Skip to main content

6MFS

6MFS Committee

All 6MFS Topics

Search All 6MFS Topics by Keyword

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

Working Around Pack Stock

 

Fire crews often receive supplies transported by pack stock (horses and mules). While these animals provide fire crews a valuable service, they can cause injury to themselves and personnel, and severely damage food, gear, and fire equipment, if not handled properly.

Much like adding aviation resources to a fire incident, having pack stock around is adding an additional hazard to the fire environment which increases the difficulty in maintaining situational awareness. Fire personnel must be aware that human activity, aircraft, wildlife, and weather conditions can and will affect the behavior of the pack animals, often unpredictably.

  • Avoid making any sudden or abrupt moves or making any loud or unusual noises around the stock. Be calm, relaxed, steady, and smooth around the animals at all times.
  • When passing pack stock on the trail, know your escape routes at all times. Move off the trail before the stock passes. Calmly move to the same side, preferably the downhill side, with all of your gear. Be far enough off the trail that no one could get kicked, but close enough for the stock to see everyone. Talk to the packer and the stock as they approach and pass…this helps the stock know that you and your crew are not something to be afraid of.
  • Packers, like all fire personnel, must maintain communications at all times. Ensure that the communication plan is known to everyone. Individual forest and park units will have the specific safety-related guidelines identified for Packers in regards to required fire training, personal protective equipment, communications, etc.

Work around pack stock in the same manner you would work around helicopters:

  • Stay outside of the safety circle unless invited or escorted in.
  • Only approach from the front.
  • Never approach from the tail or walk around the tail.
  • Don’t run, wave arms, or throw things.
  • Put your gear where directed and in an orderly manner.
  • Weigh everything. Weight and balance are important on mules and helicopters!

Graphic showing a mule in front of a helicopter representing that safety around helicopters is how you should work around pack animals.

 

 

 

Category
Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

6MFS Suggestion Form


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

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