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Dozers

Steward: Equipment Technology Committee

Intro paragraph

Dozer Typing Standards

Requirements Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Net HP Range* 240 and up 150 - 250 90 - 165 50 - 110
Minimum Base Weight** 60,000 lbs. 35,000 lbs. 24,000 lbs. 10,000 lbs.
*Manufacturer’s published rated net horsepower (HP). Horsepower rating taken at the flywheel with all the engine accessories installed not counting transmission losses or anything after the flywheel
**Manufacturer’s published base weight for dozer including equipped track width and blade configuration, equipment fluids, etc. If a published base weight is unavailable, a certified in-service weight shall be used
Base operational weight is only used for typing. Final in-service dozer weight will be higher and include additional accessories such as winch, grapple, forestry package, etc. Final in-service dozer weight must be used when calculating hauler capacity, bridge weight limits, etc.

Dozer Fireline Construction Rates (Single Pass) in Chains per Hour

Fire Behavior Fuel Model Up or Down Slope Slope Class 1
0-25%		 Slope Class 2
26-40%		 Slope Class 3
41-55%		 Slope Class 4
56-74%
Type 3 Dozer
1, 2		 Up 55-90 30-55 8-30 0-8
Down 90-110 90-110 20-90 0-20
3, 5, 8 Up 45-70 25-45 2-25 0-2
Down 70-80 65-80 0-65 0
4 Up 20-35 10-20 0-10 0
Down 35-40 25-40 0-25 0
6, 7, 9 Up 35-55 15-35 0-15 0
Down 55-60 40-60 0-40 0
11, 12 Up 15-25 7-15 0-7 0
Down 25-30 10-30 0-10 0
10, 13 Up 8-15 3-8 0-3 0
Down 10-15 5-10 0-5 0
Type 2 Dozer
1, 2		 Up 85-125 60-85 30-60 0-30
Down 125-145 130-145 75-130 0-75
And so on          

Note: Production rates are not precise but vary with conditions. The higher rate can be applied for situations involving:

  • Newer dozers (1975 and later)
  • Dozers in excellent operating condition
  • Most-qualified operators
  • Temperatures below 90 °F
  • Moist soil, few or no rocks
  • No lost time • Indirect fireline
  • Average fire behavior
  • Daylight operations
  • Less resistive vegetative types within each fire behavior fuel model

 

Table Title???

Dozer Horse Power Examples
Type 1 HEAVY: 200 Minimum Horse Power D-8, D-7, JD-950
Type 2 MEDIUM:  100 Minimum Horse Power D-5N, D-6N, JD-750
Type 3 LIGHT:  50 Minimum Horse Power JD-450, JD-550, D-3, D-4
Minimum standards for personnel with dozers will differ depending on fuel type, terrain, and resource configuration. Dozer strike teams may use team leader in place of additional personnel per dozer. Fuel requiring burnout and terrain that requires scouting demands two personnel per dozer.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Team 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

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal