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Initial Attack Dispatcher

Position Description

Duties

  • Utilizes and maintains forms and records (dispatch logs, flight requests/schedules, resource orders, accounting codes logs, etc.).
  • Demonstrates ability to utilize computers and dispatch applications (weather, situation reports, aviation, resource tracking, and computerized dispatch).
  • Utilizes and interprets maps (topographic maps for navigation).
  • Plots fire locations using coordinate systems.
  • Directs resources to plotted locations.
  • Uses established methods to collect pertinent information and produce intelligence products (daily fire observations, resource status, fire statistics, etc.).
  • Retrieves and distributes intelligence products (spot weather, am/pm forecasts, weather alerts, lighting, fire behavior trends, etc.).
  • Monitors, prioritizes and coordinates radio traffic involving multiple frequencies.
  • Dispatches tactical resources according to hosting agency procedures.
  • Working knowledge of aircraft capabilities, use and safety; cost effective aircraft mission requirements.
  • Identifies hazards and deconflicts airspace (frequency management, TGR, airspace coordination, MOA, MTR, etc.).
  • Plans and implements flight following procedures.
  • Dispatches tactical aircraft (airtankers, smokejumper aircraft, lead planes, air attack platforms, and helicopters).
  • Provides and coordinates logistical support for initial and extended attack.
  • Uses local and national protocol to process off unit requests and travel arrangements.
  • Implements established emergency (non-suppression) dispatch plans (crash rescue, medevac, search and rescue, law enforcement, etc.).
  • Ensures appropriate documentation is completed according to agency policy.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Capable of performing all duties in the initial attack of resources in support of incidents
  • NWCG certified
  • EDSD qualified
  • S-130, Firefighting Training
  • S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
  • Fireline experienced

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053

Date: March 12, 2025
Contact: Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee

The NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 provides mitigation practitioners at all experience levels with recommendations on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish mitigation work in communities at risk to wildfire damage or destruction. The content in this guide was written in coordination with the NWCG Standards for Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface, PMS 052.

References:

NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 

Updated, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Date: March 11, 2025
Contact: Fire Use Subcommittee
Wildland Fire Module Unit

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

NEW! NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514

Date: March 7, 2025
Contact: National Interagency Aviation Committee

The NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating airtankers on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508, and any applicable agency plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Operations, PMS 514