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ATV - How to Properly Ride and Operate

Riding an ATV correctly allows the operator to control the machine easily and react more quickly to changes in terrain and environment. Proper riding posture includes:

  • head and eyes up, looking forward,
  • shoulders relaxed, with elbows bent slightly,
  • hands on the handlebars,
  • knees in toward the gas tank,
  • feet on the footrests, toes pointing straight ahead, and
  • back straight but not tense.
  • To turn an ATV, keep most of your body weight on the outside foot peg and lean your upper body into the turn. Never lower your foot to the ground for stability as it could cause ejection if foot is caught by the tire.
  • When climbing hills, shift your body weight forward to keep the front wheels on the ground.
  • If stopped while going uphill, do not apply the rear brake only. Apply equal pressure to both front and rear brakes, but never only to the rear brake. Get off the machine and turn it around to proceed down the hill.
  • When going downhill, keep the engine running and in low gear, apply both front and rear brakes with even pressure and avoid sharp turns. Slide body forward on seat towards gas tank, keeping body weight back by leaning backwards. This will help keep weight on back wheels and lessen the potential to flip the ATV over forward.
  • Avoid sidehill situations. When they are unavoidable, lean into the hill.
  • When carrying a load uphill, if possible, place load on the front of the ATV to help keep the front end of the ATV from flipping over. If going downhill, place load on back of ATV to help keep the ATV from flipping over forward. If loads cannot be adjusted, try to equalize the load on front and back if possible. Drip torches should be mounted on back.
  • Only operate an ATV under the conditions for which you have been trained, qualified for, and have experience riding.
  • As a last resort to avoid an impending collision, roll off the vehicle and kick yourself free of it.
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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
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Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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.

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Date: July 28, 2025
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NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) and Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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.

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NWCG Airtanker Base Manager Position Page

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Date: July 17, 2025
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The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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

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Date: July 2, 2025
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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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