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Instructions and Assignments Not Clear

 

The Incident Command System (ICS) is used to provide uniform chain of command on all incidents. This Watch Out shows an engine crew working in a counterproductive manner, without clear instructions towards an expected outcome.

6. Instructions and assignments not clear. One firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite grasses on the right side of the image. Two firefighters spray water from a yellow fire engine onto burning grass on the left side of the image.

6. Instructions and assignments not clear.
 

Read about all 18 Watch Out Situations.

Every firefighter will give and receive briefings at some point on the job. Briefings are an effective way to disseminate information that can make the firefighter’s job safer and easier. When giving a briefing, it is important to keep the following questions in mind and remain perceptive to how the audience is receiving the information:

  • Did you use the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, standards briefing checklist?
  • Did they ask questions? Do you get empty stares? What feedback are you looking for to ensure they understand you?
  • Talk with coworkers about what it is like giving a briefing.
  • Did they take notes? What kind of information would you like to see people write down?
  • Did they repeat information back? What other ways can you identify that your briefing is understood?
  • Did you give all the necessary information? How will you ensure that you covered everything necessary?
    • Task
    • Location
    • Communications
    • Hazards
    • Who, when, etc.

It is also important for the firefighter who is receiving instructions to be mindful of the following during the briefing:

  • Did you really listen? What do you do to make yourself pay attention to everything being said?
  • Did you understand the assignment, location, and the nature and location of hazards? Do you expect to figure it out for yourself when you get out there or do you step forward and ask questions?
  • You must know the location of the assignment and:
    • What is to be done.
    • Who you are to report to and how often to report.
    • Expectations for completing the assignment.
    • Hazards.
    • Communication plan frequencies.
    • Weather and fire behavior.
    • Status of adjoining forces.

 

Category
Fire Communication
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, standards briefing checklist.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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.

References:

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

Incident Position Standards and Next Gen Position Task Books Now Available for Dispatch Incident Positions

Date: March 5, 2025
Contact: National Coordination System Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all six Dispatch positions:

  • Aircraft Dispatcher
  • Expanded Dispatch Coordinator
  • Expanded Dispatch Recorder
  • Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher
  • Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher
  • Initial Attack Dispatcher

The Performance Support Packages for these positions, including the Expanded Dispatch Job Aid, J-601 and the Initial Attack and Aircraft Dispatcher Job Aid, J-602, were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Aircraft Dispatcher Position Page 

NWCG Expanded Dispatch Coordinator Position Page 

NWCG Expanded Dispatch Recorder Position Page 

NWCG Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher Position Page 

NWCG Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher Position Page 

NWCG Initial Attack Dispatcher Position Page 

NWCG Job Aids 

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for DMOB, DOCL, and RESL

Date: February 28, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB), Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL), and Resources Unit Leader (RESL).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions, including a job aid for RESL, were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Demobilization Unit Leader Position Page 

NWCG Documentation Unit Leader Position Page 

NWCG Resources Unit Leader Position Page