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PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

NWCG Standards for Aviation Risk Management, PMS 530

NWCG Aviation Risk Management Workbook, PMS 530-1

How to Use Workbook

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Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Facilities

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

SYSTEM:  Airtanker Base, Facilities

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Communications Lack of adequate radio equipment, computers and IT support

Possible

Critical

High

 Provide airtanker bases with adequate phone lines, fax lines, internet and Wi-Fi. Recognize that many bases are in rural areas and may not have locally provided communication infrastructure. Utilize cell phones and Wi-Fi-enabled devices for gathering of flight planning information. Ensure all FWPTs have radios and headsets (noise canceling if able) available to them.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Unreliable flight following frequencies

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Utilize National Flight Following if available. Local units should develop a local flight following frequency for their area of operations in the event the national frequency is not available.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Lack of standardized aircraft dispatch form

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Implement utilization of national standardized aircraft dispatch form at all dispatch centers and airbases. Refer to the SABO for the minimum dispatch information.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Design Standards Inadequate ramp space

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Move to a different location on the airport or utilize a different airtanker base. Do not utilize a base that does not offer the minimum ramp space needed for the operating aircraft. Refer to the SABO.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Congestion on ramp

Likely

Critical

High

 Verify that ramp area is large enough for expected operations (type/number of equipment and aircraft). Ensure communication is provided between FWPTs, RAMP, and ATIM in coordination with the ATBM, to allow for better decision making and ramp congestion mitigation. Utilize wing walkers as necessary. Ensure all are familiar with FWPT hand signals and have radio communication. Ensure adequate spacing between different sizes/types of aircraft. If able utilize additional space on the airport to expand operations. Consider sending some aircraft to adjacent airtanker bases to alleviate congestion.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Inadequate runway minimums

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure that length, width and surface conditions of runways and taxiways are adequate for expected aircraft.  Adequate time should be given for flight planning for expected operations/airports. Pilots have the ultimate authority to utilize or decline a specific airport for safety of flight operations.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Collision with other aircraft/vehicles

Possible

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Utilize RAMP and FWPTs/wing walkers at all times when aircraft are moving on ramp. Ensure communication between pits. Aircraft have right-of-way over vehicles. Fuel/service vehicles should have a person nearby to prevent collision with aircraft. Be aware of any construction activity on the airport and plan for aircraft movement away from construction vehicles and workers.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Ramp/taxi operations and communications

Almost Certain

Critical

Extremely High

 Establish local ramp/taxi protocols in cooperation with local airport operations. Ensure thorough in-briefing and monitor assigned ramp frequency.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Security General threat of theft or vandalism of aircraft

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure ramp area is secured from general public, with controlled access points. Comply with contract requirements for securing aircraft. Address any security issues during in-briefing. Consider bringing in security personnel after hours if needed. Provide adequate revenue time for pre- and post-flight inspections.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Motor vehicle traffic interfering with base/ramp areas

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Limit the access of the ramp/base areas to designated routes only. Aircraft has right-of-way over vehicles on ramp. Establish parking areas for vehicles. Identify any critical areas where vehicles will need an escort.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Public access to ramp/base areas

Possible

Critical

High

 Limit access to authorized personnel only. Flag off areas if necessary. Establish a staging area for public viewing of operations, outside of the operations area. Address potential VIP visits in ABOP; consider providing separate area away from active operations.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

Download the word version (docm) of this information to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet macro.

 

 

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Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

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NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

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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