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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
Listed in 310-1
Yes

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Professional Reading Program

Date: February 18, 2025
Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program is announcing the 2025 Professional Reading list! The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the books throughout the year.

The five books chosen for this year are: Surf When You Can by Brett Crozier, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke, Simply Managing by Henry Mintzberg, and Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Metcalf.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Task Group Volunteers Needed to Update the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289

Date: February 5, 2025
Contact: Julie Bennett, Incident Business Committee Chair

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) is requesting volunteers for a new task group to revise the 1981 version of the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289 and create an incident replacement job aid. The volunteers may be recruited from within or outside the Geographic Area Incident Business Committees.

References:

IBC Memorandum 25-02

IBC Correspondence

2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: February 4, 2025
Contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. 

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) are also included.  

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

NWCG Memo: 2025-01 January 2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01