Skip to main content

6MFS

6MFS Committee

All 6MFS Topics

6MFS Calendar

Aviation

Airtankers

Felling Safety

Fire Communication

Firefighter Health and First Aid

Leadership

Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

Operational Engagement

This Day in History

Vehicles - Roads

Weather - Fire Behavior

Week of Remembrance

Simultaneous Loading and Fueling (SL+F) Airtankers

 

SL+F is a relatively new process for airtankers, having been approved in 2014. When done correctly, it is very safe and reduces time spent on the ground, which makes delivery of fire retardant to the incident more expeditious. Only airtankers with nationally-approved risk assessments and procedures specific to SL+F will be allowed to take part in the procedure.

Each base that plans to take part in SL+F of airtankers must have a written plan approved by their regional/state Aviation Officer/Manager or equivalent.

Discuss process, procedures, and personnel needed to execute a SL+F.

  • Have all current ramp personnel reviewed the plan and had training specific to SL+F?
  • Only the Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM), in agreement with the pilot, can request to SL+F. Discuss the regularity at which this operation takes place.
    • What are the trigger points and how is the decision communicated to the Ramp Manager (RAMP)?
  • At your base, will the Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT) have full view of both the retardant loading and fueling operation in all parking configurations? Discuss where the FWPT must stand in order to observe the entire operation.
    • What are the possible hazards of the operation?
    • What does the FWPT need to stop the operation if there is a hazard present?
  • How will personnel operating a SL+F on the ramp effectively communicate an issue that could compromise safety?
    • Who is responsible for identifying safety issues on the ramp and how do they communicate these issues?
  • When both loading and fueling operations are taking place on the same side of an airtanker all participants must ensure these functions stay apart from each other.
    • Discuss whether base allows SL+F and when it can be authorized to be on the same side versus opposite sides of the fuselage.
    • What are the procedures for maintaining separation during same-side operations at your base?
Category
Airtankers
References
NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

6MFS Suggestion Form


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources