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Fire Behavior Analyst

FBAN Incident Position Description

The Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) is responsible for collecting weather, fuels, and other relevant localized data to develop strategic and tactical fire behavior information, predict fire growth, and interpret fire characteristics for use by incident personnel. The FBAN performs on wildland fire incidents and may also be asked to provide analysis and products for prescribed fire projects. The FBAN may provide leadership for Incident Meteorologists (IMETs), other assigned FBANs, Fire Effects Monitors (FEMOs), Air Resource Advisors (ARAs), and Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) Technicians. The FBAN reports to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) or Planning Section Chief (PSC) and works in the Planning 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.
  • Gather situational awareness about the fire environment.
  • Travel to an assignment and check in at the Incident Command Post (ICP).
  • Obtain in-brief from incident leadership.

Build the Team

  • Provide leadership and ensure collaboration with assigned resources.

Perform Fire Behavior Analyst-Specific Duties

  • Collect, assess, and monitor weather information.
  • Evaluate fuel conditions and topography for potential influences on fire behavior.
  • Use modeling programs to develop fire behavior outputs and products for support of tactical decision making.
  • Interpret and communicate fire behavior model outputs in a way that supports short-term tactical operations and safety.
  • Create Fire Behavior Forecasts.
  • Provide fire behavior briefings to key audiences.
  • Provide feedback on firing plans and burn operations.
  • Monitor fire behavior to validate projections and forecasts.
  • Create and preserve all required fire behavior documentation.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Anticipate, communicate, and mitigate potential impacts to personnel and the team.

Document

  • Complete all required administrative tasks and documentation.

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.

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Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
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.

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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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