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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

 

Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

Facilities | Hot Loading | Operations | Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

SYSTEM:  Airtanker Base, Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Sub-System Hazards Pre-Mitigation Mitigation Post-Mitigation

Probability

Severity

Risk Level

Probability

Severity

Risk Level
Training Inadequate training for loaders

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

Ensure proper training is provided for all positions. Train on all expected aircraft. Only trained and authorized personnel will be allowed on the ramp during SF&L operations. Provide complete in-briefing to all personnel involved prior to SF&L any aircraft; de-brief and implement appropriate suggestions.

Possible

Moderate

Medium

Personnel not trained for role performed during operations

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure all personnel only fill roles for which they are trained. RAMP will oversee all operations to ensure personnel are not multi-tasking. Agency personnel will not perform fueling on any aircraft.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low
Base not approved for SF&L

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure base operations plan includes a supplement for SF&L and Fueling and is approved at the appropriate level.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Equipment Improper placement of equipment can create hazard for personnel and aircraft

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure proper training is provided for all positions and that all personnel understand their role. No dual roles (e.g., loading retardant and assisting with fueling operations). Utilize wing walkers as necessary. Do not allow personnel/equipment to approach aircraft until area is clear and FWPT has authorized movement. Utilize foul lines/boxes when equipment is not in use.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium

Fuel truck/vehicles running over loading hose

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure separation of operations. Ensure fuelers have a backer. Consider a FWPT assigned to each operation of SF&L. Only trained (non-agency) personnel will operate any equipment near aircraft.

Unlikely

Negligible

Low

Static electric discharge--multiple liquids entering aircraft at same time

Almost Certain

Catastrophic

Extremely High

 Ensure fuel and retardant loading hoses are non-conductive. Replace any broken hoses. Fuel truck is bonded to aircraft before hose is lifted to aircraft. Discontinue fueling if lightning in area.  Only trained personnel will load retardant or fuel aircraft.

Unlikely

Critical

Medium
Fueling Jet fuel combustion

Likely

Catastrophic

Extremely High

Ensure fuel truck is bonded to aircraft before hose is lifted to aircraft. No smoking, radio use, cell phone use, or open flame or equipment that could spark (flashlights, electronic cigarettes, etc.) near fueling operations. Only trained personnel will engage in fueling operations.

Possible

Critical

High

Fuel truck rolls during fueling

Possible

Critical

High

 Ensure only trained personnel are involved in fueling duties. Truck will be chocked during fueling activities. Position a FWPT nearby to observe fueling activity.

Rare

Moderate

Medium
Over-filling fuel tank

Possible

Critical

High

 Aircrew member will always remain at controls in cockpit during SF&L operations. Aircrew will complete load calculation to determine amount of fuel needed and communicate to fuelers. Minimize distraction and multiple duties during fueling operations. If aircraft is over-filled with fuel, drain overfill from fuel tank(s). Contain spills and make notifications as necessary per base plan.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
Human Factors Personnel filling more than one role

Likely

Critical

Extremely High

 Ensure only trained personnel are performing individual duties. No dual roles (e.g., loading retardant and assisting with fueling operations). Minimize distractions. Order additional staff as needed.

Unlikely

Moderate

Medium
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 SF&L.  Maintain situational awareness at all times. Do not distract others from their assigned task. Ensure communications are occurring at all phases of SF&L; 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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Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Postion Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page 

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249