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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.

References:

Category
Vehicles - Roads

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WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

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NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

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