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
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	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

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Last Modified / Reviewed: April 25, 2024

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Firing Boss, Single Resource

Date: April 30, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105

NWCG Position Task Book for Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), PMS 311-105

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book Available for Helicopter Crewmember

Date: April 28, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22, and the NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22, are now available.

These resources, part of the Performance Support Package developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22

NWCG Position Task Book for Helicopter Crewmember (HECM), PMS 311-22

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group