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Airtanker Base Manager

ATBM Incident Position Description

The Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM) provides supervision and coordination of airtanker base operations. The ATBM may report to the local aviation manager and/or incident air operations. The ATBM works in the Air Operations functional area.

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Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Brief assigned personnel.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Airtanker Base Manager-Specific Duties

  • Ensure adequate airtanker base staffing.
  • Receive and coordinate aircraft dispatch orders.
  • Oversee delivery of retardant/suppressant products.
  • Oversee airtanker retardant/suppressant mixing, quality assurance, and loading operations.
  • Monitor airtanker fueling operations.
  • Ensure adequate space for ramp operations.
  • Provide contract administration and contractor oversight.
  • Provide for all logistical needs of the base, personnel, and contractors.
  • Ensure completion of end-of-day closure for base facilities.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Establish communications and exchange necessary information with the following: support resources, adjacent resources, supervisor, other Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas.
  • Submit aviation incident/accident reports with pertinent forms (e.g., SAFECOM, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.
  • Conduct After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Ensure base security and manage risk.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.

Document

  • Manage administrative tasks and documentation.

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.

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Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

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Date:  March 13, 2026
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Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

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Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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Leadership Committee

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Date:  March 6, 2026
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Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

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NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

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Date:  March 6, 2026
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NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

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NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video