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 is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

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NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
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The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025.

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PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

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PMS 530-1

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Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Simultaneous Fueling and Loading

NWCG Latest Announcements

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