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Avoiding Fuel Geysering

triangle with image of spraying fumes at person with the words fuel, heat, and pressure on each side of triangle.

 

Fuel geysers continue to be reported and the potential for injury is real. In 2018, there were 28 incidents of fuel geyser reported: 23 chainsaws, a leaf blower, and four jerry cans. A fuel geyser can happen on any equipment with a fuel tank including fuel bottles and containers. Even chainsaws with two-way vents may “geyser” at high temperatures or high elevation. Users should assume all gas-powered equipment and fuel containers are pressurized.

Fuel – Know Your Fuel

  • Fuel volatility changes seasonally and geographically.
  • Think locally. Using fuel from a cooler climate (i.e., Idaho) in a warmer climate (i.e., Texas) increases the geysering potential.
  • As elevation increases, boiling point temperatures decrease. 125oF at 8,000 feet is approximately equivalent to 140oF at 1,000 feet.

Fuel Bottles and Containers

Fuel bottles (i.e., Sigg bottles), fuel containers (i.e., dolmars or jerry cans) can geyser even after the cap is removed. To mitigate possible fuel geyser and/or potential injury from fuel bottles and cans, use the following procedures:

  • Keep containers in the shade and away from any external heat source.
  • Never open a fuel tank within 20 feet of any heat source.
  • Gently shake the container to release surface tension. Too much agitation will create pressure.
  • Open container slowly, pointing opening away and cover the opening with a cloth and glove.

Engine Powered Equipment

  • Never use fuel that was stored in a fuel container for longer than one month. Older fuel may lead to poor engine performance and increased operating temperatures. Older fuel may also have higher volatility for the current conditions. 
  • Always check the fuel level in the tank before taking any action. Fuel levels above ½ tank are more likely to geyser.
  • Never open a fuel tank within 20 feet of any heat source.
  • Only after the above mitigations are completed; put the equipment in a cleared area, cover the cap with a cloth or glove, and open slowly.

For more information or if you experience a fuel geyser, see the Fuel Geyser Awareness section at 
https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/equipment-technology-committee

 

Category
Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal