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Crew Boss, Single Resource

CRWB Incident Position Description

The Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB) leads a hand crew and is responsible for its safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The CRWB supervises assigned crew members and reports to a Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR), Task Force Leader (TFLD), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The CRWB works in the Operations functional area.​

Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual and crew readiness.
  • Prepare crew for readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Prior to mobilization, confirm crew meets English language/crew language requirements.    
  • Travel to and check-in at assignment.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of crew, equipment, and vehicles.
  • Ensure that IAP or relevant plan lists correct crew status. Report any corrections up chain of command.
  • Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Briefing Checklist.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate performance expectations.
  • Ensure incident objectives and leader’s intent (task, purpose, end state) are met.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Base actions on evolving situational awareness and communicate changes to appropriate personnel.
  • Monitor personnel's daily performance and provide feedback.
  • Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.

Perform Crew Boss-Specific Duties

  • Effectively lead crew operations: Determine appropriate fireline tactics, including indirect and direct attack strategies.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Properly locate fireline and determine appropriate fireline construction methods necessary to stop fire spread. Ensure completion to acceptable standards.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise water handling logistics and operations for crew (e.g., portable pumps, hoses, fold-a-tanks).
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise felling operations, including appropriate snag mitigation.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Prepare control lines for burnout operations.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Plan, direct, and supervise firing operations.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Scout line in critical areas and patrol fireline for spot fires and slopovers. Coordinate and communicate issues with fireline supervisor and adjoining resources.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise mop up and suppression repair efforts on assigned portion of line.
  • Ensure proper refurbishing and resupply of tools, vehicles, food, water, and supplies.
  • Verify driver/operator qualifications and ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures when transporting personnel, fuel, and equipment.
  • Coordinate safe travel to and from the fireline.
  • Assess work area to meet assigned objectives.
  • Develop and implement tactics based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment, and leader's intent.
  • Organize and deploy crew based on current objectives and resource capabilities.
  • Request, direct, and provide feedback to aerial resources through established chain of command.
  • Provide status updates on conditions affecting operations, hazardous conditions, unresolved conflicts, air operations, etc., to supervisor.
  • Report special occurrences (e.g., structure/improved property loss or damage, accidents, sickness) to supervisor.
  • Through established chain of command, assist the responsible land management agency and/or assigned Resource Advisor (READ), with the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.
  • Equip crew with appropriate short and long-term logistical needs for assignment and utilize correct procedures to obtain additional supplies.
  • Gather and/or disseminate information using maps, compass, Global Position System (GPS), and other tools and applications.
  • Assign personnel to collect, document, and report weather observations.
  • Provide timely updates of accurate information and recommendations using the chain of command to assist with the planning process.

Perform Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Duties

  • Conduct WUI operations according to guidelines stated in the IRPG, incident-specific objectives and guidelines, and agency-specific guidance.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.    
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following: support resources, adjacent resources, and supervisor.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Use Look Up, Down, and Around in IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly.
  • Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points.
  • Provide input into the risk management process to ensure safety of operations.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.
  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the IRPG.
  • Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are in place.
  • Plan for medical emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan.
  • Manage a medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, IRPG, Medical Incident Report, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire First Aid, PMS 560, or other relevant guidelines.

Document

  • Complete all administrative tasks and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.
  • Depart from incident.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
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References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

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