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
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	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

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Modified / Reviewed: April 25, 2024

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates.

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Hot Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Hot Loading

NWCG Latest Announcements

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References:

References:

References:

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Hot Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Hot Loading

NWCG Latest Announcements

References:

References:

References:

References:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group