The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG) and the Firefighting Contractor Association (FCA) establishes a framework for training and certification related to wildfire management in the Pacific Northwest. The PNWCG holds comprehensive authority for overseeing firefighting resources and requires that all personnel meet specified national training standards. The FCA aims to provide non-agency individuals with the necessary training and incident qualification certifications recognized by the PNWCG, limited to the Strike Team Leader level. Key responsibilities outlined for the PNWCG include recognizing FCA instructor qualifications, providing training materials, monitoring training quality, and verifying certifications. In contrast, the FCA must deliver training that meets NWCG standards, maintain student and instructor records, and conduct regular evaluations of training efficacy. The MOU emphasizes collaboration, with both parties agreeing to annual reviews and the potential for modifications or termination upon notice. A crucial stipulation is that failure to comply with the MOU may lead to remedial actions or the cessation of recognition for training certifications issued by FCA. Overall, the MOU represents a critical step in enhancing wildfire preparedness and coordination in the region through comprehensive training and certification alignment.

The document outlines the application process for Firefighting Contractor Associations (FCA) seeking to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG). Applicants must submit documentation verifying their association status, a policy document detailing their organization’s structure and ethics, and procedural documents for compliance with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and instructor qualifications. The MOU-Rep reviews applications for completeness before presenting them to the Training Committee (TC), which can either approve or deny the applications. Denials can be appealed, and approved MOUs are valid for five years, expiring on January 15, 2030. Applications must be physically submitted by October 31st at the specified address, and email submissions are not accepted. A separate process exists for applying to instruct certain NWCG wildland fire training courses, with policies detailed online. This document serves as a guide to ensure qualified entities can effectively participate in wildfire coordination efforts, reflecting government priorities in fire safety and training standardization.