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ATV – Safety

The use of ATVs for wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire operations has increased dramatically over the last ten years. Note: Several agencies have required training for ATV operations (check your agency’s requirements).

Most injuries associated with ATVs occur when:

  • Driver loses control (When the operator encounters a change of terrain or swerves to avoid an obstacle, it causes an abrupt change of balance and loss of control.),
  • Vehicle rolls over,
  • Driver or passenger is thrown off,
  • Operator’s loss of attention to what, where, and how an ATV is being operated, or
  • There is a collision with a fixed object.

Identified contributing factors to ATV accidents include:

  • Rider is inexperienced,
  • Excessive speed combined with rough terrain can create enough pitch and bounce to cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle,
  • Lack of helmet use,
  • ATV is improperly loaded, or load weight exceeds vehicle operation capacity, or
  • Operator carries a passenger that affects the operator’s control and operation of the ATV.

Safety measures for ATV use include:

  • Conduct pre-ride inspection which should include checking tires, throttle cable, front and rear brakes, lights and switches, oil and fuel, chain or driveshaft, and air filter. Clean out of weeds and other debris from around engine and other hot components, and check the chassis for any defects or wear.
  • Single riders only. Injuries frequently occur to passengers; therefore, riding double should not be permitted.
  • Always wear PPE – helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Appropriate helmets are those designed for motorcycle use (not firefighting) and should include safety visors/face shields, goggles, or safety glasses for eye protection.
  • Use headlights to improve visibility by other vehicles.
  • Maintain speeds acceptable for riding conditions, especially over uneven terrain.
  • Avoid traversing slopes.
  • Mounted or towed loads should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation and should be properly mounted so that weight transfer does not affect the center of gravity of the machine – mounting a tank (e.g., drip torch) on the rear of the vehicle increases the chances for a rear turnover.
  • Do not drive on public roads. Collisions with automobiles on public roads are the most common cause of fatal ATV accidents. It may be illegal to operate an ATV on public roads; check your state’s laws.

 

Category
Vehicles Roads
References
Safety and Occupational Health Manual Handbook, BLM-1112-1

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552