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2020 WOR: Fuel Geysering Lessons Learned

By the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Rag over fuel capBrushing Project - 2014

While working on a brushing project, a hand crew member was injured when saw fuel sprayed onto his face and into his eyes.

Lesson from Report: “If the fuel is suspected to be pressurized, open the fuel cap while holding a rag—or other covering—over it. Hold the saw away from the face and look away while opening the fuel cap.”

 

Firefighter's shirt front viewWillow Peak Fire - 2015

After cooling for 10 minutes, the saw would not start. He raised the chainsaw and twisted the tool-less cap of the gas tank. The tank was pressurized, which caused gas to spew out as a shooting stream with an associated vapor cloud. The gas saturated him and established a path of fuel that led to the burning snag.

Second- and third-degree burns on his face, upper torso, arms, and airway.

From Report: “We continue to learn the hard way. There is a lack of recognition within the firefighting community of prior incidents. A report of a fatality or serious injury can intensify the circulation of knowledge more than a “near miss” report.”

 

Pioneer Fire - 2016

 Saw “seemed like it was out of fuel.” Sawyer walked away from the fireline and opened the cap. Fuel geysered and sprayed the sawyer and his chainsaw. The sawyer’s quick reaction of using his gloved hand to block the geyser protected his face, but fuel along the bottom of his arm and inside his Nomex shirt ignited.

Second degree burns to lower arm.

From Report: “We read the Lessons Learned Center’s postings, but before this, I really didn’t pay much attention to them. I will now take them more seriously.”

 

The sawyer's gloved hand and chaps soaked in saw gas from the fuel geyser incident.Brushing Project - 2020

Suspicious of a vapor-lock, he set the saw aside for continued cooling. Several minutes later, the sawyer cautiously opened the saw’s fuel tank – a geyser occurred. Sawyer had anticipated the geyser and was able to reduce the volatility by careful placement of his hand over the fuel cap as he opened it. Even so, this incident still resulted in his (gloved) hand and chaps becoming soaked in saw gas.

From Report: “When I eventually chose to open the fuel tank with the intention of inspecting both the fuel and the filter, I was cognizant of the potential for a fuel-geyser. This awareness was due to repeated discussions of this hazard over the last few years. Thanks to the repeated LLC discussions, I have developed a habit of covering the fuel cap with a gloved hand when opening.”

Discussion:  How can you turn lessons into learning?

 

Study the lessons. Take ACTION. Cover the cap.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee