NWSA

For 40+ years, private wildland fire contractors have worked alongside federal & state agencies as force multipliers—not replacements. 375 NWSA companies • 12,000+ firefighters • Same NWCG standards • 45% of national capacity We supplement the system. We don't supplant it.

The annual conference is right around the corner!  📅 When: March 11-12, 2026 ​ 📍 Where: Peppermill Tower Conference Center, Reno, NV Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring? Contact Us: ​nwsaadmin@nwsa.us ​ 1-877-676-6972 More info: nwsa.us/news/annual-co…

Please join us in welcoming Jess Wills as NWSA Board President—and thanking outgoing President Claren Nilsson for her leadership and service. Read Jess’ welcome letter here: nwsa.us/welcome-letter…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from NWSA. Thank you to the private wildland fire contractors who show up when and where you’re needed. Stay safe and enjoy time with your loved ones.

Wildfire communication works best when agencies & partners align on clear, consistent messaging across trusted channels. In Fireline, we explore how communities are tackling alert fatigue & what it means for contractors. 🔗 bit.ly/winter_fireline  Image: Ty O'Neil / This Is Reno

Heading into 2026, we're watching: • How agencies implement the new acquisition rules • Where the balance lands between price and performance • What any USDA/DOI contracting consolidation means for existing and future awards We break these down: 🔗 bit.ly/4q6y9xx

On paper, the lowest price looks like the best deal. On the fireline, it's: • Crews who arrive ready, trained, equipped • Medical units that support long, complex incidents • Companies that can stay in business  Conversations about “cost” have to account for what’s at stake.

We’re pleased to share the Winter 2026 issue of Fireline Magazine. This issue features: * A 2025 season review and outlook for 2026 * Practical guide to navigate new federal contracting rules * Stories from NWSA leaders * A closer look at alert fatigue #page=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">flip.matrixgroupinc.net/nwsb/2025/wint…

Lives depend on verified training, lawful hiring, and meaningful performance oversight. NWSA’s position is clear: professionalism saves lives. nwsa.us/safety-profess…

Last weekend, members of our board attended the Wildland Firefighter Foundation gala. It was a beautiful event for a vital cause. We’re honored to stand with WFF and the community that shows up for them.

We have to postpone our October Innovative Wildfire Response Showcase in Boise. With some of our agency friends grounded due to the government shutdown, we decided move our showcase event to a later date. Stay tuned for more info!

We can't wait to show you the BurnBot at our 2025 New Fuels & Fire Technology Fair.  More info about the event: nwsa.us/news/innovatio… Video: youtube.com/watch?v=U_iuAT…

Agencies are struggling to fill firefighting roles. Last year, 764 elite crew requests went unfilled. Certified, fully equipped NWSA member crews are ready to roll—today. No new laws. No bureaucracy. Every unfilled request is a missed chance to stop a wildfire before it grows.

Wildfires so powerful they make their own weather? Pyrocumulonimbus clouds, or “fire clouds,” can spark lightning, drive strong winds, and even create rare fire tornadoes. NWSA companies are all committed to ensuring all their crews are well-trained and understand fire behavior.

Have tech or equipment that could transform wildfire response? Showcase it to wildfire professionals from across the country at the Innovation in Wildfire Response Showcase. 📅 Oct. 29–30 | Boise, ID Space is limited — register today: nwsa.us/news/innovatio…

📅 You're invited to the Innovation in Wildfire Response Showcase — Oct 29–30 in Boise, Idaho! Join us to explore tools, tech & tactics shaping the future of wildfire response. Catered lunch, exhibits, live demos & more. Learn more here: nwsa.us/news/innovatio…

📅 Week of Remembrance | June 30 – July 6 This week, we pause to honor the lives of wildland firefighters lost in the line of duty and renew our shared commitment to safety, readiness, and each other. Take time to reflect, remember & recommit. Learn more: loom.ly/TA2MTMM

Traditional water delivery can’t meet modern wildfire demands. WildFire Water Solutions uses mobile systems to move 150,000 gallons per hour, helping resources work smarter and safer. Click here to learn more about the company's impact: loom.ly/rHFYfKg

From suppression to mitigation to property protection, private fire contractors serve in diverse roles. Regardless of the contract, the mission is the same: protect lives and property. Click here to learn more: loom.ly/EO8usHo

Montana Senator Tim Sheehy brings boots-on-the-ground firefighting experience to Capitol Hill. His bipartisan efforts aim to modernize wildfire response and support aerial suppression. Learn more about his impact here: loom.ly/N3YDJuY