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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

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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