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Vehicle Entrapment

If you find yourself in a fire entrapment situation where a shelter deployment is not possible, using a vehicle for refuge may be an option. The following are some considerations for a vehicle entrapment:

  • Park the vehicle in an area void of vegetation.
  • Burn out around the vehicle if there is time.
  • Park behind a natural barrier or structure. Consider that a structure could become involved which could severely impact nearby exposures/vehicles.
  • Do not park on the downhill side of a road or under power lines or over-hanging vegetation.
  • Stay out of saddles and draws.
  • Position the vehicle in a direction that provides the area occupied by crew personnel the maximum protection from an approaching flame front.
  • Set the parking brake, leave the motor running at high RPM, and keep the vehicle lights on.
  • Roll up the windows and do not lock the doors since someone else might need to get in.
  • Cover windows with fire shelters, placing reflective material against the window.
  • You must protect your airway; remain as low in the vehicle as possible and use a dry bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Expect the following conditions if you are trapped inside the vehicle:
    • Temperatures may reach over 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Smoke and sparks may enter the vehicle.
    • Plastic parts may start to melt and give off toxic gases.
    • Windows may start to crack.
    • Exposed skin may receive radiant heat burns.
  • If the vehicle catches fire or windows blow out and you must exit the vehicle before the fire has passed, then:
    • Each crewmember should cover themself with a fire shelter.
    • Exit the vehicle from the side away from the greatest heat.
    • Stay together and get as low to the ground as possible, moving away from the vehicle.
    • Deploy your shelter in a safe area.

 

Canyon Fire Entrapment

Video Length 18:40

 

Category
Vehicles Roads
References
Country Fire Engine Burnover (2019)
Burning to Learn: An Engine Burnover Project To Improve Firefighter Safety
Log Fire Engine Burn Damage (2021)

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

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:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)