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Incident Commander Type 5

Position Description

Introduction

The Incident Commander’s responsibility is the overall management of the incident. On most incidents the command activity is carried out by a single Incident Commander.

Duties

  • Demonstrates the ability to apply first aid to stop any bleeding; splints, fractures, care for burns or heat injuries, administer COR and shock control measures.
  • Demonstrates ability to apply business management practices.
  • Properly uses portable or mobile multi-channel radio.
  • Properly uses maps and compass.
  • Inspects hose and accessories for type, size and condition.
  • Properly sets up, operates and maintains pump.
  • Properly starts, operates, and maintains a chain saw in accordance with agency procedures, manufacturer’s recommendations, and safety requirements.
  • Obtains complete information from dispatch upon initial activation.
  • Gathers intelligence.
  • Wildland fire investigation. Records and reports all information that might help in determining fire cause and origin. Designates and protects the area of fire origin.
  • Arrives at incident and checks in. Arrives properly equipped at assigned location within acceptable time limits. Checks in according to agency guidelines.
  • Demonstrates use of NWCG Fireline handbook 410-1.
  • Receives task/assignment and briefing from supervisor.
  • Properly sizes up fire.
  • Demonstrates understanding of how to apply LCES.
  • Briefs subordinates or relief.
  • Keeps assigned personnel informed on a continuing basis about all pertinent information.
  • Inspects assigned personnel and their personal protective equipment.
  • Inspects assigned equipment and supplies.
  • Provides leadership and supervision for members assigned to the incident.
  • Assists with preparation of necessary reports and records.
  • Develops tactics for containment of the fire based upon agency administrator’s briefing, available resources and information gathered during size-up.
  • Serves as lookout, providing all safety related information regarding fire behavior, weather conditions and forecasts to all incident personnel.
  • Performs any safety related duties required by the incident, ensuring the safety, welfare, and accountability of all assigned personnel during the entire period of command.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Look Up, Look Down, Look Around (S-133)
  • Satisfactory performance as a Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss
    AND
  • Satisfactory position performance as an Incident Commander Type 5 on a wildland fire incident

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

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