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National Fuel Geyser Awareness

Fuel Geyser Triangle with Fuel, Heat, and Pressure as the sides.

Click Here to Report Fuel Geyser Incidents

 

What is a fuel geyser?

The rapid and energetic expulsion of heated fuel in a closed container when a fuel container is quickly depressurized. Heat and agitation causes the pressure increase. A delayed fuel geyser can occur after the fuel container is opened.

 

 

What does a fuel geyser look like?

Why is this important to me?

Over the last two years three significant burn injuries have occurred on prescribed fire and wildland fire incidents. Many additional fuel geyser incidents have been reported. These events happen frequently and have the potential to harm users of power equipment and people refueling power equipment. If you experience or have experienced a fuel geyser please report it.

Incident Reports

The following reports contain incidents where fuel geysers have occurred:

What do I need to know to protect myself?

Fuel geysers can happen anytime when there is fuel, heat & pressure from small gasoline-powered engines, chainsaws, leaf blowers, portable pumps, even when opening fuel transport containers.

Fuel geysers have resulted in injury when sprayed fuel and vapor ignite.

Appropriate precautions when there is fuel, heat & pressure, may prevent significant burns in the event of fuel spray.

  • Always assume fuel tanks and fuel containers are pressurized.
  • Ensure the cap is correctly secured.
  • Always check fuel levels before opening the fuel tank or filler cap. Fuel levels greater than ½ tank may geyser.
  • Move at least 20 feet or more from any heat source. 
  • For safety cans with pour spouts, direct potential spray away.
  • Cover the cap with a rag to contain potential fuel geyser spray.
  • Be extra vigilant when equipment is running poorly with fuel levels above ½ tank.
  • Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area.
  • Do not use fuel older than one month.

If the equipment is running poorly or vapor lock is suspected:

  1. Do not open fuel cap. Relieving the pressure does not alleviate a “vapor lock” equipment.
  2. Check fuel level through the tank or use the bar oil level to gage fuel level.
  3. If fuel level is over ½ full, DO NOT open the tank.
  4. Allow the equipment to thoroughly cool. This could take over 45 minutes.
  5. When the equipment is cool, restart the equipment.

It’s YOUR job to protect yourself and others. Know how to handle your equipment to avoid fuel geysers anytime there is fuel, heat & pressure.

What should I do If I experience a fuel geyser?

Please REPORT every fuel geyser incident you experience!

The information you provide our engineers can mean the difference between one of our employees getting injured or not.

To report an incident go to Fuel Geyser Incident Reporting Form.

Location of Incidents

View a map of fuel geysering incidents and fuel requirements.

Videos

Video: USFS - Fuel Geysering: Predictable?

 

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program