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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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NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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