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Transfer of Command

 

The Incident Command System (ICS) relies on interagency communications between firefighting resources for collaborative fire suppression. This Standard Firefighting Order shows a variety of firefighting resources working together to effectively suppress a wildland fire.

7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces. A bulldozer is on one side of a fire burning in palmetto, and a fire engine and water tender are on the other. A supervisory firefighter is in the middle talking into the radio and gesturing to the bulldozer.

7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces.
 

Read about all 10 Standard Firefighting Orders.

Risks to fireline personnel increase significantly during transfer of command periods regardless of the size or complexity of the incident. There is a high potential for fatalities, serious injuries, or incidents during transfer of command. Be proactive in mitigating the risks by proper implementation of LCES – Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones.

Factors for increased risks to fireline personnel during transition periods include:

  • No or poor briefing of incoming personnel.
  • Lack of fire weather and behavior information, both forecast and observed.
  • Communications: face-to-face briefings may not be possible and radio frequencies may be overextended and/or changing due to the increased demands on the system.
  • Initial attack resources may not have checked in and the Incident Commander (IC) may not be aware of the number, type, and location of all resources.
  • Location of safety zones and escape routes may not be known and communicated to all resources.
  • Not all resources know who is in command.

Mitigation actions to take:

  • Lookouts: post and maintain your own lookouts.
  • Communications: maintain existing communications with your own and adjacent resources, as well as your original supervisor, while you are developing communications with incoming adjacent resources and your new supervisor.
  • Escape routes and safety zones: identify escape routes and ensure incoming resources are aware of their locations; be aware that your original escape routes and safety zones may no longer be accessible due to changing fire behavior or your increased distance from them.
  • Plan for transitions to occur at the morning briefing.
  • Utilize the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Briefing Checklist (inside back cover).

References:

Category
Operational Engagement

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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