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PMS 200

PMS 200

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing PMS 200

Aircraft

Crews

Equipment

Aircraft, PMS 200

Body

Airtankers

Airtanker Typing Standard

TYPE CAPACITY GALLONS EXAMPLES
VLAT >6000 DC-10
1 3,000 – 5,999 BAe-146, RJ85, MD-87, C-130, B-737
2 1,800 – 2,999 Q-400, CV-580, P-3
3 800 to 1,799 S-2T, AT-802F
4 Up to 799 Thrush, M18T

Note: Tanker capacity standards may vary by agency.

Airtanker Resources

Helicopters

Helicopter Typing Standard

Components Type 1 Type 2 Type 3
Allowable payload at 59° F at sea level 5,000 2,500 1,200
Passenger seats 15 or more 9 - 14 4 - 8
Retardant or water-carrying capability (gal) 700 300 100
Maximum gross takeoff and landing weight (lb) 12,501+ 6,000 - 12,500 Up to 6,000
Examples CH-54 / CH-47 Bell 204, 205 A1++, 212 HP Bell 407, A-Star B3
Helitanker
  • Fixed tank
  • 1,100 minimum gallon capacity

Helicopter Resources

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

UAS Typing Standard

Type Configuration Endurance Data Collection Altitude (agl) Max Range (miles) Typical Sensors*
1 Fixed-Wing
Rotocraft		 6-14 hrs.
N/A		 3,500-8,000
N/A		 50
N/A		 EO/Mid Wave IR
High Quality IR
2 Fixed-Wing
​Rotocraft		 1-6 hrs.
N/A		 3,500-6,000
​N/A		 25
N/A		 EO/Long Wave IR
​Moderate Quality IR
3 Fixed-Wing
​Rotocraft		 20-60 min.
20-60 min.		 2,500 and Below
2,00 and Below		 5
5		 EO/IR Video and Stills
​Moderate Quality IR
4 Fixed-Wing
​Rotocraft		 Up to 30 min.
Up to 20 min.		 1,200 and Below
1,200 and Below		 <2
<2		 EO/IR Video and Stills
​Moderate Quality IR

*Sensor payloads are variable but typically include daylight (electro-optical), infrared (IR), thermal, or mapping cameras. Type 1 and 2 UAS carry multiple camera types in a gimbaled configuration.

Note: Certain aircraft are specialized and will not fit this classification.

Additional current information can be accessed on the Interagency Fire UAS Operations website.

UAS Resources

NWCG Publications Catalog

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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