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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

2024 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2024
Contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee 

As we approach the 2024 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30 to July 6, we dedicate this time to thoughtfully reviewing and recognizing the events of the 2018 Mendocino Complex. As such, this year’s theme of “Learning From the Mendocino Complex” embodies a longstanding hallmark of WOR, honoring through learning.

Throughout the week, our energy will be directed toward fostering generative conversations in briefing rooms and at tailgates.

References:

6 Minutes for Safety - 2024 Week of Remembrance

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Updated NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236

Date: June 24, 2024
Contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee 

The June 2024 update of the NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236, is now available to meet the current needs for incident management typing.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment should be used to evaluate firefighter safety issues, assess risk, and identify the appropriate incident management organization based on incident complexity. Assessing risk, determining incident complexity, and identifying an appropriate incident management organization is a subjective process based on examining a combination of indicators or factors, which can change over time.

References:

NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236

Operations Branch Director (OPBD) Next Gen PTB Available

Date: June 10, 2024
Contact: NWCG Feedback 

The NWCG Position Task Book for Operations Branch Director (OPBD), PMS 311-109 is now available for use within the OPBD position qualification pathway. As part of the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), the OPBD Next Gen PTB was developed and the position qualification pathway updated.

More information about the Next Gen PTB format can be found on the NWCG Position Task Book webpage.

References:

Operations Branch Director Position Page

Operations Branch Director Next Gen PTB

NWCG Position Task Books

Updated NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902

Date: June 5, 2024
Contact: NWCG Incident Business Committee 

The 2024 revision of the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902 is now available. The uniform application of interagency incident business management standards is critical to interagency fire operations. PMS 902 assists NWCG agencies in constructively working together to provide effective execution of each agency's incident business management program.

References:

PMS 902