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ATV – Transport

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Loading/Unloading

Loading/unloading of ATVs has resulted in serious injury and even death to employees. Only those who have been fully trained in ATV operations should conduct loading/unloading procedures. The following safety measures are recommended:

  • Wear all personal protective equipment (including gloves, helmet, etc.) until ATV is either secured or unloaded.
  • Ensure header board (board placed in front of bed of truck or trailer) is in place and in good condition.
  • ATV tire ramps should be secured to trailer or tailgate and on level terrain.
  • If possible, use a tilt trailer to haul an ATV. If this is not feasible, try to lower back end of vehicle so slant of loading ramp is reduced. Back into a ditch, hillside, or anything else to try and lower back end of vehicle.
  • When loading ATV onto vehicle or trailer, keep seated, and lean body weight forward on ATV.
  • When unloading ATV, keep seated and keep weight forward. This helps keep ATV from flipping over backwards.
  • Never load or unload an ATV with a load on the racks. Load all ATVs empty.

Securing ATV for transport

Improperly loaded ATVs can be dangerous to you and other highway users. Steering can be affected if your load is not properly distributed. If not properly secured, the ATV can become dislodged during a quick stop or crash and damage equipment and cause injury or death.

  • Drivers are responsible for their load—regardless of who actually loads equipment. All drivers are responsible for:
    • Inspecting the ATV.
    • Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight.
    • Removing any gear loaded on the ATV.
  • Securing ATV’s:​
    • Secure ATV in its normal operating position, on all four wheels.
    • Set the parking brake and place transmission in gear.
    • Turn off fuel valve.
    • Use chocks (that fit snugly against wheels) in front and back of ATV. Front end header boards should also block forward movement of ATV.
    • Tie down ATV at each corner. Use tie downs made from one-inch nylon strap or greater, with hooks at each end and ratcheting buckles (ordinary rope should not be used due to stretching), or tie-down straps that will lock in place.
    •  ATVs should never be hauled with a load attached to the cargo racks. Hazards exist from losing the load from the ATV while in transit.

 

Category
Vehicles Roads
References
June 2014 Six Rivers National Forest Lessons
Cracker Box ATV Loading Accident RLS

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NWCG Latest Announcements

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

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.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

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