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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

IMPORTANT: How To Use Workbook

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Fixed Wing Risk Assessments

Helicopter Risk Assessments

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Risk Assessments

Other Risk Assessments

 

Hot Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

SYSTEM:  Airtanker Base, Hot Loading

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Training Not all mixers and loaders are adequately trained and qualified

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure that all personnel who will be loading aircraft are trained in hot loading procedures, with refresher each year. Provide simulation training for all mixers and loaders (agency and contractor) together throughout the season. Provide adequate briefings for all personnel prior to hot loading any aircraft.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Base not approved for hot loading

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure base operations plan includes a supplement for hot loading of retardant and is approved at the appropriate level, refer to SABO. Ensure all personnel are trained on hot loading procedures.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Unfamiliar with aircraft to be loaded

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Specific type of aircraft will shut down prior to the first load at a new base each year. All personnel involved in the loading of aircraft will receive an orientation briefing for that aircraft to include proper hand signal use, and aircraft loading port valve connection and operation.

Possible

Negligible

Low
Aircraft Dangers of walking into turning propellers, or too close to jet engines

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Never walk through a propeller arc, even when engine is shut down. Do not walk under the wing at any time. Operate within the safety area around engines. Only load retardant on the side of the aircraft with non-running engines. Stay behind the wings of SEATs and S2s at all times. FWPT will be posted at front of aircraft where they can see all running engines, loaders, and aircrew.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
High noise levels working near running engines

Almost Certain

Moderate

High

Only load aircraft on the side opposite running engines. All personnel should wear noise cancelling hearing protection while hot loading retardant. Only essential personnel allowed on the ramp during hot loading operations. Train on proper hand signals to be used during hot loading operations. Take breaks away from noise.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Velocity of exhaust/prop wash from running engines (thrust required for breakaway)

Likely

Moderate

High

 Wear approved eye protection. Clear area before pilot takes engine out of ground idle. Ensure no one is behind engines when aircraft starts to move. Ensure Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walks occur on regular basis, so debris is not blown at personnel when aircraft starts moving. Secure loose objects within vicinity.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
Aircraft can jump chocks while under ground idle

Possible

Critical

High

 Pilot will remain at controls at all times during hot loading operations. FWPT will be positioned at front of aircraft during loading operations and maintain visual communication with both loaders and pilot.

Rare

Moderate

Medium
Heat from running engine(s)

Likely

Critical

High

 Only load aircraft on the side opposite running engines. Only essential personnel on the ramp during hot loading operations. Train on proper hand signals to be used during hot loading operations. Operate within the safety area around engines. Take breaks away from heat.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Human Factors Fatigue of ground personnel

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Request additional staffing during times of high fire activity. Take breaks often, stay hydrated, ensure adequate rest facilities are available for all ground personnel. Ensure adequate rest between shifts.

Possible

Moderate

Medium
Heat stress

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Utilize additional loaders/FWPTs during high activity. Recognize signs of heat stress at all levels and take action immediately. Stay hydrated, especially prior to beginning shift. Ensure adequate rest between shifts.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Acceptance of high-risk activities as normal

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Emphasize importance of situational awareness as a means to recognizing risk. Provide risk management training for all personnel. Ensure thorough briefings/debriefings with special attention to risk management and preventing future accidents. Utilize risk assessments, JHAs, SMS, GARs etc. to assist in mitigating risk.

Unlikely

Catastrophic

High
Distracted personnel (aircrew, loaders, FWPT/RAMP)

Possible

Critical

High

 Focus on task and identified role while hot loading.  Maintain situational awareness at all times. Do not distract others from their assigned task. Ensure communications are occurring at all phases of hot loading; use hand signals.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium

 

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

 

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters