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

Download the word version (docm) of this information to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet macro.

Modified / Reviewed: April 25, 2024

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

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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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.

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2025 Core Component Module Package

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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.

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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.

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NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

NEW! NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514

Date: March 7, 2025
Contact: National Interagency Aviation Committee

The NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating airtankers on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508, and any applicable agency plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514

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PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Hot Loading

Airtanker Base Risk Assessments

SYSTEM: Airtanker Base, Hot Loading

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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:

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group