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ATV – Safety

The use of ATVs for wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire operations has increased dramatically over the last ten years. Note: Several agencies have required training for ATV operations (check your agency’s requirements).

Most injuries associated with ATVs occur when:

  • Driver loses control (When the operator encounters a change of terrain or swerves to avoid an obstacle, it causes an abrupt change of balance and loss of control.),
  • Vehicle rolls over,
  • Driver or passenger is thrown off,
  • Operator’s loss of attention to what, where, and how an ATV is being operated, or
  • There is a collision with a fixed object.

Identified contributing factors to ATV accidents include:

  • Rider is inexperienced,
  • Excessive speed combined with rough terrain can create enough pitch and bounce to cause the operator to lose control of the vehicle,
  • Lack of helmet use,
  • ATV is improperly loaded, or load weight exceeds vehicle operation capacity, or
  • Operator carries a passenger that affects the operator’s control and operation of the ATV.

Safety measures for ATV use include:

  • Conduct pre-ride inspection which should include checking tires, throttle cable, front and rear brakes, lights and switches, oil and fuel, chain or driveshaft, and air filter. Clean out of weeds and other debris from around engine and other hot components, and check the chassis for any defects or wear.
  • Single riders only. Injuries frequently occur to passengers; therefore, riding double should not be permitted.
  • Always wear PPE – helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Appropriate helmets are those designed for motorcycle use (not firefighting) and should include safety visors/face shields, goggles, or safety glasses for eye protection.
  • Use headlights to improve visibility by other vehicles.
  • Maintain speeds acceptable for riding conditions, especially over uneven terrain.
  • Avoid traversing slopes.
  • Mounted or towed loads should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation and should be properly mounted so that weight transfer does not affect the center of gravity of the machine – mounting a tank (e.g., drip torch) on the rear of the vehicle increases the chances for a rear turnover.
  • Do not drive on public roads. Collisions with automobiles on public roads are the most common cause of fatal ATV accidents. It may be illegal to operate an ATV on public roads; check your state’s laws.

References:

Category
Vehicles - Roads

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal