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Roadside Incident Response

Nationally, the number of injuries and fatalities among emergency responders who are responding to roadside incidents is increasing. Although most wildland fires occur in remote areas, there are situations where wildland fire personnel are responding to fires along rural country roads, backcountry roads, or major highways; where risk still exists for firefighters.

Considerations when responding to fires and other incidents along roadsides:

  • Firefighter and public safety will always be the number one priority.
  • Utilize Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones in all incident activities.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be used on all incidents.

Upon Arrival at the Scene

Size up the incident – see NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide, PMS 461, Sizeup Report on the inside front cover.

  • What has happened?
  • What is happening?
  • What will or could happen?
  • Is this a hazardous materials situation?

Apply the Risk Management Process

Tactical Considerations:

  • Anytime traffic flow is affected by the incident, contact the jurisdictional law enforcement agency for assistance.
  • Conduct all operations as far from traffic lanes as possible to provide for crew and public safety.
  • Park units on the same side of the roadway whenever possible to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Personnel should not exit the fire apparatus until instructed to do so by the module leader.
  • Exit the fire apparatus away from the roadway or where hazard exposure is minimized.
  • Exit the fire apparatus with full PPE.
  • Post a lookout to watch for and control oncoming traffic.
  • Utilize forward and rear spotters when visibility is impaired or road conditions warrant.
  • Utilize road flares or other traffic warning signs whenever possible.
  • If equipment needs to be removed from the traffic side of the apparatus, one person will retrieve the equipment and a lookout will watch for oncoming traffic.
  • Engine operators will operate pumps from the non-traffic side or from the cab of the apparatus when possible. Keep all hose, fire tools, and equipment out of traffic lanes when possible.
  • During night operations, utilize reflective clothing, vests, and other safety equipment as necessary.
  • All emergency responses on roadways will be concluded as quickly as possible to reduce personnel exposure.
  • Cancel or demobilize unnecessary apparatus as soon as possible.

Note: Each emergency vehicle operator will follow their state laws and agency policies governing the operations of emergency vehicles.

 

Category
Vehicles Roads
References
Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Risk Management section under O…

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2