Skip to main content

Unexploded Ordnance Safety

 

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is most likely to be encountered on military or former military sites. UXO poses risk of injury or death to anyone in the vicinity. 

Situation Awareness

  • Early identification of potential UXO is the first and most important step in reducing risk posed by UXO.
  • Many types of UXO may be encountered:
    • Small arms munitions
    • Guided missiles
    • Rockets
    • Projectiles
    • Mortars
    • Bombs
    • Grenades
    • Sub munitions
  • UXO may be found fully intact or in fragments. ALL UXO presents a potential hazard and should be treated as such.
  • Deteriorated UXO presents a particular hazard because it may contain chemical agents that could become exposed.

Hazard Control

  • If you see UXO, stop and do not move closer.
  • Isolate and clearly mark the area.
  • Deny entry to others.
  • Never transmit radio frequencies near UXO.
  • Never remove anything near UXO.
  • Never touch, move, or disturb UXO.
  • Keep a minimum of 1000 feet away from areas on fire that contain suspected UXO.
  • Report discovery of UXO to your immediate supervisor and/or dispatch.
  • U.S. Army Operations Center for incidents involving explosives and ammunition: (703) 697-0218.

 

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee.


Follow NWCG on Twitter and Facebook

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts