Leading in the Wildland Fire Service (PMS 494-2)

The Cornerstone of Wildland Fire Leadership.

Leading in the Wildland Fire Service serves as the official leadership doctrine for the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). It goes beyond tactics and strategy to address the human side of firefighting, providing a framework for effective leadership in high-risk, dynamic environments.

This publication identifies the specific behaviors and values that are critical to success on the Fireline. It translates abstract leadership concepts into practical applications for the field, focusing on how to build cohesive teams, make sound decisions under pressure, and maintain command presence during complex operations.

Core Concepts Covered:

• The Wildland Fire Leadership Values: An in-depth exploration of Duty, Respect, and Integrity, and how they apply to every level of the chain of command.
• Command Presence: Guidelines for establishing credibility and trust with your crew and cooperators.
• Decision Making: Frameworks for assessing situations and making timely decisions in the "fog of war."
• Operational Tempo: Understanding how to manage the pace of an incident to maintain safety and effectiveness.

Specifications:

• Publication: PMS 494-2
• Format: Professional softcover binding
• Publisher: National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)