Skip to main content

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard – Proposed (5/24/2024)

The NWCG Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) is requesting comment on a proposed new OHV Typing Standard. Comments can be submitted using the OHV Typing Standard form below. The comment period will be open until August 30, 2024.

  Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Mandatory Standard Compliance¹

ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

 ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

Minimum Number of Seats in Each Row

2 2 2 2

Number of Rows of Seating

2 2 1 1

Minimum Vehicle Payload Capacity²

1,000 lbs.  550  lbs. 1,000 lbs. 550 lbs.

Rear Box Load Capacity³

500 lbs. or greater 150 to 499 lbs. 500 lbs. or greater 150 to 499 lbs.
Four Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes

Taillamp(s)⁴ and Stop Lamp(s)⁵

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Occupant Side Retention Devices⁶

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Personnel Protective Barrier⁷

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Minimum Fire Extinguisher⁸

1A:10B:C 1A:10B:C 1A:10B:C 1A:10B:C

USWDS Paragraphs

¹ The OHV shall conform to either the ANSI/OPEI or ANSI/ROHVA standard in effect at the time of manufacture and shall not have any modifications that cause non-compliance.

² Payload capacity is the total amount of weight that can be loaded on the OHV. Payload includes personnel weight, fixed equipment, and cargo. Personnel weight shall be calculated at 200 lbs. for every seatbelt position, even if unoccupied.

³ Rear box load rating and payload capacity shall not be exceeded.

⁴ The OHV shall have a minimum of one (1) red taillamp that illuminates when the headlamps are on.

⁵ The OHV shall have a minimum of one (1) red stop lamp or combination taillamp/stop lamp that activates when braking occurs.

⁶ The OHV shall have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) provided single hand operation doors or nets to prevent occupant body parts from injury in the event of an accident.

⁷ The OHV shall have a personnel protective barrier between the vehicle occupant seating area and cargo bed.

⁸ The OHV shall have an accessory fire extinguisher that is mounted to be easily accessible. The fire extinguish shall not be mounted by drilling or welding to the rollover protective structure (ROPS). If mounted to the ROPS using clamps or bands, it shall be mounted exterior of the occupant seating area.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal