Skip to main content

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

Submit Revision / Recommendation

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.

 

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NWCG Alerts

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

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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