**Chapter 13**

**Firefighter Training and Qualifications**

**Introduction**

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) sanctioned firefighters are
trained and qualified according to the NWCG and other standards, as
outlined below.

**Policy**

Firefighters must meet standards identified in the NWCG publication *PMS
310-1 National* *Interagency Incident Management System Wildland Fire
Qualifications System* *Guide.* The 310-1 may be found at
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/docs/docs.htm

-   ***FS -** See* *FSH 5109.17 for additional requirements.*

Certain firefighters must meet standards identified in the *Interagency
Fire* *Program Management Qualifications Standards and Guide*. The
*Interagency Fire Program Management Qualification Standards and Guide*
may be found at http://www.ifpm.nifc.gov

Agency standards for training and qualifications may exceed the minimum
standards established by National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
Such additional standards will be approved by the Fire Directors, and
implemented through the Incident Qualifications and Certification System
(IQCS). Standards which may exceed the minimum standards established by
NWCG are identified in:

-   ***BLM -** BLM Fire and Aviation Training Information Job Aid which
    can be found at :
    http://www.blm.gov/nifc/st/en/prog/fire/training/fire_training/publications/job_aid.html*

-   ***FWS -*** *The Fire Management Handbook.*

-   ***FS -*** *The FSH 5109.17. AD hires sponsored by the Forest
    Service will meet FSH 5109.17 position qualification standards.*

-   ***NPS -** L380 Fireline Leadership is recommended training for
    single* *resource bosses; L-381 Incident Leadership is recommended
    training for RXB1.*

**Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS)**

The Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) is the fire
qualifications and certification record keeping system. The Responder
Master Record report provided by the IQCS meets the agency requirement
for maintaining fire qualification records. The system is designed to
provide managers at the local, state/regional, and national levels with
detailed qualification, experience, and training information needed to
certify employees in wildland fire positions. The IQCS is a tool to
assist managers in certification decisions. However, it does not replace
the manager's responsibility to validate that Employees meet all
requirements for position performance based on their agency standards.

A hard copy file folder will be kept for each employee. The contents
will include, but are not limited to: training records for all agency
required courses, evaluations from assignments, position task book
verification, yearly updated IQCS forms, and the Responder Master Record
(RPTC028) from IQCS. All records will be stored and/or destroyed in
accordance with agency policies.

-   ***BLM -** These policies can be found at*
    *http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/regulations/combined_record_schedules.html*

**Certification of Non-Agency Personnel**

Non-agency firefighters will be certified by state or local fire
departments, or private training providers are approved by a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) through their local GACC. Agencies will not
assist in the administration, or sponsor the Work Capacity Test (WCT),
as the certifying agency.

**Incident Qualification Card**

The agency administrator (or delegate) is responsible for annual
certification of all agency and Administrative Determined (AD) personnel
serving in wildland and prescribed fire positions. Agency certification
is issued annually in the form of an Incident Qualification Card
(formerly the Red Card) certifying the individual is qualified to
perform in a specified position. The Incident Qualification Card must be
reviewed for accuracy and signed by the agency administrator or
delegated official. The agency administrator, fire manager, and
individual are responsible for monitoring medical status, fitness,
training, performance, and for taking appropriate action to ensure the
employee meets all position performance requirements.

Training, medical screening, and successful completion of the
appropriate WCT must be properly accomplished. All Incident
Qualification Cards issued to agency employees, with the exception of
Emergency Firefighter (EFF-paid or temporary employees at the FFT2
level), will be printed using the IQCS. Incident Qualification Cards
issued to EFF or temporary employees at the FFT2 level may be printed at
the local level without use of the IQCS.

Each agency will designate employees at the national, regional/state,
and local levels as Fire Qualifications Administrators, who ensure all
incident experience, incident training, and position Task Books for
employees within the agency are accurately recorded in the IQCS. All
records must be updated annually or modified as changes occur.

-   ***NPS -** Certification for Area Command and Type 1 Command and
    General Staff (C&GS) position task books will be done at the
    national office level; Type 2 C&GS and FUM1 position task books, and
    any position task books issued to park fire management officers will
    be certified at the regional office level. All other position task
    books may be certified at the local unit level.*

**Incident Qualifications Card Expiration Dates**

Red Card positions requiring Work Capacity Tests (WCT) are valid through
the fitness expiration date listed on the card. Incident Qualification
Card positions that do not require WCT for issuance are valid for 12
months from the date the card was signed by a certifying official.

**Universal Training Requirements**

All personnel filling Incident Command System (ICS) positions on the
fireline must have completed:

-   S-130 Firefighter Training

-   S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

-   L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline

-   I-100 Introduction to ICS

-   ***NPS -** It is NPS policy that two or more assignments be
    accomplished after completing a Position Task Book, and receiving
    certification, before an individual begins movement to the next
    higher level. It is also NPS policy* *to require two or more
    qualified assignments be accomplished in a* *position before an
    individual may become a position performance* *evaluator. Exceptions
    to this should be rare and well* *founded. The only* *exceptions to
    this policy are unit leader positions leading to Planning* *Section
    Chief, Logistics Section Chief, or Finance Section Chief.
    Subordinate unit leader positions require a minimum of one
    assignment after the PTB completion and position certification.*

-   ***FS -** Forest Service direction is found in FSH 5109.17.*

**Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training**

Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training is required for all positions
as identified in the *Wildland Fire Qualifications System Guide* (NWCG
310-1) Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training must include the
following core topics

-   **Avoiding Entrapments -** Use training and reference materials to
    study the risk management process as identified in the Incident
    Response Pocket Guide as appropriate to the participants, e.g.,
    LCES, Standard Firefighting Orders, Eighteen Watch Out Situations,
    Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) direction, Fire Management
    Plan priorities, etc.

-   **Current Issues -** Review and discuss identified "hot topics" as
    found on the current Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher
    (WFSTAR) website. Review forecasts and assessments for the upcoming
    fire season and discuss implications for firefighter safety.

-   **Fire Shelter -** Review and discuss last resort survival including
    escape and shelter deployment site selection. Conduct "hands-on"
    fire shelter inspections. Practice shelter deployments in applicable
    crew/module configurations. No "live fire" exercises for the purpose
    of fire shelter deployment training will be conducted.

-   **Other Hazards and Safety Issues -** Choose additional hazard and
    safety subjects, which may include SAFENET, current safety alerts,
    site/unit specific safety issues and hazards.

These core topics must be sufficiently covered to ensure that personnel
are aware of safety concerns and procedures and can demonstrate
proficiency in fire shelter deployment. The minimum refresher training
hour requirements for each agency is identified below. Training time may
be extended in order to effectively complete this curriculum or to meet
local training requirements.

The Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training course (RT-130) is not a
self-study course. Minimum requirements have been established for
instructors for Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training. These
requirements will ensure that an appropriate level of expertise and
knowledge is available to facilitate refresher training exercises and
discussions.

-   Lead instructors must be a qualified single resource boss.

-   Unit instructors must be qualified firefighter type one (FFT1).

-   Adjunct instructors may be utilized to provide limited instruction
    in specialized knowledge and skills at the discretion of the lead
    instructor. They must be experienced, proficient and knowledgeable
    of current issues in their field of expertise.

For additional information please refer to the September 2007 *NWCG
Field Manager's Course Guide* (PMS 901-1) at
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/training/fmcg.pdf.

-   ***BLM -** 4 hours*

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-   ***FWS -*** *No minimum hourly requirement; core topics as shown
    above will be covered.*

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-   ***NPS -** 8 hours*

-   ***FS -** No minimum time requirement. Content dictated by National
    Fire Program Managers.*

Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training will have a 12-month currency.
Firefighters who receive initial fire training are not required to take
Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training in the same calendar year. A
web site, http://www.nifc.gov/wfstar/index.htm, titled *Wildland Fire
Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)* is available to assist in
this training.

-   ***BLM -** The "Do What's Right" training is required annual
    training but is* *not a perquisite for issuance of a Incident
    Qualification Card.*

Entrapment avoidance and deployment protocols are identified in the
*Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) (PMS No. 461/NFES No.1077)*. The
guide contains a specific "Risk Management Process" and "Last Resort
Survival Checklist".

An *IRPG* will be issued to every fireline supervisor.

**Qualification and Certification Process**

Each unit with fire management responsibilities will establish an
Incident Qualification Card qualification and certification process. In
areas cooperating with other federal, state, or local agencies, an
interagency qualification and certification committee should include
representatives from each unit. These qualification and certification
committees provide management oversight and review of the wildland and
prescribed fire positions under their jurisdiction. The committee also:

-   Ensures that qualifications generated by IQCS or other agency
    systems for employees are valid by reviewing the training and
    experience of each employee.

-   Determines whether each employee possesses the personal
    characteristics necessary to perform the wildland and prescribed
    fire positions in a safe and efficient manner.

-   Makes recommendations to the appropriate agency administrator or
    designee who is responsible for final certification signature.

-   Develops interagency training needs and sponsors courses that can be
    offered locally.

-   Ensures training nominees meet minimum requirements for attending
    courses.

**Non-NWCG Agency Personnel Qualifications**

Personnel from non-NWCG agencies meeting *NWCG 310-1* prerequisites, can
participate in and receive certificates for successful completion of
agency taught courses. Agency employees can complete the Task Blocks,
Evaluation Record and Verification/ Certification sections of a
cooperating organizations employee Position Task Book. Agency employees
will not initiate or complete the Agency Certification sections of
Position Task Book for non-agency employees.

Personnel from agencies that do not subscribe to the NWCG qualification
standards may be used on agency managed fires. Agency fire managers must
ensure these individuals are only assigned to duties commensurate with
their competencies agency qualifications and equipment capabilities.

**Non-NWCG Agency Personnel Use** **on Prescribed Fire**

For prescribed fires evaluated to have low complexity, the agency and
its local cooperators will jointly agree on qualification requirements.
An agency can also establish its own qualifications for higher
complexity prescribed fires where the resources of other agencies are
not utilized. For prescribed fires which are of moderate complexity or
higher and on which resources of more than one agency are utilized, the
minimum qualifications established in *NWCG 310-1 Wildland Fire System
Qualifications Guide* are required. This guide may be found at:
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/docs/docs.htm

**Physical Fitness**

**Physical Fitness and Conditioning**

Agency administrators are responsible for ensuring the overall physical
fitness of firefighters. Employees serving in wildland fire positions
that require a fitness rating of arduous as a condition of employment
are authorized one hour of duty time each work day for physical fitness
conditioning. Employees serving in positions that require a fitness
rating of moderate or light may be authorized up to three hours per
week.

Fitness conditioning periods may be identified and structured to include
aerobic and muscular exercises. Team sports are not authorized for
fitness conditioning. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 of *Fitness and Work
Capacity, 2nd ed. (1997)* and the FireFit Program
(http://www.nifc.gov/FireFit/index.htm) provide excellent gui*dance
concerning training specifically for the pack test, aerobic fitness
programs, and muscular fitness training.*

-   

-   ***FS -** Forest Service direction is found in FSH 5109.17* *.*
    *NFFE Partnership bargaining unit employees may only be required to
    successfully complete the WCT once per year.*

-   

-   ***FWS - See the Fire Management Handbook for specific direction.***

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-   ***NPS -*** *For health and fitness purposes, those who are
    fire-qualified at less than the Arduous fitness level are not
    required to meet the mandatory fitness program requirements of DO-57
    for wildland fire management. They are strongly encouraged to
    participate in the voluntary fitness program, and must still meet
    physical fitness/work capacity requirements as outlined in Wildland
    Fire Qualifications System Guide (310-1) for positions with Moderate
    and Light fitness requirements.*

**Medical Examinations**

Agency administrators and supervisors are responsible for the
occupational health and safety of their employees performing wildland
fire activities, and may require employees to take a medical examination
at any time.

Established medical qualification programs, as stated in 5 CFR 339,
provide consistent medical standards in order to safeguard the health of
employees whose work may subject them or others to significant health
and safety risks due to occupational or environmental exposure or
demand.

Information on any medical records is considered confidential and must
be kept in the employee's medical file.

-   
-   

**Federal Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification
Standards Program (IMSP)**

The Federal Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification
Standards has been fully implemented by the DOI agencies and continues
to be implemented throughout the FS. Those units who have not yet
implemented the new standards must continue to comply with the current
agency standards as stated under Agency Specific Medical Examinations
section below until implementation of the new standards is accomplished.
Additional information regarding the IMSP can be obtained at
http://www.nifc.gov/medical_standards/.

All permanent, career-seasonal, temporary, Student Career Experience
Program (SCEP) employees, and AD/EFF who participate in wildland fire
activities requiring a fitness level of arduous must participate in the
IMSP at the appropriate level (see Medical Examination Requirements
appendix N) and must be medically cleared prior to attempting the WCT.

Under the IMSP the Health Screen Questionnaire (HSQ) will only be
required for arduous duty AD/EFF hires less than 45 years of age. If the
AD/EFF answers "yes" to a HSQ question and is determined to be "agency
mission critical" (e.g. single resource boss) an annual exam may be
requested through the medical standards program. The HSQ is not required
prior to taking the WCT at the arduous level for all other employment
categories (e.g. permanent, seasonal/temporary, term).

Employees or applicants including AD/EFF, who fail to meet the Federal
Interagency Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Standards as a
permanent, seasonal/temporary, or term employee may not perform as an
AD/EFF for arduous duty positions.

If for any reason, a change in a firefighter's medical status emerges

between yearly exams, and that change prevents the firefighter from
meeting any of the *Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards*, then the
firefighter and his/her supervisor are required to report this change to
the IMSP through the customer service representatives at
<wlffcsr@blm.gov> or call 888-286-2521. Upon receipt of the information,
a determination regarding the firefighter's status will be made e.g.
pending or cleared.

**Agency Specific Medical Examinations**

This section applies only to those units who have not yet implemented
the MSP for arduous duty and for all employees and AD/EFF who
participate in wildland fire activities requiring a fitness level of
moderate or light.

The Health Screen Questionnaire (HSQ) will be utilized as a means to
identify individuals who may be at risk in taking the Work Capacity Test
(WCT) and recommend a medical examination prior to taking the WCT.

If any "Yes" answer is indicated on the HSQ, a medical examination is
required prior to the employee taking the WCT. If there is a known
pre-existing medical condition that is already being monitored under
medical care (e.g., high blood pressure), a medical clearance statement
will be provided by the physician in

lieu of a medical examination prior to taking WCT.

Medical examinations will be performed utilizing the U.S. Civil Service
Commission Certificate of Medical Examination Form, SF-78. Stress EKGs
are not required as part of the medical examination and will only be
approved if recommended and administered by the medical examining
physician. Cost for exams will be borne by the home unit. If medical
findings during exam require further evaluation, then the cost of any
further evaluation or treatment is borne by the employee/applicant.

The examining physician will submit the completed SF-78 (and applicable
supplements) to the employee's servicing human resources office, where
it will be reviewed and retained in the employee's medical file.

-   

-   

-   ***NPS -*** *The law enforcement medical exam for NPS rangers, who
    are* *collateral duty wildland firefighters, will suffice for MSP
    clearance.*

**Health Screen Questionnaire (HSQ)**

Title 5 CFR Part 339 - Medical Qualification Determinations, which
provides a determination of an individual's fitness-for-duty, authorizes
solicitation of this information.

The approved OMB Health Screen Questionnaire (HSQ) may be found a:
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/safety/wct/2006/5100-31.pdf.

The information on the HSQ is considered confidential and once reviewed
by the test administrator to determine if the WCT can be administered,
it must be kept in the employee's medical file (EMF). This file may only
be viewed by Human Resource Management (HRM) or Safety personnel.

-   ***FS -** See Work Capacity Test Implementation Guide, see website:*
    *http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/.*

**Work Capacity Test (WCT) Administration**

The Work Capacity Test (WCT) is the official method of assessing
wildland firefighter fitness levels. General guidelines can be found in
the "*Work Capacity Tests for Wildland Firefighters, Test
Administrator's Guide" PMS 307, NFES 1109*.

WCT Administrators must ensure that WCT participants have been medically
cleared, either through Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification
Standards or agency specific medical examination.

WCTs are administered annually to all employees, including AD/EFF who
will be serving in wildland fire positions that require a fitness level.
The currency for the WCT is 12 months.

The WCT Record (see appendix M) captures information that is covered
under the Privacy Act and should be maintained in accordance with agency
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guidelines.

Administration of the WCT of non-federal firefighters is prohibited for
liability reasons. Potential emergency firefighters who would be hired
under Emergency Hire authority by the agency must be in AD pay status or
sign an agency specific volunteer services agreement prior to taking the
WCT.

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) shall be developed and approved for each
field unit prior to administrating the WCT. See the sample JHA found in
appendix U. Administer the test using the JHA/RA as a briefing guide.

-   ***BLM -*** *A risk assessment shall be developed and approved for
    each field unit prior to administering the WCT. An RA for the WCT
    can be found at:
    http://web.blm.gov/internal/wo-700/wo740/tools/RAWorksheets/
    RAWorksheet_Library.html*

Field units need to prepare a medical response plan (such as ICS-206
form) and evaluate options for immediate medical care and transport and
identify closest emergency medical services. A minimum of a qualified
EMT must be on site during WCT administration. Based upon your specific
evaluation a higher level of emergency medical qualifications on scene
may be warranted e.g. Paramedic.

Document using the WCT Record (see appendix M). This document must be
retained until the next testing. Units may also be requested to provide
data from these records to assist in the evaluation of the WCT process.

Personnel taking the WCT will only complete the level of testing (Pack,
Field, Walk) required by the highest fitness level identified for a
position on their Incident Qualification Card. To further clarify,
employees shall not take the WCT unless they have an Incident
Qualification Card qualification that requires it, and only at the
fitness level required by that position as identified in the NWCG 310-1
or agency specific guidance or policy.

Test results must also be entered in the IQCS annually to update the
fitness level and date that will appear on the Incident Qualification
Card. Physical fitness dates entered in IQCS will reflect the date the
employee passed the fitness test.

-   
-   

**WCT Retesting**

Those who do not pass the WCT will be provided another opportunity to
retest. Employees will have to wait at least 48 hours before retaking
the WCT. If an employee sustains an injury (verified by a licensed
medical provider) during a test, the test will not count as an attempt.
Once an injured employee has been released for full duty, the employee
will be given time to prepare for the test (not to exceed 4 weeks). The
numbers of retesting opportunities that will be allowed include:

-   Three opportunities for permanent employees required to pass a test
    for duties in the fire program.

-   One opportunity for temporary employees required to pass a test (a
    second chance maybe provided at the discretion of fire management).

-   ***FS -** The Forest Service also uses the WCT as the official
    method of* *assessing wildland firefighter fitness levels. The
    specific direction, Implementation Guide, Health Screen
    Questionnaire, and required* *processes can be found at the
    following web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/.*

**WCT Categories**

The *NWCG Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, 310-1* identifies
fitness levels for specific positions. There are three fitness levels -
Arduous, Moderate, and Light - which require an individual to
demonstrate their ability to perform the fitness requirements of the
position. Positions in the "no fitness level required" category are
normally performed in a controlled environment, such as an incident
base.

-   ***BLM/FWS -** Law Enforcement physical fitness standard is accepted
    as* *equivalent to a "light" WCT work category.*

**Work Capacity Test Categories**

Light Walk Test 1 mile None 16 min.

  ---------------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
  **WCT Category**       **Distance**    **Weight**      **Time**

  **Arduous Pack Test**  3 miles         45 lb           45 min.

  **Moderate Field       2 miles         25 lb           30 min
  Test**                                                 

  **Light Walk Test**    1 mile          None            16 min
  ---------------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------

-   **Arduous -** Duties involve field work requiring physical
    performance with 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 the work typically is set by the
    emergency conditions.

-   **Moderate -** Duties involve field work requiring complete control
    of all physical faculties and may include considerable walking over
    irregular ground, standing for long periods of time, lifting 25 to
    50 pounds, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching.
    Occasional demands may be required for moderately strenuous
    activities in emergencies over long periods of time. Individuals
    usually set their own work pace.

-   **Light -** Duties mainly involve office type work with occasional
    field activity characterized by light physical exertion requiring
    basic good health. Activities may include climbing stairs, standing,
    operating a vehicle, and long hours of work, as well as some
    bending, stooping, or light lifting. Individuals can usually govern
    the extent and pace of their physical activity.

**Minimum Age Requirements for Hazardous Duty Assignments on Federal
Incidents**

Persons under 18 years old will not perform hazardous duties during
wildland fire management operations on federal jurisdictions.

**Engine Modules**

Staffing levels and specific requirements for engine personnel may be
found in Chapter 14, Fire Fighting Equipment.

**Helicopter Modules**

Staffing levels and specific requirements for helicopter personnel may
be found in Chapter 16, Aviation.

**Smokejumpers (SMKJ)**

Smokejumpers provide professional and effective fire suppression, fuels
reduction, and fire management services to help land managers meet
objectives.

**SMKJ Policy**

Smokejumper operations are guided by direction in the *Interagency*
*Smokejumper Operations Guide (ISMOG).*

Each base will comply with smokejumper operations standards. The arduous
duties, specialized assignments, and operations in a variety of
geographic areas require smokejumpers to have uniform training,
equipment, communications, organization, and operating procedures.

**SMKJ Smokejumper Organization**

The operational unit for smokejumpers is "one load." A load is typically
8-20 smokejumpers and varies as per aircraft type.

**SMKJ Coordination & Dispatch**

Smokejumpers are a national resource and are ordered according to
geographic area or national mobilization guides.

**SMKJ Communications**

All smokejumpers carry programmable radios and are proficient in their
use and programming procedures.

**SMKJ Transportation**

Smokejumper retrieval is accomplished by coordinating with the
requesting dispatch center. More detailed information can be found in
the guides mentioned above.

**SMKJ Safety**

All aviation and parachute operations will be accomplished in accordance
with standard operating procedures and regulations.

**SMKJ Training**

To ensure proficiency and safety, smokejumpers complete annual training
that covers aspects of aviation, parachuting, fire suppression tactics,
administrative procedures, and safety, related to the smokejumper
mission and fire operations. The training program for first-year
smokejumpers is four weeks long. Candidates are evaluated to determine:

-   Level of physical fitness

-   Ability to learn and perform smokejumper skills

-   Ability to work as a team member

-   Attitude

-   Ability to think clearly and remain productive in a stressful
    environment

**SMKJ Qualifications**

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **Smokejumper Position**            **Target ICS Qualification**

  Department Managers                 T2 &T1 Command & General Staff,
                                      FUMA

  Spotter                             ICT3, DIVS ATGS, RXB2, SOFR

  Lead Smokejumper                    STLD, TFLD, FOBS

  Smokejumper                         ICT4, CRWB, FIRB

  Rookie Smokejumper                  ICT5, FFT1, FEMO
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

**SMKJ Physical Fitness Standards**

The national minimum standards for smokejumpers are:

-   1.5 mile run in 11:00 minutes or less

-   45 sit-ups

-   25 pushups

-   7 pull-ups

-   110 lb. packout over 3 miles/level terrain/90 minutes

-   Successful completion of the WCT at the arduous level.

**Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC)**

Interagency Hotshot Crews provide an organized, mobile, and skilled hand
crew for all phases of wildfire suppression.

**IHC Policy**

IHC standards provide consistent planning, funding, organization, and
management of the agency IHCs. The sponsoring unit will ensure
compliance with the established standards. The arduous duties,
specialized assignments, and operations in a variety of geographic areas
required of IHCs dictate that training, equipment, communications,
transportation, organization, and operating procedures are consistent
for all agency IHCs.

As per agency policy all IHCs will be managed under the *Standards for
Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations* *(SIHCO).*

-   ***BLM/NPS -** BLM Preparedness Review Checklist #12 (Hotshot Crew)
    supersedes the checklist found in the* *SIHCO.*

**IHC Certification**

Annual certification of IHCs is required prior to being made available
for assignment as an IHC. For certification the crew superintendent
will:

-   Complete an appendix C from the *Standards for Interagency Hotshot
    Crew Operations* with their local FMO and local agency
    administrator.

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-   The extent of the preparedness review required every 12 months will
    be at the discretion of the Fire Management Officer, and crew
    superintendent.

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-   Send the completed appendix C to the local GACC.

**IHC Organization**

Individual crew structure will be based on local needs using the
following standard positions: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent,
Squad Leader, Skilled Firefighter, and Crewmember.

**IHC Availability Periods**

The Crew Superintendent is responsible to inform local supervisor and
the local GACC of any required changes in the crew's typing. IHCs will
be available to meet or exceed availability periods specified in *SIHCO
2001* (Revised 2008).

-   ***BLM -** IHC crewmembers will receive 40 hours of basic or
    refresher training before their first fire assignment in a fire
    season. Refresher training will include, but is not limited to, crew
    safety, risk management, firefighter safety, fire behavior,
    communications, and organization. The final responsibility for crew
    availability will rest with the Superintendent's certification to
    local unit management that all training is complete. The minimum
    tour of availability excluding required training periods for BLM
    IHCs will be 130 calendar days for crews in the lower 48 states and
    90 calendar days for crews in Alaska.*

-   ***NPS/FS -** IHCs follow the* *SIHCO, including minimum tours. In
    some regions, tours may exceed the minimum based on preparedness and
    fuels funding levels, or non-fire funding for these resources.*

**IHC Communications**

IHCs will provide a minimum of five programmable multi-channel radios
per crew as stated in the *SIHCO.*

**IHC Transportation**

Crews will be provided adequate transportation. The number of vehicles
used to transport a crew should not exceed five. All vehicles must
adhere to the certified maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) limitations.

**Other Hand Crews**

**Policy**

All crews must meet minimum crew standards as defined in appendix T as
well as any additional agency, state, or contractual requirements.
Typing will be identified at the local level with notification made to
the local GACC.

**Crew Types**

-   **Agency Crews**

> Agency hand crews consist of qualified agency personnel and are
> organized on a local basis. These crews are designated as Type 2 or
> Type 2 IA.

-   **State Crews**

> State crews are organized under the auspices of individual states.
> These crews may be designated as Type 1, Type 2, or Type 2 IA. These
> crews include organized state inmate crews.

-   **Emergency Firefighter Crews (EFF)**

> These crews are usually Type 2 crews consisting of agency sponsored on
> call personnel who meet the requirements for Type 2 IA or Type 2 as
> defined in appendix T.

-   **Contract Crews**

> These organized crews consist of personnel trained, equipped, and
> certified by a private contractor and must meet the contractual
> specifications as stated in their state or national crew contracts.

-   ***FS -** The FS endorses the National Minimum Standards for crews
    and applies FSH 5109.17 for training requirements.*

**Fire Use Modules**

Information on fire use modules can be found at:
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pubs317/PMS-317.pdf.

-   ***NPS -** The National Park Service has Fire Use Modules. The
    primary mission and priority of the modules is to provide skilled
    and mobile personnel to assist with Wildland Fire Use (WFU) in the
    areas of planning, fire behavior monitoring, ignition, and holding.
    Secondary priorities follow in the order below:*

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-   Support burn unit preparation.

-   Assist with fire effect plot work.

-   Support mechanical hazardous fuel reduction projects.

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-   ***NPS -** As an interagency resource, the modules are available
    nationally throughout the fire season. Each module is comprised of a
    module leader, assistant leader and three to eight module members.
    See the Fire Use Module Operation Guide for specifics. Modules are
    mobilized and demobilized through established ordering channels
    through the GACCs.*

**Agency Certified Positions**

As a supplement to the qualifications system, certain agencies have
identified the additional positions of Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 3
(RXB3) - see Chapter 17; Engine Operator (ENOP) - see Chapter 2; and
Chainsaw Operators and Fallers listed below.

**Chainsaw Operators and Fallers**

The agencies have established the following minimum qualification and
certification process for Chainsaw Operators (Incident Qualification
Card certified as Faller A):

-   Agency employees who are chainsaw operators and fallers must meet
    the standards at the arduous fitness level.

-   Successful completion of S-212, including the field exercise, or
    those portions of S-212 appropriate for Faller A duties.

-   Agency administrator (or delegate) certification of qualifications
    after verification that training is successfully completed.

-   Documentation must be maintained for individuals.

-   The individual tasks required for completion of the "A" Task Book
    and the final evaluation for the "A" level saw operators must be
    verified or signed by a qualified "B or C" level saw operator.

-   The individual tasks required for completion of the "B" Task Book
    must be evaluated by a qualified "B" or "C" level operator. The
    Final Evaluator Verification for "B" level operators must be signed
    by a "C" level saw operator.

-   The individual tasks required for completion of the "C" Task Book
    must be evaluated by a qualified "C" level operator. The Final
    Evaluator Verification for "C" level operators must be signed by a
    state approved "C" level certifier.

-   Each of the states/regions will certify and maintain a list of their
    current "C" class saw operators who they approve to be "C" class
    certifiers.

-   The certification of "C" class certifiers will remain the
    responsibility of the agency administrator or delegate.

-   All fire related (Incident Qualification Carded) saw operation
    qualifications are maintained through the IQCS system and will have
    a currency of five years.

-   ***BLM/NPS -** Position task book found at:
    http://www.fire.blm.gov/training/blmtrng/PDFs/Faller/PTBFallerABC.pdf.*

-   ***FWS -*** *See the Fire Management Handbook for additional
    direction. Information regarding FWS required annual chainsaw
    refresher can be found at: https://fii.fws.gov/nclogon.html.*

-   ***FS -** FS direction can be found in FSH 5109.17 and FSH 6709.11.*

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-   

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-   ***NPS -** Exceptions to the above policy are:*

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-   The individual tasks required for completion of the "B" Task Book
    and the final evaluation for the Class "B" saw operations must be
    verified by a qualified Class "B" or "C" saw operator.

-   The individual tasks required for completion of the "C" Task Book
    and the final evaluation for the Class "C" saw operators must be
    verified by a region approved Class "C" Final Evaluator.

-   Each of the regions will certify and maintain a list of current,
    qualified Class "B" and "C" saw operators, approved as Class "B" or
    "C" Final Evaluators.

-   The certification of "C" class evaluators will remain the
    responsibility of the regional agency administrator or delegate.