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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

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