FFT1: Firefighter Type 1 - Squad Boss (Sample)

The Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) leads assigned personnel (usually seven or fewer) to accomplish established mission objectives in a rapidly changing, high-risk wildland fire environment. The FFTI reports to the Crew Boss (CRWB) or other Single Resource Boss. Knowledge, skills, abilities, duties, and responsibilities are:

Mobilize and Perform Initial Position Duties

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and/or obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
• Assemble local maps, pocket cards, and other pertinent materials.

Build the Organization

• Assemble assigned personnel and equipment. Inspect and ensure readiness; qualifications; personal protective equipment (PPE); radios; tools and equipment.
• Organize assigned resources based on Incident Command System principles and Incident Action Plan (IAP) objectives.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
• Establish and communicate: command channels; reporting procedures; risk management processes; radio frequency management.
• Brief personnel using the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) Briefing Checklist.

Lead, Supervise, and Direct

• Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.
• Know your skill level and limitations.
• Establish objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.
• Operate using Incident Command System principles, including command chain and terminology.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to inform decisions and actions.
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to subordinates and supervisor.

Accomplish FFT1 Objectives

• Accurately navigate to assigned area or responsibility and perform initial reconnaissance.
• Size up fire using IRPG briefing checklist.
• Develop appropriate tactics based on incident strategy, objectives, and leader's intent.
• Determine fireline location and construction methods. Follow IRPG fireline location guidance.
• Organize, utilize, and deploy resources for maximum effectiveness:
  • Personnel
  • Hand tool & power tool mix
  • Water handling equipment
  • Firing/ignition devices
  • Motorized equipment
  • Weather monitoring devices
• Request additional resources as needed.
• Maintain high situational awareness of fuels, terrain, weather, and fire behavior. Base decisions and actions on this information.
• Establish and implement LCES.
• Lead low complexity firing operations:
  • Establish priorities. Identify hazards and fire-sensitive areas.
  • Establish and/or review ignition/firing plan (verbal or written). Base plan on objectives and on fuel, weather, and fire behavior conditions.
  • Select and deploy appropriate ignition devices.
  • Consult supervisor on “Go/No-Go” decision.
  • Implement test fire. Coordinate with supervisor to ensure objectives can be met.
  • Evaluate ignition/firing activities and modify as needed.
• Lead fireline patrols and mop-up operations

Communicate and Coordinate

• Communicate and coordinate with pertinent individuals to accomplish objectives. Ensure relevant information is exchanged during briefings and debriefings.
• Follow established processes and command channels for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication with subordinates and supervisor.
• Apprise supervisor of: work progress; resource status; changes from assignment; changing conditions; hazards.
• Conduct or participate in After Action Reviews.
• Use radios effectively: clear text; radio discipline; ICS terminology; change of location to improve reception/transmission; emergency traffic protocols.

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process stated in the IRPG.
• Recognize changing conditions that warrant risk reassessment, and take action.
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate unsafe conditions directly, through command channels, or through the Safety Officer.
• Account for personnel location, health, safety, and welfare at all times.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, smoke exposure, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.

Document

• Use the following forms as applicable:
  • Crew Time Report (SF 261)
  • Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS225 or ICS225WF)
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Activity Log (ICS 214)
  • SAFECOM
  • SAFENET
• Report and document accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Document significant risk management and/or safety occurrences.
• Complete agency reporting requirements.

Demobilize

• Receive demobilization instructions from supervisor. Brief subordinates on demobilization procedures and responsibilities.
• Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.

Required Training

• Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130)
• Firefighter Type 1 (S-131)
• Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Position Task Book (PMS 311-14) on a wildfire incident

Note: The Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) PTBs are combined. However, the positions are not combined. The FFT1 tasks are completed only once; additional tasks must be completed to meet the ICT5 level. The FFT1 and ICT5 tasks can be completed simultaneously. The required experience is satisfactory performance as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).

Required Experience

• Satisfactory performance as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)

Physical Fitness Level

Arduous: Duties involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 50 pounds; the pace of work typically is set by the emergency situation.

These Positions Maintain Currency For FFT1

• Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
• Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)
• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
• Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
• Operations Section Chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1)
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
• Single Resource Boss including (CRWB, FIRB, ENGB, FELB, HMGB, HEQB)
• Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEN, STEQ)
• Structure Protection Specialist (STPS)
• Task Force Leader (TFLD)

FFT1 Maintains Currency For These Positions

• Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
• Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
• Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

• Firing Operations (S-219)
• Portable Pumps and Water Use (S-211)
• Wildland Fire Chain Saws (S-212)

Placeholder for potential update/improvements to certification information in 310-1, including alignment with updated NIMS-NQS Qualification/Certification/Credentialing direction.

The Forest Service and Department of Interior are enabled by Administratively Determined Pay Plans (AD Pay Plans) to hire persons for temporary duration for the following reasons:

1. To cope with a sudden and unexpected emergency caused by a fire, or extreme fire potential, flood, storm, or any other all-hazard emergency that threatens damage to federally protected property, has the potential to cause loss of life, serious injury, public health risk, or damage to natural or cultural resources unless brought under immediate control.
2. To provide emergency assistance to States under formalized agreements.
3. To meet mission assignments issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Business Committee (IBC) reviews positions annually and establishes pay rate classifications for each position.

For more information on the AD Pay Plans, go to