The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) sets nationally recognized standards for training, qualification, and wildfire operations across agencies. These standards aren’t just check-the-box paperwork — they ensure that every firefighter, from trainee to incident commander, operates safely, effectively, and consistently across jurisdictions.
A core tool of that system is the Position Task Book (PTB), used to evaluate real-world performance in required skills for positions like Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Engine Boss (ENGB), or Burn Boss (RXB2). When signing off tasks, evaluators and trainees must follow NWCG standards exactly as written — not modified, simulated beyond reason, or replaced with unrelated technology.
Access the standard for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss):
Incident Position Standards – PMS 350-14
Why This Matters
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Safety: Standards exist because lives depend on consistent actions and decision-making under pressure.
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Credibility & Certification: NWCG qualifications are recognized across the country. Cutting corners or artificially completing tasks makes those qualifications invalid.
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Interagency Trust: When agencies accept firefighters on incidents, they assume their task books reflect real, validated skills — not improvisations.
Example: Drone Use Is Not a Substitute for Required FFT1 Tasks
In the FFT1 Position Task Book one required task is:
“Coordinate and provide feedback to aerial resources.”
How to accomplish this task includes:
Evaluate the need for aerial resources.
Ensure aerial resources have a dedicated ground contact and can communicate with them.
Identify flight hazards.
Finalize the location of the drop.
Describe the target location and explain the mission.
Communicate intentions to the pilot before the drop.
Provide honest, constructive, and timely feedback to aerial resources.
Required resources: IRPG; radio; strobe; flagging; panel; signal mirror.
Using a drone instead of working with actual aerial resources (such as helicopters or SEATs) does not satisfy this task because:
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A drone is not an aerial firefighting resource under typical NWCG aviation operations.
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The task requires real-time communication with a pilot, coordinating a drop mission, hazard identification for manned aircraft — none of which are present with a small drone.
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NWCG standards specify tools like radios, panels, mirrors — not drones.
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Evaluating and providing feedback to an actual fixed-wing or rotor aircraft is a very different (and far more complex) task than flying a drone.
Signing the task book using a drone is inappropriate and non-compliant with NWCG standards.
Why Drones Are Rare in PBA Fires and What They Are Useful For
Today, drones (UAS) are used increasingly for reconnaissance, mapping, and situational awareness in wildland fire and prescribed fire settings. For example, the U.S. Forest Service reports UAS helping detect hotspots and mapping fire perimeters. US Forest Service+1
However, for most community-based Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs), drones remain rare. Why?
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High upfront cost: A firefighting-grade UAS system (with payload drop, thermal camera, heavy lift, etc.) can cost $40,000-$90,000 or more. GWD Bio-intelligence+1
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Training & maintenance: Operating drones safely in wildland fire contexts requires trained pilots, maintenance, insurance, and regulatory compliance — all of which add cost and complexity.
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Mission fit for small burns: Many PBA burns are relatively small scale and terrain/operations don’t justify the expense of drone equipment when traditional ground resources suffice.
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Regulatory & safety issues: Flying drones near other aircraft, within incident airspace, or in smoke/ash environments adds additional risk and requires airspace coordination.
So while drones are powerful tools for certain operations (recon, mapping, remote ignition), they are seldom used in routine PBA burns — especially not as a substitute for the tasks defined in NWCG PTBs.
The Responsibility of Evaluators and Trainees
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✅ Use the exact resources and conditions referenced in the task book.
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✅ Only sign tasks that were fully and correctly completed.
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✅ Document real incident or prescribed fire experience — not hypothetical scenarios.
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✅ If a task cannot be completed realistically, wait for a proper assignment rather than improvised substitutes.
In Summary
NWCG task books are more than paperwork — they’re a contract of trust between the individual, the team, and the community. Following them precisely protects firefighters, ensures professional credibility, and preserves the integrity of the fire community. Whether you’re a trainee, evaluator, or supervisor, the standard is clear:
Do it right. Do it safely. Do it by the book.