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Dozer/Plow Operations

Dozers and tractor plows provide suppression and support capability for fire operations. When working on or around dozers on the fireline, it is important to respect the following guidelines:

  • Load/unload equipment from the transport in a safe manner on a level, stable surface.
  • Park transport in an area free of vegetative fuel. Clear an area if needed to protect parked equipment.
  • Do not sit or bed down near equipment. Walk around the equipment before starting or moving it.
  • Lower the dozer blade and/or fire plow to the ground when the equipment is idling or stopped.
  • When working around a dozer or tractor plow, stay at least 100 feet in front or 50 feet behind the equipment.
  • Allow no one but the operator to ride on the equipment.
  • Never get on or off equipment while it is moving.
  • Provide front and rear lights for equipment working at night or in heavy smoke.
  • Provide lights and fluorescent vests to personnel working with dozer/tractor plow units.
  • Use hand signals for direction and safety.
  • Do not use a dozer or tractor plow without a canopy or brush guard and radio communications.
  • Operators will wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and carry a fire shelter.
  • Be aware of different fuel types, rates of spread, and flammability.
  • Watch for wetlands, steep slopes, rocks, ditches, and other obstacles that might stop the equipment.
  • Do not get too far ahead of a firing crew during firing operations.
  • Anchor the line to a secure firebreak and create a black line (burn out) until the fire is completely enclosed.
  • Tractor plow operators should wear headgear protection for head, face, eyes, and ears while also providing radio reception and ventilation capabilities.
  • Tractor plow crews should consist of a minimum of two people.
  • When the dozer or tractor plow is equipped with a hand-clutch lever, always take equipment out of gear when mounting and dismounting.

 

Category
Vehicles Roads
References
Safety and Occupational Health Manual Handbook, BLM-1112-1

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EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

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Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

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ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

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Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

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NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group