For the past eleven fire seasons, staff from the NCLFA have engaged in active, on-the-ground support of a number of wildland fire and wildland fire use events. While on fire assignments, Center researchers can examine the relevance and efficacy of research ideas and activities. Center staff have served as: ICT 3, on wildland fire modules, in initial attack dispatch, as FBAN mentor, IRIN (t), FEMO, logistics staff, CTSP (t), GISS, technical specialists, and more. Activities undertaken to support these incidents include infrared mapping of fire locations, fire and fuels behavior modeling, internet communications support, computer mapping, post-fire severity assessments, and digital database development for data maintenance and archiving.

The NCLFA is comprised of a group of highly skilled individuals possessing a combination of wildland fire qualifications and technical expertise. Many staff have previous wildland fire experience, have passed the arduous work capacity test, and hold current red cards.