Skip to main content

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard – Proposed (5/24/2024)

The NWCG Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) is requesting comment on a proposed new OHV Typing Standard. Comments can be submitted using the OHV Typing Standard form below. The comment period will be open until August 30, 2024.

  Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4
Mandatory Standard Compliance¹

ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

 ANSI/OPEI B71.9–2022 
or ANSI/ROHVA 1–2023

Minimum Number of Seats in Each Row

 2 2 2 2

Number of Rows of Seating

 2 2 1 1

Minimum Vehicle Payload Capacity²

 1,000 lbs.  550  lbs. 1,000 lbs. 550 lbs.

Rear Box Load Capacity³

 500 lbs. or greater 150 to 499 lbs. 500 lbs. or greater 150 to 499 lbs.
Four Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Yes Yes Yes Yes

Taillamp(s)⁴ and Stop Lamp(s)⁵

 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Occupant Side Retention Devices⁶

 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Personnel Protective Barrier⁷

 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Minimum Fire Extinguisher⁸

 1A:10B:C 1A:10B:C 1A:10B:C 1A:10B:C

USWDS Paragraphs

¹ The OHV shall conform to either the ANSI/OPEI or ANSI/ROHVA standard in effect at the time of manufacture and shall not have any modifications that cause non-compliance.

² Payload capacity is the total amount of weight that can be loaded on the OHV. Payload includes personnel weight, fixed equipment, and cargo. Personnel weight shall be calculated at 200 lbs. for every seatbelt position, even if unoccupied.

³ Rear box load rating and payload capacity shall not be exceeded.

⁴ The OHV shall have a minimum of one (1) red taillamp that illuminates when the headlamps are on.

⁵ The OHV shall have a minimum of one (1) red stop lamp or combination taillamp/stop lamp that activates when braking occurs.

⁶ The OHV shall have Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) provided single hand operation doors or nets to prevent occupant body parts from injury in the event of an accident.

⁷ The OHV shall have a personnel protective barrier between the vehicle occupant seating area and cargo bed.

⁸ The OHV shall have an accessory fire extinguisher that is mounted to be easily accessible. The fire extinguish shall not be mounted by drilling or welding to the rollover protective structure (ROPS). If mounted to the ROPS using clamps or bands, it shall be mounted exterior of the occupant seating area.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

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.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

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

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

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