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Engine Boss

Position Description

Duties

  • Identifies tactical capability and limitations of engine.
  • Identifies capability and limitations of assigned personnel.
  • Compares engine attack method alternatives to type of assignment.
  • Applies different types of indirect and direct engine tactics.
  • Knows the capabilities, characteristics, and application techniques of the various fire suppressant agents used, (e.g., wet water, foam, gel, blankets, etc.) in engine operations.
  • Makes specific tactical assignments for engine.
    • Makes assignments based on specific instructions from supervisor.
  • Develops alternatives to primary plan based on the possibility of engine/equipment breakdown or failure.
  • Makes specific assignments to protect structures (residences, barns, garages, outbuildings).
    • Placement of engine, personnel, hose
    • Evaluates and triages structures.
    • Identifies special hazards (propane tanks, power lines, hazardous materials).
    • Structures preparation.
    • Application of chemical agents (foam, gel).
    • Defensible space.
    • Escape/emergency evacuation (cut and run).
    • Refuge/shelter considerations (fire shelter, vehicle, structure).
    • Entrapment avoidance.
    • Water source availability.
  • Checks engine communications systems. Ensure compatibility and operation.
  • Locates water sources and check for volume, cleanliness, and permission from owner to use water source in engine resupply.
  • Sustains water and chemical agent supply for engine assignment.
  • Maintains a supply of water to the fire, particularly on critical areas of the line.
    • Static supply (lakes, hydrants, creeks, folda- tanks, etc.)
    • Mobile supply (water tender shuttle)
    • Obtain engine maintenance schedule and ensure engine is maintained.
  • Coordinates and communicates with various fireline and support personnel required for engine assignment.
  • Identifies and corrects performance deficiencies regarding equipment maintenance, mopup, driving, retardant operations, water source, and supply system.
    • Completes assignment within time frame established by incident action plan.
  • Directs engine operations in accordance with agency/unit standard operating procedures.
  • Attends operational briefings.
  • Receives briefing from supervisor.
  • Develops plan to protect structures.
  • Coordinates and communicates with adjacent forces.
  • Locates and maps water sources.
  • Identifies and corrects performance deficiencies.
  • Ensures engine is maintained.
  • Confirms demobilization instructions with supervisor and brief subordinates.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • S-230, Crew Boss
  • S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
  • Qualified as an FFT1

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, 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 Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, 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 Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

NWCG Risk Management Committee Releases Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has released Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires. As wildland fire respirators are available through several established vendors, wildland fire personnel need to understand regulations and limitations of respirator use in the workplace.

Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

  • Requirements for Respirator Use
  • Voluntary Respirator Use
  • Current Respirator Options
  • Unknown Risks of Respirator Use

This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

NWCG Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed Fire, PMS 420-3

VIDEO: Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smokes Risks

VIDEO: Smoke, Knowing the Risks