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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

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

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