Avoiding Fuel Geysering

triangle with image of spraying fumes at person with the words fuel, heat, and pressure on each side of triangle.

Fuel geysers continue to be reported and the potential for injury is real. In 2018, there were 28 incidents of fuel geyser reported: 23 chainsaws, a leaf blower, and four jerry cans. A fuel geyser can happen on any equipment with a fuel tank including fuel bottles and containers. Even chainsaws with two-way vents may “geyser” at high temperatures or high elevation. Users should assume all gas-powered equipment and fuel containers are pressurized.

Fuel – Know Your Fuel

Fuel volatility changes seasonally and geographically.
Think locally. Using fuel from a cooler climate (i.e., Idaho) in a warmer climate (i.e., Texas) increases the geysering potential.
As elevation increases, boiling point temperatures decrease. 125^oF at 8,000 feet is approximately equivalent to 140^oF at 1,000 feet.

Fuel Bottles and Containers

Fuel bottles (i.e., Sigg bottles), fuel containers (i.e., dolmars or jerry cans) can geyser even after the cap is removed. To mitigate possible fuel geyser and/or potential injury from fuel bottles and cans, use the following procedures:

Keep containers in the shade and away from any external heat source.
Never open a fuel tank within 20 feet of any heat source.
Gently shake the container to release surface tension. Too much agitation will create pressure.
Open container slowly, pointing opening away and cover the opening with a cloth and glove.

Engine Powered Equipment

Never use fuel that was stored in a fuel container for longer than one month. Older fuel may lead to poor engine performance and increased operating temperatures. Older fuel may also have higher volatility for the current conditions.
Always check the fuel level in the tank before taking any action. Fuel levels above ½ tank are more likely to geyser.
Never open a fuel tank within 20 feet of any heat source.
Only after the above mitigations are completed; put the equipment in a cleared area, cover the cap with a cloth or glove, and open slowly.

For more information or if you experience a fuel geyser, see the Fuel Geyser Awareness section at
https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/equipment-technology-committee

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NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

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Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

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Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

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These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.