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Week of Remembrance

2020 WOR: Fuel Geysering Lessons Learned

By the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Rag over fuel capBrushing Project - 2014

While working on a brushing project, a hand crew member was injured when saw fuel sprayed onto his face and into his eyes.

Lesson from Report: “If the fuel is suspected to be pressurized, open the fuel cap while holding a rag—or other covering—over it. Hold the saw away from the face and look away while opening the fuel cap.”

 

Firefighter's shirt front viewWillow Peak Fire - 2015

After cooling for 10 minutes, the saw would not start. He raised the chainsaw and twisted the tool-less cap of the gas tank. The tank was pressurized, which caused gas to spew out as a shooting stream with an associated vapor cloud. The gas saturated him and established a path of fuel that led to the burning snag.

Second- and third-degree burns on his face, upper torso, arms, and airway.

From Report: “We continue to learn the hard way. There is a lack of recognition within the firefighting community of prior incidents. A report of a fatality or serious injury can intensify the circulation of knowledge more than a “near miss” report.”

 

Pioneer Fire - 2016

 Saw “seemed like it was out of fuel.” Sawyer walked away from the fireline and opened the cap. Fuel geysered and sprayed the sawyer and his chainsaw. The sawyer’s quick reaction of using his gloved hand to block the geyser protected his face, but fuel along the bottom of his arm and inside his Nomex shirt ignited.

Second degree burns to lower arm.

From Report: “We read the Lessons Learned Center’s postings, but before this, I really didn’t pay much attention to them. I will now take them more seriously.”

 

The sawyer's gloved hand and chaps soaked in saw gas from the fuel geyser incident.Brushing Project - 2020

Suspicious of a vapor-lock, he set the saw aside for continued cooling. Several minutes later, the sawyer cautiously opened the saw’s fuel tank – a geyser occurred. Sawyer had anticipated the geyser and was able to reduce the volatility by careful placement of his hand over the fuel cap as he opened it. Even so, this incident still resulted in his (gloved) hand and chaps becoming soaked in saw gas.

From Report: “When I eventually chose to open the fuel tank with the intention of inspecting both the fuel and the filter, I was cognizant of the potential for a fuel-geyser. This awareness was due to repeated discussions of this hazard over the last few years. Thanks to the repeated LLC discussions, I have developed a habit of covering the fuel cap with a gloved hand when opening.”

Discussion:  How can you turn lessons into learning?

 

Study the lessons. Take ACTION. Cover the cap.

 

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Week of Remembrance

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

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