIDENT COMMANDER TYPE 5 (ICT5)

The Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) develops strategies and oversees the implementation of tactics, while providing for the safety of the public and all personnel assigned to the incident.

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INCIDENT COMMANDER TYPE 4 (ICT4)

The Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) develops strategies and oversees the implementation of tactics, while providing for the safety of the public and all personnel assigned to the incident.

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INCIDENT COMMANDER TYPE 3 (ICT3)

The Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3) manages all aspects of an initial attack or extended attack Type 3 incident. The ICT3 is responsible for developing incident objectives, assigning operational personnel based on complexity and span of control.

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SAFETY OFFICER, LINE (SOFR)

The Safety Officer, Line (SOFR) is responsible for monitoring the overall operation of an incident from a risk management perspective to provide for the welfare of assigned resources. SOFRs can be assigned to incidents of any complexity level.

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BASIC FALLER (FAL3)

The Basic Faller (FAL3) is an entry-level chainsaw operator that serves as a member of a firefighting crew or module. The FAL3 engages in low complexity fireline saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing, and should be closely supervised during operations.

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INTERMEDIATE FALLER (FAL2)

The Intermediate Faller (FAL2) has demonstrated the proficiency to work unsupervised while engaging in moderate complexity fireline saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing.

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ADVANCED FALLER (FAL1)

The Advanced Faller (FAL1) has multiple years of experience in chainsaw operations and has demonstrated proficiency in performing high complexity saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing.

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SINGLE RESOURCE BOSS: CREW (CRWB

The Crew Boss (CRWB) leads a hand crew and is responsible for its safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The CRWB supervises assigned crewmembers and reports to an assigned supervisor.

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SINGLE RESOURCE BOSS: FIRING (FIRB)

The Firing Boss leads ground and/or aerial ignition operations and coordinates with holding resources on prescribed fire and wildfire incidents. The FIRB supervises assigned firing resources and reports to an assigned supervisor.

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SINGLE RESOURCE BOSS: ENGINE (ENGB)

The Engine Boss leads a single fire engine and attached personnel and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The ENGB supervises assigned engine and personnel and reports assigned supervisor.

HELP DESK

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SUPPORT TICKETS

To request help from website administrators, click on "Support Tickets" link below. Provide detailed issue information. Expect timely resolution and communication from our dedicated team.

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KNOWLEDGE BASE

Visit our website for helpful knowledge base articles and how-to videos. Access step-by-step solutions to common issues, maximizing your experience with our products and services.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT PRESCRIBED FIRE AND HOW IT CAN BE USED TO PROMOTE HEALTHY FORESTS

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About The Healthy Forest Alliance

The Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation Inc. is a Nonprofit Corporation - CA - Public Benefit (6573681)