Skip to main content

6MFS

6MFS Committee

All 6MFS Topics

6MFS Calendar

Aviation

Airtankers

Felling Safety

Fire Communication

Firefighter Health & First Aid

Leadership

Misc Fireline Hazards

Operational Engagement

This Day in History

Vehicles - Roads

Weather - Fire Behavior

Week of Remembrance

Unburned Fuel Between You and The Fire

 

Heavy equipment is often used to construct fireline to slow fire progression because it can build wider fireline at a faster rate. This Watch Out requires extra situational awareness because there is unburned fuel between the bulldozer and the main fire.

11. Unburned fuel between you and fire. A yellow bulldozer leaves a fireline of dirt behind it. Thick brush is between the line and the fire.

11. Unburned fuel between you and fire.
 

Read about all 18 Watch Out Situations.

It is important for firefighters to recognize Watch Out Situation #11, unburned fuel between themselves and the fire. Often it is not possible or practical for direct attack on a fire. Before attempting indirect attack and any time the firefighter is in a position where there is unburned fuel between them and the fire, the following questions must be addressed immediately:

  • Can you see the fire or are you in contact with someone who can? Discuss situations you might find yourself in where you are out in the green and cannot see the fire. What can you do?
  • Is fire spread in a direction away from you? Do you consider the potential for fire spread? Are you safe if the wind switches?
  • Will your position be defensible when the fire reaches you? Talk about what must be understood when building indirect line or approaching a fire through the green.
  • Is your line anchored? Discuss how you anchor indirect line.
  • Are your escape routes and safety zones adequate? What is adequate?
  • Are weather indicators constantly changing?
  • To reduce the risks:
    • Post lookouts.
    • Consider a different location.

Review situations where you constructed indirect line or approached a fire through the green and how you provided for your safety.

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118

Last Modified / Reviewed:


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053

Date: March 12, 2025
Contact: Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee

The NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 provides mitigation practitioners at all experience levels with recommendations on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish mitigation work in communities at risk to wildfire damage or destruction. The content in this guide was written in coordination with the NWCG Standards for Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface, PMS 052.

References:

NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 

Updated, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Date: March 11, 2025
Contact: Fire Use Subcommittee
Wildland Fire Module Unit

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430