NATIONAL

INTERAGENCY 

MOBILIZATION

GUIDE

March 2017

NFES 2092

Geographic Areas
Produced annually by the National Interagency Coordination Center, located at the

National Interagency Fire Center, Boise, Idaho.

__________________________________________________________________

Additional copies of this publication may be ordered from: National Interagency Fire

Center, Great Basin Cache Supply Office, 3833 S, Development Avenue, Boise,

Idaho 83705. Order: NFES #2092. This publication is also available on the 

Internet at www.nifc.gov/news/nicc.html 


Table of Contents

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 10 Objectives, Policy, and Scope of Operation............................................................ 1

Mission Statement....................................................................................................................... 1

Total Mobility ......................................................................................................................... 1

Priorities.................................................................................................................................. 1

Local and Geographic Area Drawdown Levels and National Ready Reserve ....................... 2

Scope of Operation ..................................................................................................................... 3

General.................................................................................................................................... 3

Mobilization/Demobilization...................................................................................................... 4

Work/Rest, Length of Assignment, and Days Off.................................................................. 4

Assignment Extension ............................................................................................................ 5

Single Resource/Kind Extensions........................................................................................... 6

Incident Management Team Extensions................................................................................. 6

Incident Operations Driving ................................................................................................... 6

Initial Attack Definition.......................................................................................................... 7

Resource Mobilization............................................................................................................ 7

Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality ......................................................................................... 8

National Resources..................................................................................................................... 9

Notification of Commitment of National Resources.............................................................. 9

Unable to Fill (UTF) Procedure.............................................................................................. 9

Standard Cubes, Weight, and Gear Policy for all Personnel .................................................. 9

Wildland Fire Weather Forecasts.......................................................................................... 10

Cost Coding .............................................................................................................................. 10

Interagency Fire and Severity Activities............................................................................... 10

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) ................................................................................... 10

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)............................................................................................. 11

National Park Service (NPS) ................................................................................................ 12

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).......................................................................................... 13

Forest Service (FS) ............................................................................................................... 14

National Fire Preparedness Plan ............................................................................................... 15

Why Preparedness Levels are Established............................................................................ 15

Geographic Area Preparedness Levels ................................................................................. 15

Preparedness Level Descriptions.......................................................................................... 15

National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) Organization ...................................... 17
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ii 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

NIFC Directors’ Delegations................................................................................................ 18

Multi-Agency Coordinating Groups (MAC) Organization .................................................. 18

Incident Support Organization (ISO).................................................................................... 19

Expanded Dispatch Organization ......................................................................................... 20

Technical Support................................................................................................................. 20

Administrative Support......................................................................................................... 20

MAC Group Coordinator...................................................................................................... 21

Complexity............................................................................................................................ 21

Example Organizations......................................................................................................... 21

Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example.................................................................... 22

Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example – Complex Incident................................... 23

Mobilization Procedures for Military Assets............................................................................ 24

Established Resource Ordering Process................................................................................ 24

Civilian Support.................................................................................................................... 25

Demobilization Procedures................................................................................................... 25

International Operations........................................................................................................ 26

Ordering Channels.................................................................................................................... 27

Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs) ............................................................... 27

Ordering Procedures............................................................................................................. 28

Non-Incident Related Ordering............................................................................................. 29

Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams.............................................................................................. 31

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Positions....................................................... 31

Overhead Mobilization and Demobilization............................................................................. 31

Interagency Wildland Fire Modules ......................................................................................... 32

Wildland Fire Module Mobilization ..................................................................................... 33

Smokejumpers....................................................................................................................... 33

Helicopter Module ................................................................................................................ 35

Helicopter Rappellers............................................................................................................ 35

Non-Standard Overhead Groups........................................................................................... 36

Communications Coordinator (COMC) ............................................................................... 37

Flight Manager...................................................................................................................... 38

Incident Meteorologist (IMET)............................................................................................. 38

Cache Support Positions....................................................................................................... 39

National Incident Management Teams..................................................................................... 40
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Interagency Incident Management Teams (IMTs) ............................................................... 40

NIMO Incident Management Team Type of Assignments................................................... 42

National Area Command Team ............................................................................................ 43

Incident Support Teams............................................................................................................ 44

National Interagency Buying Teams (BUYT)...................................................................... 44

Administrative Payment Teams (APTs)............................................................................... 45

Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER).............................................................. 47

National Fire Prevention and Education Teams (NFPET) ................................................... 48

Wildland Fire and Aviation Safety Teams (FAST).............................................................. 50

Aviation Safety and Assistance Team (ASAT) .................................................................... 51

Serious Accident Investigation Teams (SAIT)..................................................................... 52

Chapter 30 Crews ....................................................................................................................... 53

Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews........................................................................................... 53

Minimum Crew Standards for National Mobilization.............................................................. 53

Type 1 Crews:........................................................................................................................... 53

Type 2 and Type 2 IA Crews:................................................................................................... 54

Chapter 40 Equipment and Supplies........................................................................................ 55

Equipment/Supplies Mobilization ............................................................................................ 55

Equipment/Supplies Demobilization ........................................................................................ 55

National Interagency Support Cache Ordering Procedures...................................................... 56

NFES Items in Short Supply................................................................................................. 56

Field Office Replenishment During Fire Season.................................................................. 56

Field Office Replenishment Outside of Fire Season............................................................. 56

Incident Replacement of NFES Items................................................................................... 56

Local Unit Incident Replacement: Type 3 and Type 4 Incidents ........................................ 56

Incident to Incident Transfer of Equipment and Supplies.................................................... 57

National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC).................................................................... 57

Radio Ordering...................................................................................................................... 58

Frequency and Radio Demobilization .................................................................................. 58

Incident Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (IRAWS-NFES 005869)................................ 58

Smoke Monitoring Kit, (Kit – Smoke Monitor – E-Sampler, NFES 005840........................... 59

National Contract Mobile Food Services and National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities.... 59

National Contract Mobile Food Service Units...................................................................... 59

National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities Units............................................................... 59
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National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Mobilization .................... 59

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Reassignments................. 60

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Demobilization ................ 60

Engines and Water Tenders...................................................................................................... 60

Engine ICS Typing ............................................................................................................... 60

Water Tender ICS Typing..................................................................................................... 61

Common Additional Needs for Engines and Tenders (Request As Needed)....................... 61

Chapter 50 Aircraft .................................................................................................................... 63

Aircraft Mobilization ................................................................................................................ 63

Initial Attack Load .................................................................................................................... 64

Aircraft Demobilization............................................................................................................ 64

Flight Management Procedures ................................................................................................ 64

National Flight Following Frequency (168.6500 MHz)....................................................... 64

Types of flights:.................................................................................................................... 64

Responsibilities..................................................................................................................... 66

Automated Flight Following (AFF) Requirements and Procedures..................................... 67

Airtankers.................................................................................................................................. 69

Airtanker Use in Optional and Post Season Periods............................................................. 69

Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS).............................................................. 70

Water Scoopers..................................................................................................................... 71

Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs)....................................................................................... 71

Lead Planes and Aerial Supervision Modules (ASM).............................................................. 71

Smokejumper Aircraft .......................................................................................................... 71

Tactical and Reconnaissance Aircraft....................................................................................... 71

Helicopters – Call-When-Needed (CWN)............................................................................ 72

Exclusive Use Contract Helicopters ..................................................................................... 73

Large Transport Aircraft........................................................................................................... 73

Airborne Thermal Infrared (IR) Fire Mapping ......................................................................... 74

Infrared Aircraft........................................................................................................................ 74

Capabilities and Limitations: ................................................................................................ 75

Temporary Flight Restrictions , FAR 91.137 (TFR) ................................................................ 76

Military Training Routes and Special Use Airspace................................................................. 76

Airspace Conflicts..................................................................................................................... 76

FAA Temporary Control Tower Operations............................................................................. 76
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Dedicated Radio Frequencies ................................................................................................... 77

FM, VHF, and UHF Frequencies:......................................................................................... 77

AM Frequencies:................................................................................................................... 77

Chapter 60 Predictive Services.................................................................................................. 79

7-Day Significant Fire Potential Outlook ................................................................................. 79

National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook.............................................................. 79

Fuel and Fire Behavior Advisories........................................................................................... 80

Incident Status Summary (ICS-209)......................................................................................... 81

Required Reporting of Wildland Fires.................................................................................. 81

Interagency Situation Report .................................................................................................... 83

Incident Management Situation Report .................................................................................... 84

Chapter 70 Fire Organization Directory .................................................................................. 85

Fire Directory – Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs)......................................... 85

Fire Directory – National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC)................................... 86

Fire Directory – Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC)...................................... 87

Fire Directory – Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC)............................................... 88

Fire Directory – Great Basin Coordination Center (GBCC) ................................................ 89

Fire Directory – Northern California (ONCC) ..................................................................... 90

Fire Directory – Northern Rockies Coordination Center (NRCC)....................................... 91

Fire Directory – Northwest Area Coordination Center (NWCC)......................................... 92

Fire Directory – Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (RMCC)............................... 93

Fire Directory – Southern Area Coordination Center (SACC)............................................. 94

Fire Directory – Southern California Coordination Center (OSCC) .................................... 95

Fire Directory – Southwest Area Coordination Center (SWCC).......................................... 96

Fire Directory – National Interagency Support Caches (NISC)........................................... 97

Fire Directory – Canada – Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).................... 98

Chapter 80 Forms....................................................................................................................... 99

Resource Order Form................................................................................................................ 99

Mobile Food & Shower Service Request Form...................................................................... 101

Passenger and Cargo Manifest Form...................................................................................... 102

Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule Form.................................................................................. 104

Hazard Analysis and Dispatch/Aviation Manager Checklist.................................................. 105

Infrared Aircraft Scanner Request Form................................................................................. 106

FAA Temporary Tower Request Form................................................................................... 107
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vi 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Preparedness/Detail Request Form......................................................................................... 108

Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) Form ............................................................................. 109

Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory Template .......................................................................... 113

Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality Initial Report Form......................................................... 114

Documentation of Length of Assignment Extension Requirements Form............................. 116

Appendix: Acronym Guide ...................................................................................................... 118

Index........................................................................................................................................... 121
Objectives, Policy, and Scope of Operation Chapter 10

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 1

CHAPTER 10

OBJECTIVES, POLICY, AND SCOPE OF OPERATION

Mission Statement

The principal mission of the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) at the National 

Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is the cost effective and timely coordination of land management 

agency successful emergency response for wildland fire. As a partner in the National Response 

Framework (NRF) and as interagency cooperators, we will also meet the requirements of 

all-hazard incidents as directed by the NRF or Presidential and Secretarial direction. This is 

accomplished through planning, situation monitoring, and expediting resource orders between 

the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Areas, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) States, National 

Association of State Foresters (NASF), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Regions, Forest Service 

(FS) Regions, National Park Service (NPS) Regions, National Weather Service (NWS) Regions, 

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regions through the United States Fire 

Administration (USFA) and other cooperating agencies.

The National Interagency Mobilization Guide identifies standard procedures which guide the 

operations of multi-agency logistical support activity throughout the coordination system. This 

Guide is intended to facilitate interagency dispatch coordination, ensuring the timeliest and cost 

effective incident support services available are provided. It is designed to accommodate 

amendments as needed and will be retained as current material until amended. Local 

Mobilization Guides should be used to supplement the National Interagency Mobilization Guide. 

Geographic Areas will provide NICC two (2) copies of their Mobilization Guide and will 

provide amendments as issued.

Total Mobility

Positioning and utilizing resources to meet existing and anticipated incident, preparedness, 

severity, and wildland and prescribed fire needs regardless of geographic location or agency 

affiliation.

Priorities

When competition for wildland fire resources occurs among Geographic Areas, the National 

Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC) at NIFC will establish national priorities and 

confirm drawdown levels.

When requested, Geographic Areas will establish priorities for their incidents and wildland fires 

and report them to NICC. 

The single overriding suppression priority is the protection of human life – both, that of our 

firefighters and of the public.

In setting national priorities and drawdown levels, the following criteria will be considered:

• Protecting communities and community infrastructure, other property and improvements, and 

natural and cultural resources.

• Maintaining initial action capability.

• Limiting costs without compromising safety.

• Meeting agency suppression objectives.

• Support to National Response Framework (NRF) tasking’s.
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Local and Geographic Area Drawdown Levels and National Ready Reserve

Drawdown is the predetermined number and type of suppression resources that are required to 

maintain viable initial attack (IA) capability at either the local or geographic area. Drawdown 

resources are considered unavailable outside the local or Geographic Area for which they have 

been identified. Drawdown is intended to ensure adequate fire suppression capability for local 

and/or Geographic Area managers, and enable sound planning and preparedness at all 

management levels.

Although drawdown resources are considered unavailable outside the local or geographic area 

for which they have been identified, they may still be reallocated by the Geographic Area or 

National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) to meet higher priority obligations.

Local drawdown is established by the local unit and/or the local MAC group and implemented 

by the local dispatch office. The local dispatch office will notify the Geographic Area 

Coordination Center (GACC) of local drawdown decisions and actions.

Geographic area drawdown is established by the Geographic Area Multi-Agency Coordination 

Group (GMAC) and implemented by the GACC. The GACC will notify the local dispatch 

offices and the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) of Geographic Area drawdown 

decision and actions.

National Ready Reserve (NRR) is a means by which the NMAC identifies and readies specific 

categories, types and quantities of fire suppression resources in order to maintain overall national 

readiness during periods of actual or predicted national suppression resource scarcity.

NNR implementation responsibilities are as follows:

• NMAC establishes National Ready Reserve requirements by resource category, type and 

quantity. 

• NICC implements NMAC intent by directing individual GACCs to place specific categories, 

types, and quantities of resources on National Ready Reserve.

• GACCs direct local dispatch centers and/or assigned IMTs to specifically identify resources 

to be placed on National Ready Reserve. 

• NICC mobilizes National Ready Reserve resources through established ordering channels as 

necessary.

National ready reserve resources must meet the following requirements:

• May be currently assigned to ongoing incidents;

• Must be able to demobilize and be en route to the new assignment in less than 2 hours;

• Resources must have a minimum of 7 days left in 14 day rotation (extensions will not be 

factored in this calculation);

• May be assigned to incidents after being designated ready reserve, in coordination with 

NICC; and

• Designated ready reserve resources may be adjusted on a daily basis.

NMAC will adjust ready reserve requirements as needed. Furthermore, in order to maintain 

national surge capability, the NMAC may retain available resources within a Geographic Area, 

over and above the established Geographic Area drawdown level.
Objectives, Policy, and Scope of Operation Chapter 10

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 3

Scope of Operation

General

National Response Framework (NRF)

The National Response Framework (NRF) provides a comprehensive, national, all-hazards 

approach to domestic incident management across a spectrum of activities including prevention, 

protection, mitigation and recovery. The NRF identifies the Forest Service as the Primary and 

Coordinating agency for implementing the Emergency Support Function (ESF) #4, Firefighting 

with the scope of coordinating firefighting activities and providing personnel, equipment, and 

supplies in support of State, Tribal and local agencies involved in wildland, rural and urban 

firefighting operations. The NRF also identifies Department of Interior (DOI) as Primary

Agency, along with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), for implementing ESF 

#11, Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Forest Service and Department of Interior also have 

Support Agency responsibilities under all 15 Emergency Support Functions.

Activities will be accomplished utilizing established dispatch coordination concepts. The 

affected Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) will coordinate ordering points with 

Regional Response Coordination Centers (RRCC) and Joint Field Offices (JFO). As necessary, it 

will pass on to NICC at Boise, Idaho for national response and logistical support when 

Geographic Area resources are fully committed. In the event of national level shortages or 

unavailability, the National Response Coordination Centers (NRCC) through the ESF #4 Desk in 

Washington, DC will pursue resolution of such shortages. Requests that originate from the 

NRCC will be processed through the Virginia Interagency Coordination Center (VICC) in 

Roanoke, Virginia.

Situation and damage assessment information will be transmitted through established fire 

suppression intelligence channels.

In most cases, federal agencies, when requested to support the NRF, will provide base eight 

salaries for permanent employees. FEMA will reimburse overtime, travel, and per diem costs for 

all employees. Base eight salaries may be reimbursed for temporary, Administratively 

Determined, (AD) and State employees mobilized to assist.

Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)

Requests for support from foreign countries other than those countries with which the 

Departments of Agriculture and Interior have agreements (Canada and Mexico) and 

arrangements (Australia and New Zealand) will come to NIFC from the Forest Service 

International Programs’ Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP) through the U.S. Agency 

for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). OFDA has the 

responsibility to coordinate the U.S. Government’s response to international disasters. Refer to 

the International Emergency Assistance Response Process, Operating Plan for USDA Forest 

Service.
Chapter 10 Objectives, Policy, and Scope of Operation

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Mobilization/Demobilization

NICC will coordinate the movement of all resources across Geographic Area dispatch 

boundaries not covered by local operating plans or other direction found in this Guide. When it is 

reasonable to expect containment prior to the next operational period, dispatch centers at the 

local level should coordinate directly if the resources are used for initial attack on adjacent 

jurisdictions. If it becomes evident the incident will not be contained during the first operational 

period, resources mobilized will be ordered through established ordering channels.

Resource mobilization and reassignments between Northern California Operations and Southern 

California Operations do not require resource orders through NICC.

Units responding to NICC requests are responsible for ensuring the resources dispatched meet 

the criteria specified in this Guide and/or the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) 

Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1). 

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1

Work/Rest, Length of Assignment, and Days Off

To maintain safe and productive incident activities, incident management personnel must 

appropriately manage work and rest periods, assignment duration and shift length for all incident 

personnel.

To assist in mitigating fatigue, days off are allowed during and after assignments. If necessary to

reduce fatigue, the Type 1/2 Incident Commander (IC) or Agency Administrator (AA) (incident 

host or home unit) may provide time off supplementary to mandatory days off requirements. 

For Type 3 – 5 incidents, paid days off should be the exception. However, if necessary, the 

Agency Administrator (incident host or home unit) may authorize day(s) off with pay.

The IC or AA authority to grant a day off with pay lies within 5 USC 6104, 5 CFR 610.301-306, 

and 56 CG Decision 393 (1977).

Work/Rest Guidelines

Work/Rest Guidelines should be met on all incidents. Plan for and ensure all personnel are 

provided a minimum 2:1 work/rest ratio (for every 2 hours of work or travel, provide 1 hour of 

sleep and/or rest).

Work shifts that exceed 16 hours and/or consecutive days that do not meet the 2:1 work/rest ratio 

should be the exception, and no work shift should exceed 24 hours. However, in situations where 

this occurs, for example, initial attack, incident management personnel will resume 2:1 work/rest 

ratio as quickly as possible.

The intent of the guidelines is to manage fatigue and provide flexibility for ICs and AAs 

managing initial attack, extended attack, and large fires. The guidelines are designed to ensure 

that for every 2 hours of work or travel, 1 hour of time off should be provided within a 24-hour 

period. It does not matter when the 24-hour period starts; all time recorded on the clock is 

counted as hours of work; time off the clock is counted as hours of rest, including meal breaks.

The IC or AA must justify work shifts that exceed 16 hours and those that do not meet 2:1 

work/rest ratio. Justification will be documented in the daily incident records. Documentation 

shall include mitigation measures used to reduce fatigue.
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The Work/Rest Guidelines do not apply to aircraft pilots assigned to an incident. Pilots must 

abide by applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, or agency policy if more 

restrictive.

Length of Assignment

Assignment Definition: An assignment is defined as the time period (days) between the first full 

operational period at the first incident or reporting location on the original resource order and 

commencement of return travel to the home unit.

Length of Assignment: Standard assignment length is 14 days, exclusive of travel from and to 

home unit.

Time spent in staging and preposition status counts toward the 14 day limit, regardless of 

pay status, for all personnel, including Incident Management Teams.

Days Off: After completion of a 14 day assignment and return to the home unit, two (2) 

mandatory days off will be provided (2 after 14) (State regulations may preclude authorizing this 

for State employees). Days off must occur on the calendar days immediately following the return 

travel in order to be charged to the incident (5 U.S.C. 6104, 5 CFR 610. 301-306, and 56 Comp. 

Gen. Decision 393 (1977)). If the next day(s) upon return from an incident is/are a regular work 

day(s), a paid day(s) off will be authorized.

Pay entitlement, including administrative leave, for a paid day(s) off cannot be authorized on the 

individual’s regular day(s) off at their home unit. Agencies will apply holiday pay regulations, as 

appropriate. A paid day off is recorded on home unit time records according to agency 

requirements.

Casuals (ADs) and contract resources are not entitled to paid day(s) off upon release from the 

incident or at their point of hire.

Home unit Agency Administrators may authorize additional day(s) off with compensation to 

further mitigate fatigue. If authorized, home unit program funds will be used.

All length of assignment rules apply to aviation resources, including aircraft pilots 

(notwithstanding the FAA and agency day off regulations).

Assignment Extension

Prior to assigning incident personnel to back-to-back assignments, their health, readiness, and 

capability must be considered. The health and safety of incident personnel and resources will not 

be compromised under any circumstances. Personnel should anticipate the possibility of an 

extension when taking an assignment to Alaska.

Assignments may be extended when:

• Life and property are imminently threatened,

• Suppression objectives are close to being met, or

• Replacement resources are unavailable or have not yet arrived.
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6 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Upon completion of the standard 14 day assignment, an extension of up to an additional 14 days 

may be allowed (for a total of up to 30 days, inclusive of mandatory days off and exclusive of 

travel).

Contracts, Incident Blanket Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) and Emergency Equipment Rental 

Agreements (EERAs) should be reviewed for appropriate pay requirements and length of 

assignment. If the contract, I-BPA or EERAs do not address this, the Incident 

Finance/Administration Section Chief or the procurement official should be consulted as to 

whether compensation for a day off is appropriate.

Single Resource/Kind Extensions

The Section Chief or Incident Commander will identify the need for assignment extension and 

will obtain the affected resource’s concurrence. The Section Chief and affected resource will 

acquire and document the home unit supervisor’s approval.

The Incident Commander approves the extension. If a convened Geographic or National MultiAgency Coordinating Group (GMAC/NMAC) directs, the Incident Commander approves only 

after GMAC/NMAC concurrence. 

If the potential exists for reassignment to another incident during the extension, the home unit 

supervisor and affected resource will be advised and must concur prior to reassignment.

Incident Management Team Extensions

IMT extensions are to be negotiated between the Agency Administrator, the Incident 

Commander and the sending and hosting GACC/GMAC. NMAC approval is required for Type 1 

IMTs and Area Commands.

NMAC, at any time, can request a geographic area to utilize an out of geographic area IMT 

(planned replacement need), in order to maintain currency for an IMT that has not had an 

assignment.

The Assignment Extension Form can be found in Chapter 80.

Incident Operations Driving

These standards address driving by personnel actively engaged in wildland fire or all-hazard 

response activities, including driving while assigned to a specific incident or during initial attack 

fire response (includes time required to control the fire and travel to a rest location). In the 

absence of more restrictive agency policy, these guidelines will be followed during mobilization 

and demobilization as well. Individual agency driving policies shall be consulted for all other 

non-incident driving.

• Agency resources assigned to an incident or engaged in initial attack fire response will 

adhere to the current agency work/rest policy for determining length of duty day.
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 7

• No driver will drive more than 10 hours (behind the wheel) within any duty day. 

• Multiple drivers in a single vehicle may drive up to the duty day limitation provided no 

driver exceeds the individual driving (behind the wheel) time limitation of 10 hours.

A driver shall drive only if they have had at least 8 consecutive hours off duty before beginning a 

shift.

Exception to the minimum off-duty hour requirement is allowed when essential to:

• Accomplish immediate and critical suppression objectives, or

• Address immediate and critical firefighter or public safety issues.

• As stated in the current agency work/rest policy, documentation of mitigation measures used 

to reduce fatigue is required for drivers who exceed 16 hour work shifts. This is required 

regardless of whether the driver was still compliant with the 10-hour individual (behind the 

wheel) driving time limitations.

Initial Attack Definition

Initial Attack (IA) is a planned response to a wildfire, given the wildfire’s potential fire behavior. 

The objective of initial attack is to stop the fire and put it out in a manner consistent with 

firefighter and public safety and values to be protected.

An initial attack wildfire is generally contained by resources initially dispatched, without 

significant augmentation of reinforcements, within two hours after initial attack, and full control 

is expected within the first burning period. 

Dispatch centers are to inform all resources of the name of the assigned Incident Commander 

and all other pertinent information. All changes in Incident Command leadership will be 

announced to assigned and incoming resources during initial and extended attack incidents. This 

information should also be relayed to Fire Management staff.

Initial attack involving the commitment of resources across recognized dispatch boundaries must 

comply with the following guidelines:

• Resources dispatched are identified in formalized Agreements, Operating Plans, or 

Memoranda of Understanding and are located on/or adjacent to mutual jurisdictional 

wildland fire management boundaries.

• At the time it becomes evident the incident will not be contained during the first operational 

period, resources involved will be formally ordered through established ordering channels.

Resource Mobilization

To ensure safe and efficient mobilization of resources to incidents, resources are requested and 

mobilized using the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS). Standard interagency 

mobilization processes are identified within the Interagency Standards for the ROSS Operations 

Guide (ISROG) located at the following website: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references/ISROG.pdf

NICC will not process requests for resources “after the fact.” i.e., requests for resources which 

have mobilized to an incident prior to receiving a resource order request.

NICC will not process requests for Task Forces. In order to facilitate a timely, cost effective 

response to wildland fire incidents, Task Forces may be configured and mobilized locally, 
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8 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

however requests for Task Force components will be placed as individual single resource 

requests through established ordering channels.

The Mobile Food & Shower Service Request Form, the Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule Form, 

the Infrared Aircraft Scanner Request Form, and the Preparedness/Detail Request Form are the 

approved forms (see chapter 80) that, when associated with a ROSS request, satisfy

documentation required of resource mobilization. Responsible agency management fiscal codes 

must be included on each approved form.

Prior to incident mobilization, all resources will be requested, by a standard resource 

categorization and identified with a unique request number through established dispatch 

channels. 

• The standard categorization system is:

A= Aircraft

O= Overhead

C= Crews

E= Equipment

S= Supplies

• A two letter (alpha) identifier for the state in which the responsible agency is located, 

followed by a three or four character (alpha and/or numeric) for the responsible agency, and a 

unique order or incident number containing a maximum of six (6) characters (alpha and/or 

numeric) will make up the incident/project order number.

• Resources assigned to incidents will be identified by a two (2) letter (alpha) identifier for the 

State in which the resource is based, followed by a three (3) or four (4) character (alpha 

and/or numeric) for the sending agency. (See https://www.nifc.blm.gov/unit_id/Publish.html

for list.)

Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality

Entrapment: A situation where personnel are unexpectedly caught in a fire behavior-related, lifethreatening position, where planned escape routes or safety zones are absent, inadequate, or have 

been compromised. An entrapment may or may not include deployment of a fire shelter for its 

intended purpose. This situation may or may not result in injury. They include “near misses.”

In the event that a wildland fire entrapment or fatality occurs, it should be reported immediately 

to NICC. A Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality Initial Report should be completed and mailed to 

NICC electronically or by fax machine within twenty-four (24) hours. Submit this report even if 

some data is missing. (See Chapter 80) Form is located at the following web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms.htm. Subsequent to the Initial Report, the 

investigation and review shall be conducted following agency specific policies and NWCG 

Guidelines.
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National Resources

National Resources are those which have national utilization, high demand, limited availability, 

and unique status reporting requirements identified by NICC. They are:

• Type 1 Interagency Management Team (Type 1 & NIMO)

• National Area Command Team

• National Buying Team

• Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crew

• Smokejumper

• National Contract Airtanker

• National Contract Lead Plane

• National Aerial Supervision Module

• Modular Airborne Firefighting System

• National Contract Type 1 and Type 2 Helicopter

• Smokejumper Aircraft

• National Contract Infrared Aircraft

• Large Transport Aircraft

• National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC)

• National Contract Mobile Food Services Unit

• National Interagency Support Cache (NISC) System

• NFES Managed Items

• Incident Remote Automatic Weather Station 

• National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities

Notification of Commitment of National Resources

When requested, GACCs will notify NICC and adjoining GACCs of the commitment of National 

Resources within their Area. Notification of national resource commitment will be obtained via 

ROSS notification and/or via phone call within fifteen (15) minutes of commitment when 

National Resources:

• Are committed internally to an incident or are no longer available for dispatch,

• Are available again,

• Have location changes, or

- At the time 50% of the Smokejumpers at home bases are dispatched or committed.

Unable to Fill (UTF) Procedure

A 48 hour “Unable to Fill” (UTF) policy exists nationally. NICC will return requests to the 

ordering GACC with a “UTF” no more than 48 hours after receipt, unless notified the order can 

be filled. NICC will not accept or process any request previously UTF’d unless a new request 

number is assigned.

Standard Cubes, Weight, and Gear Policy for all Personnel

All personnel dispatched off their unit must conform to the following limitations:

• One frameless, soft pack, not to exceed 45 pounds.

• Web gear or briefcase (not both), not to exceed 20 pounds. 

• Maximum allowable crew weight, including equipment, is 5,300 pounds.

• All personnel baggage weights must be displayed separately from individual weights on 

flight manifests.
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10 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

• Pre-identified Type 1 Incident Management Team members are authorized additional weight, 

not to exceed 300 pounds, for equipment per team. The Incident Commander must designate, 

in advance, which team members are authorized additional weight and make this a matter of 

record.

• Excluding Smokejumpers, Rappellers, and Helicopter Managers – Refer to Chapter 20

Wildland Fire Weather Forecasts

Geographic Area Coordinating Groups will provide direction and guidance, which will ensure 

wildland fire weather forecasts are communicated in a timely manner to firefighters on all 

wildland fires.

Cost Coding

Interagency Fire and Severity Activities

The five (5) Federal agencies with Wildland Fire Management funds (BLM, BIA, NPS, FWS, 

and USFS) have an Interagency Agreement for Wildfire Management which provides a basis for 

cooperation on all aspects of wildfire activities. Included in this agreement is the direction to 

NOT bill for services rendered for emergency fire suppression, including severity activities. 

Regardless of benefitting jurisdiction, Geographic Area Coordination Centers can preposition 

resources using their assigned support FireCode in advance of predicted significant wildland fire 

potential; to meet ongoing fire activity needs when the resource assignment is not yet known; or 

for resources supporting multiple incidents.

For Severity, the BLM, FWS, NPS and BIA will use a four digit interagency FireCode to track 

and compile costs for all severity activities; the ordering office must include the word “severity” 

within the resource order incident name. These DOI agencies will use FireCode D0YY when 

supporting FS severity activities. (Information on the interagency FireCode can be found at: 

https://www.firecode.gov/help/User_Guide.pdf)

All wildfire suppression orders are to have a four (4) digit interagency FireCode assigned by the 

ordering office. Interagency dispatch procedures have been established to incorporate assigning 

one FireCode per incident for use by all federal wildland fire agencies. 

Orders processed through NICC must have at least one of the following federal agency cost 

codes assigned by the ordering office. Financial codes should be consistent with the Incident 

Type.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The BLM wildland fire management cost coding is divided into thirteen (13) activities:

• Wildland Fire Preparedness LF1000000

• Suppression Operations LF2000000

• Severity LF2100000

• Emergency Stabilization LF2200000

• Fuels Management: LF3100000

• Burned Area Rehab LF3200000

• Fire Facilities LF3300000

• Joint Fire Science Program LF3400000

• State Assist Suppression LF5610000
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• State Assist Preparedness LF5710000

• Fire Reimbursable LF6900000

• All Risk Reimbursable LF6910000

• Fire Trespass L53200000

Except for Wildland Fire Preparedness and State Assist Preparedness, a project number is 

required regardless of the activity code being used. The standard fund coding guidelines used for 

suppression, rehabilitation, and fuels activities apply. Also, note that the standard severity coding 

procedure of converting from the severity number to a fire number applies when dispatched to a 

specific fire. All fire severity numbers have been assigned under program LF2100000.HT0000.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The BIA wildland fire management funding is divided into seven (7) activities and various subactivities: 

Wildland Fire Preparedness FBMS Functional Area

• Preparedness AF1002020.999900

• Interagency Fair Share AF1003030.999900

• National Programs AF1004040.999900

• FireBert AF1005050.999900

• Self-Governance AF1002900.999900

• Aviation AF1002A00.999900

• Wildland Fire Prevention AF1002T00.999900

• Interagency Hotshot Crews AF1002U00.999900

• Fire Ready Reserve AF1002V00.999900

Emergency Suppression

• Suppression AF2001010.999900

• Emergency Stabilization AF2202020.999900

• Severity AF2105050.999900

Construction & Deferred Maintenance

• Construction & Deferred Maintenance AF3304000.999900

• Self-Governance AF3302G00.999900

Burned Area Rehabilitation

• Burned Area Rehabilitation AF3202B00.999900

Fuels Management

• Fuels Management AF3102H00.999900

• Reserved Treaty Rights AF3103131.999900

• Resilient Landscapes AF3103636.999900

Reimbursable-Wildland Fire Management

• Preparedness AF6901000.999900

• Emergency Operations AF6902000.999900

• Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation AF6903000.999900

• Fuels Management AF6904000.999900
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• All Risk Assistance AF6910000.999900

• Proceeds of Sale of Surplus Property/Equipment AF6907000.999900

• Proceeds of Sales of Surplus Property/Vehicles AF690700.999900

The Wildland Fire Management branch employs the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Fire 

Codes (Prescribed by the Department and Congressional mandate) to facilitate funding 

programs. This will be accomplished through the use of FBMS accounting codes, including the 

following elements: Fund Code Functional Area Cost Center WBS Budget Object ClassCommitment Item. A NIFC example might look like: 17XA1125TRAF3102H00.999900 

AAK4004401 261A00 WBS# AF.HFG0312W01.00000. 

The WBS code will be on all obligation and expenditure documents. WBS codes must be 

established by the BIA-NIFC Budget Office or the Central Office. This will ensure all costs are 

tracked by the projects or missions.

Four digit FireCode numbers are generated by the FireCode System, used by USDA and DOI. 

These FireCodes are entered into the FBMS system, and used as appropriate. Severity FireCodes 

must be approved by the BIA Fire Operations Director. Preparedness, Burned Area 

Rehabilitation, Fuels Management and Construction and Reimbursable cost codes require 

funding transactions documents (FBMS Entry Document) to be approved.

National Park Service (NPS)

The NPS wildland fire management cost coding is as follows:

Wildland Fire Preparedness

• PF100PP85.Y00000 Program Management

• PF100PP85.WR0000 Readiness

• PF100PP85.MF0000 Preparedness Fleet Maintenance

• PF100PP85.EF0000 Research

• PF100PP85.YP0000 Plan/Compliance

• PF100PP85.S00000 Provide Community Assistance

• PF100PP85.WW0000 Respond to Wildfires

• PF100PP85.P00000 Preventative Maintenance

• PF100PP85.M00000 Corrective Maintenance

Fire Facilities Construction & Maintenance

• PF330FF85.M00000 Fire Facility Corrective Maintenance

• PF330FF85.CN0000 Fire Facility Construction

Suppression Operations

• PF200SP85.WW0000 Respond to Wildfires

• PF210SV85.WV0000 Severity

• PF210SV85.WU0000 Step-Up

• PF220ES85.RM0000 Wildfire Burned Area Response
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Burned Area Rehabilitation

• PF320BR85.RM0000 Wildfire Burned Area Response

• PF320BR85.Y00000 Program Management

• PF320BR85.AM0000 Monitor Treatment

Hazardous Fuels Reduction – Non-WUI

• PF310HF85.Y00000 Program Management

• PF310HF85.WP0000 Implement Prescribed Fire

• PF310HF85.YP0000 Plan/Compliance

• PF310HF85.AM0000 Monitor Treatment

• PF310HF85.WM0000 Implement Mechanical Treatments

• PF310HF85.WC0000 Implement Other Treatments

• PF310HF85.MF0000 Non-WUI Fleet Maintenance

• PF310HF85.EF0000 Research

Hazardous Fuels Reduction – WUI

• PF310WF85.Y00000 Program Management

• PF310WF85.WP0000 Implement Prescribed Fire

• PF310WF85.YP0000 Plan/Compliance

• PF310WF85.AM0000 Monitor Treatment

• PF310WF85.WM0000 Implement Mechanical Treatments

• PF310WF85.WC0000 Implement Other Treatments

• PF310WF85.EF0000 Research

State Assistance

• PF46060C8.W00000 State Assistance Collect Operations

• PF47070C8.W00000 State Assistance Collect Preparedness

• PF56161C8.W00000 State Assistance Expenditures Operations

• PF57171C8.W00000 State Assistance Expenditures Preparedness

The interagency FireCode will be used by the National Park Service for tracking and compiling 

costs for wildland fire suppression, severity (including step-up), emergency stabilization and 

burned area rehabilitation activities.

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

The FWS wildland fire management cost coding is provided below:

• Wildland fire Preparedness FF.F10000##ZZZZ0

• Suppression Operations FF.F20000##00ZZZZ0

• Severity FF.F21000##00ZZZZ0

• Emergency Stabilization FF.F22000##00ZZZZ0

• Burned Area Rehabilitation FF.F32000##00ZZZZ0

• Hazardous Fuels Reduction (Non-WUI) FF.F31000##NZZZZ

• Hazardous Fuels Reduction (WUI) FF.F31000##WZZZZ

## = FWS Region number (01-09)

ZZZZ = project assigned code/FireCode
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All cost codes require a ten-digit cost center, then a fifteen-digit Work Break down Structure 

(WBS), which includes the interagency FireCode or project number. The interagency FireCode 

will be used with the appropriate account as stated in the FWS Fire Business Guide. All fire 

operations activities require a project number.

The interagency FireCode will be used by the Fish and Wildlife Service for tracking and 

compiling costs for wildland fire suppression, severity, and subsequent rehabilitation activities.

Forest Service (FS)

The interagency FireCode Program will be used to generate a four (4) character code that will be 

used to track and compile costs.

• “P” codes represent wildland fires.

• “S” codes represent severity requests. Each Region/Forest will have one S-code for Regional 

Office approved severity. Regional severity codes will be established in the format: S#1111.

Region/Unit overrides will be used. 

FS Severity Assistance to DOI will use the following codes by DOI Bureau.

• S70001 1502 – FS resource used on BIA severity orders

• S70002 1502 – FS resource used on BLM severity orders

• S70003 1502 – FS resource used on FWS severity orders

• S70004 1502 – FS resource used on NPS severity orders

“F” codes indicate FEMA supported incidents. An “F” code will be assigned by the Forest 

Service Regional Office that is within the affected FEMA Region. Individual resources ordered 

to a FEMA incident will charge to the appropriate “F” code. Units providing support to a FEMA 

incident will charge to the “F” code in accordance with the FS annual incident job code 

guidance. Under the National Response Framework (NRF), overtime, travel, and per diem are 

reimbursable. Base salary of all employees on assignment to a FEMA incident will be charged to 

the appropriate “F” code and paid from the Emergency Operations (WFSU) account. 
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National Fire Preparedness Plan

National Preparedness Levels are established by the NMAC at NIFC throughout the calendar 

year. Preparedness Levels are dictated by burning conditions, fire activity, and resource 

availability. Resource availability is the area of most concern. Situations and activities described 

within the Preparedness Levels consider wildland fires and prescribed fires. At preparedness 

levels 4 or 5, prescribed fire application can be continued or be initiated if the proposed action is 

approved by an agency at the Regional or State Office level. This approval must be based on an 

assessment of risk, impacts of the proposed actions on Area resources and activities. At any 

preparedness level, NMAC may request that proposed new prescribed fire (Rx) applications be 

curtailed to meet national resource needs for emergency operations. Reference specific agency 

guidance for further information.

Why Preparedness Levels are Established

The purpose of established Preparedness Levels is:

• To identify the level of wildland fire activity, severity, and resource commitment nationally.

• To identify actions to be taken by NIFC and Geographic Areas to ensure an appropriate level 

of preparedness/readiness for the existing and potential situation.

• To guide and direct Geographic Area Fire Management activities when essential to ensure 

national preparedness or in response to the National situation.

The NICC Coordinator will monitor the national wildland fire activity and Geographic Area 

Preparedness Levels and will recommend to the NMAC a National Preparedness Level. 

Response and support to non-fire incidents requiring a significant commitment of resources may 

also affect National Preparedness Levels. National Preparedness Levels will be responsive to the 

Homeland Security Advisory System.

National Preparedness Levels are determined from the ground up and may influence resource 

allocations within Geographic Areas not experiencing significant activity to ensure sufficient 

resources are available for the national situation.

Geographic Area Preparedness Levels

Geographic Area Preparedness Plans should be prepared in accordance with Agency Directives. 

Copies of Geographic Area Plans should be forwarded to NICC.

Preparedness Level Descriptions

Preparedness Level 1

Descriptor

Geographic Areas (GAs) accomplish incident management objectives utilizing local resources 

with little or no national support. There is little risk of drawing down capability in any 

Geographic Area to support incident operations.

• Conditions are not favorable to support significant wildland fire activity in most geographic 

areas.

• Resource capability is adequate with little or no mobilization of resources occurring through 

the National Interagency Coordination Center. 

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is expected to remain minimal.
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Preparedness Level 2

Descriptor

Active Geographic Areas are unable to independently accomplish incident management 

objectives. Resource capability remains stable enough nationally to sustain incident operations 

and meet objectives in active GAs. There is a low to moderate probability that drawing down 

resources from non-active GAs may pose a risk should existing conditions change.

• Significant wildland fire activity is increasing in a few geographic areas. 

• Resources within most geographic areas are adequate to manage the current situation, with 

light to moderate mobilization of resources occurring through the National Interagency 

Coordination Center. 

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is normal to below normal for the time of 

year.

Preparedness Level 3

Descriptor

Mobilization of resources nationally is required to sustain incident management operations in the 

active Geographic Areas. National priorities established as a necessary measure to address the 

heavy and persistent demand for shared resources among active GAs. There is a moderate to 

high probability that drawing down resources from non-active GAs may pose a risk should 

existing conditions change.

• Significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple GAs, with Incident Management 

Teams (IMTs) actively engaged. 

• Mobilization of resources through the National Interagency Coordination Center is moderate 

to heavy. 

Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is normal for the time of year.

Preparedness Level 4

Descriptor

Shared resources are heavily committed. National mobilization trends affect all Geographic 

Areas and regularly occur over larger and larger distances. National priorities govern resources 

of all types. Heavy demand on inactive/low activity GAs with low levels of activity for available 

resources.

• Significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas; significant 

commitment of Incident Management Teams. 

• NICC increasingly engages GACCs in an effort to coordinate and fill orders for available 

resources.

• Potential for significant incidents emerging in multiple GAs indicates that resource demands 

will continue or increase.
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Preparedness Level 5

Descriptor

National mobilization is heavily committed and measures need to be taken to support GAs. 

Active GAs must take emergency measures to sustain incident operations. Inactive/low activity 

GAs are reaching drawdown levels.

• Full commitment of national resources is ongoing. 

• Resource orders filled at NICC by specifically coordinating requests with GACCs as 

resources become available. 

• Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is high and expected to remain high in 

multiple geographic areas. 

National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) Organization

During National Preparedness Levels 4 and 5, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group 

(NMAC) is activated and daily briefings are conducted. Through intergovernmental 

coordination, provides national wildland fire operations direction, prioritization, allocation and 

oversight.

Susie Stingley

NMAC Group Coordinator

National Interagency 

Coordination Center

Vacant 

BLM

Dalan Romero

BIA

Larry Sutton

FS

Dan Buckley

NPS

Dan Smith 

NASF

Aitor Bidaburu 

FEMA

Chris Wilcox

FWS
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NIFC Directors’ Delegations

The FS, BLM, BIA, NPS, FWS, NASF, and FEMA Directors at NIFC have written delegated 

authority from their respective agency heads to:

• Represent their agency on all matters related to wildland fire operations. This includes 

membership on the NMAC, determining national priorities, and allocating/reallocating 

incident resources.

Multi-Agency Coordinating Groups (MAC) Organization

Multi-Agency Coordinating Groups (MAC) at the National and Geographic Area level should be 

activated in accordance with needs found in the National or Geographic Area Mobilization

Guides. As the number and complexity of wildland fires increase, involvement and/or impact on 

agencies increase, and competition for resources increase, it becomes necessary to expand the 

normal coordination system to ensure efficient use of critical and National Resources. There may 

be a need for Geographic Areas to activate their MAC Groups when the National Preparedness 

Level is at 5, enabling Geographic Area response to requests and direction from the NMAC.

NMAC Roles/Responsibilities:

• Establishes national priorities among the Geographic Areas (GAs).

• Directs, allocates or reallocates resources among or between GAs to meet national priorities.

• Attempts to anticipate and identify future national fire management resource requirements 

(prepositioning).

• Provides oversight of general business practices between NMAC and the Geographic 

Multi-Agency Coordination (GMAC) groups.

• Distributes and archives NMAC:

- Decisions

- Direction

- Best management practices

• Provides an NMAC member as the media spokesperson assisting NIFC External Affairs for 

issues of national importance (as requested).

• Serves as liaison to a specified Geographic Areas

• Determines National Preparedness Levels (PLs).

• Determines national fire resource availability to support non-fire/all hazard operations 

(Reference Support to the National Response Framework).

• Determines activation, coordination and involvement of military and international resources:

- MAFFs, military ground support, etc.

- Assistance from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico, etc.

• Manages Area Command teams.

• Provides liaison and oversight to the Area Command/Incident Command Group.

• Manages Type I incident management team rotations, monitors work/rest cycles, and may 

modify national rotations.

NMAC members are responsible for dissemination of written correspondence to their respective 

agencies.

NMAC correspondence documents will be added to the NIFC NMAC web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/administrative/nmac/index.html
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Responsibilities of GMACs

• Determine and set Geographic Area priorities.

• Acquire, allocate, and reallocate resources.

• Issue coordinated Situation Assessment Statements.

Incident Support Organization (ISO)

Agency Administrators are responsible for emergency operations. They provide general 

guidance and interact with the MAC Group. Typically, some or all of their responsibilities are 

delegated to personnel who can devote more complete attention to the situation. Often, the unit 

Fire Management Officer (FMO) has responsibility for the Incident Support Organization (ISO)

and as a representative on the local MAC Group. Routine initial attack and other dispatch 

functions continue, but are separated from the ISO. Each office shall maintain a Dispatch 

Operating Plan, which will include authorities, roles, and responsibilities for Expanded Dispatch 

personnel, procedures for routine and emergency operations, the resource order process, job aids, 

and references for the integration of Buying Teams and sources of supply.

The ISO works to provide logistical support to the host agency and the incident(s). The ISO is 

implemented to address the increased business volume and to supplement established 

organizations. Staffing positions in an ISO are to be based on need rather than a preconceived 

organizational chart.

The ISO reports to the Agency Administrator and is composed of functional branches: 

Expanded Dispatch, Technical Support, and Administrative Support. The functional branches 

coordinate and cooperate to support the host agency and the incident(s).

INCIDENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (ISO)

Emergency Operations Management

Expanded Technical Administrative

Host Agency Incident Support Organization
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Expanded Dispatch Organization

The Expanded Dispatch function of the ISO relieves the host agency’s dispatch unit by focusing 

exclusively on the large or complex incident(s).

Expanded Dispatch Functional Areas

• Overhead

• Crews

• Aircraft, Logistical

• Equipment

• Supplies

The volume of orders and complexity of the incident(s) determines staffing levels and the degree 

of expertise required of the Expanded Dispatch organization. In less complex situations, one (1) 

dispatcher can handle more than one (1) functional area. Additional personnel may also work 

within the Expanded Dispatch, such as data entry.

The Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher is a facilitator accomplishing the direction 

provided by the Center Manager or Fire Management Officer, who has delegated authority from 

the Agency Administrator. Facilitation is accomplished by adequately staffing and supervising 

the operations of the Expanded Dispatch organization, maintaining positive and effective liaison 

with the host agency and incident management team(s), and assisting in clarifying the roles and 

responsibilities for the ISO and the host agency dispatch unit as needed. The individual filling 

this position must be a qualified Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher and capable of 

performing all functions within the Expanded Dispatch organization.

An Expanded Dispatch Coordinator is normally assigned in the most complex situations; ones 

where there are considerable external influences affecting the ISO, a local MAC Group is in 

place, or where span of control within the ISO and/or Expanded Dispatch becomes an issue.

Technical Support

The Technical Support function of the ISO provides specialized skills, which assist off-incident 

support operations. These can vary from situation to situation. Common Technical Support 

functions are: telecommunications, caching of supplies, transportation services, equipment 

inspection, Aviation ramp services, Mobilization or Demobilization Center management, and 

security. In many situations, full-time staffing of these support skills is unnecessary. If the 

situation requires more attention, it may become a full-time responsibility for the duration of the 

incident(s).

Administrative Support

The Administrative Support function of the ISO provides administrative services for the host 

agency, ISO, and incident(s). These can vary from situation to situation. Common 

Administrative Support functions are: equipment, personnel timekeeping services, procurement

services such as a Buying Team, hiring of local ADs or casual employees, follow-up on local 

compensation and claims actions, providing fiscal advice, and vendor payments.

An Incident Business Advisor (IBA1 or 2) may be ordered by the Agency Administrator to assist 

with incident business.
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MAC Group Coordinator

The MAC Group Coordinator should only be assigned when a MAC Group is activated. The 

MAC Group Coordinator serves as a facilitator to multi-agency decision making. The position 

provides expertise in obtaining and summarizing multi-agency information to affect collective 

decisions at the MAC Group level and implementing agencies’ priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Ensures MAC Group decisions are communicated and implemented through established 

dispatch ordering channels.

• Arranges for and manages facilities and equipment necessary to support the MAC Group 

function.

• Facilitates the MAC Group decision process by ensuring the analysis and display of 

information that will assist the MAC Group or their representatives in keeping abreast of the 

total situation. Provides the data necessary for astute priority setting, allocation of resources, 

and other collective decisions.

Complexity

An increase in complexity usually requires more involvement with management. Examples of 

complex situations are: multiple problem fires, multiple agency involvement, or when 

competition for resources is high. MAC Groups may be activated in the most complex situations 

or directed by a Preparedness Level. They provide direction to off-incident coordination and 

support. Basic actions of a MAC Group are priority setting, allocating resources, and issuing 

coordinated situation assessments to the media. MAC Groups occur at all levels of the 

organization.

Communications to and from the incident(s) are accomplished through the host agency’s 

dispatch unit, using established dispatch channels. This includes ICS-209s, supplemental 

intelligence worksheets, situation assessments, analysis, prognosis, and fire behavior/weather 

information. Agency Administrator will communicate policy and specific directions directly to 

the Incident Commander(s) and Public Affairs will contact the Incident Information Officer(s) 

for media information and/or news releases. Redundant contacts are to be avoided.

Example Organizations

ISOs are implemented to address the increased business volume and to supplement established 

organizations. Staff positions in an ISO are to be based on need rather than a preconceived 

organizational chart. (See ISO Organizations on the following pages.)
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Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example

Agency Administrator

Fire Management 

Officer

Center Manager

Host Agency Dispatch

Tactical Aircraft

Initial Attack

Intelligence

Law Enforcement

Expanded Dispatch

Overhead

Equipment

Crews

Supplies

Logistical Aircraft

Technical Support

Telecommunications

Caching of Supplies

Transportation

Equipment Inspection

Air Support/Ramp

MOB/DEMOB Center

Security

Adminstrative Officer

Timekeeping

Procurement

Hiring

Comp/Claims

Payments

Public Affairs (Media)
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Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example – Complex Incident
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Mobilization Procedures for Military Assets

It is advisable that units and field level users intending to order and utilize military resources 

obtain copies of the Military Use Handbook, NFES 002175, located at the following web site: 

https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/intelligence/military/Military_Use_Handbook_2006_2.pdf. The 

short term use of trained DOD assets should be considered until civilian or wildland fire agency 

resources become available to replace DOD assets. For long term use/assignments, the following 

process will be followed:

Established Resource Ordering Process

The established resource ordering process will be utilized, including standard resource order 

format.

• NICC will determine if all available civilian resources are committed.

• The Resource Order will be passed back to the Geographic Area indicating that military 

assets are the only available resources and estimated time frames for delivery.

• The Resource Order will be passed back from the Geographic Area to the ordering unit 

dispatch center, indicating military assets are the only available resources and estimated 

timeframes for delivery.

• The Resource Order will be passed back from the ordering unit dispatch center to the 

incident indicating military assets are the only available resource and estimate timeframes for 

delivery. It may be necessary for the unit dispatcher to redeploy civilian crews to insure 

military units are kept intact on the same incident.

• The incident must reorder the military assets on a Resource Order in the following manner:

- Crews: Will be ordered in a configuration unit of ten (10) crews or battalion (25 crews). 

Each 10 crew unit or battalion will have one (1) “C” request number. Each 10 crew unit 

or battalion will initially be deployed to the same incident.

- Each Resource Order for crews will be accompanied by “O” requests for:

o One (1) Unit/battalion Military Liaison (BNML).

o One (1) Deputy BNML.

o One (1) Safety Officer (SOF2)

o Two (2) to four (4) Strike Team Leaders Crew (STCR) positions, depending on 

configuration.

o Fourteen (14) to twenty-eight (28) Crew Boss (CRWB) positions, depending on 

configuration. 

Overhead personnel will remain committed throughout the assignment (30–33 days).

• The Resource Order will then be passed from the incident through established ordering 

channels to NICC. NICC will certify no civilian assets are available, and then forward the 

Resource Order to the appropriate Continental United States Military Headquarters.

• NICC will provide the following items:

- Air transportation, if needed, from installation to the jetport closest to the incident.
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• The incident, on a separate request number, must order two (2) to five (5) kits of 

programmable handheld radios, which will be mobilized with the unit or battalion. The 

Incident will order enough support equipment, caterers, showers, transportation, and hand 

tools to equip the military (up to 600 firefighters and support personnel). The incident will 

need to supply diesel fuel for ground vehicles, and fuel for aviation assets. All firefighting 

personnel will come equipped with PPE.

- Aviation: Aviation support will be ordered by required missions. It should be noted that 

military Aviation resources, when compared to civilian resources, are restricted in 

mission capability. 

Each group of missions will have its own “A” request number. Each Resource Order will 

specify the following information:

o Pounds of external cargo per day.

o Number of passengers (PAX) per day.

o Hours of water bucket missions per day.

o Pounds of internal cargo per day.

o Estimation of aircraft needed.

o Aviation communication needs.

- Helicopter Modules/Managers

o Refer to Military Use Handbook, NFES 002175

- Vehicles: Vehicles will be ordered by required missions. Each group of missions will 

have its own “E” request number. 

Each Resource Order will specify the following information:

• Number of passengers per day.

• Pounds of cargo per day.

Civilian Support

All other civilian support requested specifically by the military at the incident will follow the 

established ordering procedures.

Demobilization Procedures

Procedures will be reversed. However, a lead time of seventy-two (72) hours will be needed to 

release military firefighters. NICC will release assets to the military and normally provide air 

transport from the nearest airport. The incident should be prepared to provide ground 

transportation to the airport. All tools, PPE, and other firefighting issued equipment need to be 

collected at the incident prior to demobilization.
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26 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

International Operations

Canada Support

Mobilizations involving the United States of America (USA) and Canada are governed and 

directed by the diplomatic note, Reciprocal Forest Fire Fighting Arrangement Operational 

Guidelines, and by local initial attack agreements. Requests to Canadian agencies will normally 

be made after USA resources are depleted, shortages are projected, or reasonable timeframes 

cannot be met. All requests for use of Canadian Resources must be ordered through NICC, 

except for local mutual aid that does not include provisions for any reimbursement. The USA 

may request airtankers from Canada only after all available contract and CWN aircraft have been 

mobilized. The USA may request helicopters from Canada after all available contract and CWN 

helicopters have been mobilized.

Australia and New Zealand Support

Mobilizations involving the United States, Australia, and New Zealand are coordinated through 

NICC, and are defined in the Wildfire Arrangements between the Department of the Interior and 

Department of Agriculture of the United States and the Australian and New Zealand 

Participating Agencies and in the Annual Operating Plan for these Arrangements. Request to 

Australian and New Zealand Participating Agencies will normally be made after USA resources 

are depleted, shortages are projected, or reasonable timeframes cannot be met.

Mexico Support

Mobilizations involving the United States and Mexico for fires within ten (10) miles either side 

of the U.S. – Mexico border are defined in the Wildfire Protection Agreement between the 

Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture of the United States and the 

Secretariat of Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries of the United Mexican States for 

the Common Border.

Mobilizing USA resources for suppression assistance within Mexico beyond the ten (10) mile 

zone must be approved and coordinated by NICC, be authorized for reimbursement by the U.S. 

Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and be received 

by NICC through a request from the U.S. Forest Service’s Disaster Assistance Support Program.

Other Nations Support for Large Scale Mobilizations

Large scale mobilizations for reimbursable direct support to disasters (fires or all-hazard) in 

other nations are based on requests received through the Forest Service International Program’s 

Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP). DASP responds to requests from the U.S. Agency 

for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). OFDA works 

closely with U.S. Ambassadors in foreign countries, who must determine if an incident in a 

foreign country warrants U.S. involvement. If the Ambassador does feel the incident is beyond 

the capability of the affected government, the affected government has requested the assistance, 

and it is in the best interest of the U.S. Government to assist, the Ambassador can “declare” a 

disaster. That declaration is the activation mechanism for U.S. support. If that support would 

include resources available through the land management agencies, OFDA would go to DASP, 

who would place requests through NICC.

Small scale requests for disaster assistance or technical assistance are coordinated directly by 

DASP through the home units of the requested individuals.
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 27

More information concerning the mission of OFDA and how it organizes and responds to 

international disasters can be found in OFDA’s Field Operations Guide for Disaster Assessment 

and Response (FOG). The FOG can be located at the following web site:

https://scms.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/fog_v4.pdf

More information on DASP is located at: https://www.fs.fed.us/global.

Ordering Channels

All agencies have designated ordering procedures for incident and wildland fire support and 

services. These established ordering channels provide for: rapid movement of requests, agency 

review, efficient utilization of resources, and cost effectiveness.

Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs)

The GACCs act as focal points for internal and external requests not filled at the local level. 

GACCs are located in the following Areas:

EASTERN – Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, 

Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode 

Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

SOUTHERN – Atlanta, Georgia:

Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, East Texas (plus Texas State Forest Service in West 

Texas), Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South 

Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

SOUTHWEST – Albuquerque, New Mexico:

Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas (west of the 100th Meridian).

ROCKY MOUNTAIN – Lakewood, Colorado:

Colorado, Kansas, Eastern Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

NORTHERN ROCKIES – Missoula, Montana:

Montana, North Dakota, Northern Idaho, and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

ALASKA – Fort Wainwright, Alaska:

Alaska.

NORTHWEST – Portland, Oregon:

Oregon and Washington.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS – Redding, California:

Northern California and Hawaii. 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS – Riverside, California:

Southern California and USA Pacific Islands.

GREAT BASIN – Salt Lake City, Utah:

Southern Idaho, Western Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, a portion of Arizona north of the Colorado 

River, and a portion of California southeast of Lake Tahoe.
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28 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Ordering Procedures

Resource order requests will be processed using the Resource Ordering and Status System 

(ROSS). Resource order requests as the result of an incident, preparedness, severity, and 

wildland and prescribed fire will follow the established ordering channel displayed below.

At the point in this flow when an order can be filled, reverse the process to insure proper 

notification back to the incident or requesting office. Local agency dispatch offices should use 

mutual aid agreements with cooperators whenever possible.

INCIDENT

DISPATCH CENTER

GEOGRAPHIC AREA COORDINATION CENTER

NATIONAL INTERAGENCY COORDINATION CENTER

GEOGRAPHIC AREA COORDINATION CENTER

DISPATCH CENTER

SENDING AGENCY

Support to Border Fires

Border fires are defined as a wildfire that has crossed the boundary from one (1) Geographic 

Area into another or where the fire is expected to cross the boundary within two (2) burning 

periods.

Whereas both Geographic Areas have a vested interest and authority to provide resource support 

to the incident, they may order directly from each other in support of the incident. The following 

protocols apply:

• A single ordering point will be designated to ensure proper assignment and demobilization of 

resources. The incident will remain with the originating unit for situation reporting and 

prioritization.

• The dispatch organization designated as the single ordering point may place orders to either 

GACC using established ordering channels, however only the GACC of the originating unit 

expanded dispatch is authorized to place orders with NICC.
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 29

• Prior to initiating border fire support operations, concurrence and agreement must occur 

between the two GACCs and NICC. In order to maintain effective coordination and ensure 

that the appropriate resources are mobilized, daily conference calls will be conducted 

between both GACCs and the expanded dispatch organization for the duration of the 

incident.

Unit Identifiers

The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) Center Manager and each Geographic 

Area Coordination Center (GACC) Center Manager shall designate both a Unit Identifier Data 

Custodian and alternate for their Geographic Area.

GACC Unit Identifier Data Custodians are responsible for timely entry of proposed additions, 

modifications, and removals of Unit Identifiers and associated information in the system of 

record (SOR) upon receipt of written requests. GACC Unit Identifier Data Custodians are 

responsible to ensure the documented agency internal process has been completed and have 

authority to ensure appropriate NWCG Organizational Unit Codes are created. The National Unit 

Identifier Data Custodian is responsible for monthly publication of changes to NWCG PMS 931 

after approval by the NWCG Unit Identifier Unit (UIU).

Mobilization and Demobilization Information

Travel information for resources will be transmitted by using the ROSS Travel function. Each 

travel segment will identify mode of travel, carriers name with flight numbers, departure and 

arrival locations with estimated departure time and estimated arrival time (ETD/ETA) using the 

local time and time zone.

Non-Incident Related Ordering

Resource acquisition not related to an incident, preparedness, severity, and wildland fire may 

also follow these ordering procedures. The use of appropriate cost coding procedures is required. 
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Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 31

CHAPTER 20

OVERHEAD AND TEAMS

Personnel must be requested by the description found in the Wildland Fire Incident Management 

Field Guide, PMS 210, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/210 the National Incident 

Management System (NIMS) Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, NFES 

001414 or other agency approved qualifications guides.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Positions

Overhead Positions Listed in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Wildland Fire 

Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1. 

This document is located at: https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1

Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) Position Codes

The Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) is an information management 

system that tracks training and certifications for Wildland Firefighters. For a complete list of all 

IQCS recognized Position Codes, refer to the Position Codes link at the following web site: 

https://iqcs.nwcg.gov/

Overhead Mobilization and Demobilization

Units filling requests for personnel are responsible for ensuring all performance criteria are met. 

Requests will be processed as "fully qualified" unless "Trainee Acceptable" is selected as an 

inclusion in ROSS. The sending unit must designate a Flight Manager when two (2) or more 

personnel travel together to the same incident via non-commercial air transport. 

Supplemental Fire Department Resources are overhead tied to a local fire department by general 

agreements that are mobilized primarily for response to incidents/wildland fires outside of their 

district or mutual aid zone. They are not a permanent part of the local fire organization and are 

not required to attend scheduled training, meetings, etc. of the department staff.

When mobilizing Supplemental Fire Department Resources outside of the fire district or mutual 

aid zone the following will apply:

Mobilization will follow established ordering procedures as identified in National, Geographic, 

and Local Mobilization Guides. Resources will be mobilized from the Host Dispatch Zone in 

which the department is located. Personnel will be provided a copy of the resource order request 

after confirmation of availability and prior to departure from their home jurisdiction. Resource 

orders shall clearly indicate incident assignment, incident location, expected incident arrival 

time, and any additional special needs or equipment authorizations, e.g. cellular phones, laptops, 

and rental vehicles.

NICC will not accept requests for clerical, driver, or laborer positions. It is not cost effective to 

hire and transport such personnel when they are normally available from local sources.

If a request requires individuals to be self-sufficient for the duration of the assignment, they must 

be able to procure food, lodging, and local transportation.
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32 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Name requests for suppression or all-hazard incidents should be rare and are appropriate 

only for highly specialized positions or to meet specific agency objectives (for example, 

name requests between state agencies). The ordering unit must confirm availability for the 

individual being requested prior to placing the request.

Name request for Geographic Area Priority Trainee positions will be justified within special 

needs as being approved by the Geographic Area Priority Training Coordinator and will be 

processed without delay.

Severity requests often involve strategic movement of resources from areas with lower fire 

potential. In these cases, name requests may be appropriate and are typically directed by agency 

managers.

Name requests charged to budgeted/programmed, non-suppression funds are acceptable and will 

be processed without delay. 

All name requests not filled by the sending unit will be returned to the requesting unit by NICC 

as UTF.

Unless specifically excluded, ADs and private contractors will be accepted for suppression and 

severity orders.

During demobilization of resources, emphasis will be placed on having personnel home no later 

than 2200 hours local time. Occasionally, the availability of large transport aircraft will dictate 

timeframes during demobilization.

Interagency Wildland Fire Modules

The primary mission of a Wildland Fire Module (WFM) is to provide an innovative, safe, highly 

mobile, logistically independent, and versatile fire module for wildland fire management and 

incident operations.

WFMs are highly skilled and versatile fire crews with a primary commitment to maintain fire’s 

role as a natural ecological process. They provide technical and ecological based expertise in the 

areas of long term planning, ignitions, holding, and suppression, prescribed fire preparation and 

implementation support, hazard fuels reduction, and fire effects monitoring.

Orders for Interagency Wildland Fire Modules will be placed through established ordering 

channels in ROSS using an Overhead Group Request; Module, Wildland Fire, Type 1 (WFM1)

or Type 2 (WFM2) configured according to PMS 430 Interagency Standards for Wildfire 

Module Operations

For minimum module standards for national mobilization, see Interagency Standards for Fire and 

Aviation Operations, Chapter 13, Firefighter Training and Qualifications, Wildland Fire Modules 

at: https://www.nifc.gov/PUBLICATIONS/redbook/2017/Chapter13.pdf or PMS 430 

Interagency Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations – Chapter 7 at: 

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/430. As an interagency resource, the Wildland Fire Modules 

are available nationally throughout the fire season. Standard WFM configuration includes; one 

(1) module leader and six (6) to nine (9) module crewmembers.

If requested, WFMs can be configured and mobilized with less than the standard WFM 

configuration, but only after agreement between the requesting and sending units. Any 

negotiated configurations must be identified within the original request.
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 33

Wildland Fire Module Mobilization

Geographic Areas will mobilize local Interagency Wildland Fire Modules internally. There are 

local unit agreements to share Wildland Fire Modules between bordering units in different 

Geographic Areas.

The Wildland Fire Module Leader will contact the ordering unit to discuss incident/project 

requirements.

Smokejumpers

Smokejumpers primary mission is initial attack. While most effective at providing rapid initial 

response, smokejumpers are well equipped to respond to extended attack incidents and shortterm critical need missions on large fires. Smokejumpers are normally configured by planeload, 

with each load ranging from 8 to 10 smokejumpers depending on aircraft type and smokejumper 

availability. Smokejumpers may be configured as crews (hand crew, engine crew, or helitack 

crew) or as single-resource overhead for Incident Command System positions. Concurrence with 

NICC must be obtained prior to configuring smokejumpers as crews or modules for extended 

attack operations.

NICC must be notified when a Geographic Area has internally committed or mobilized 50% of 

their smokejumpers. Geographic Areas will inform NICC of the establishment of smokejumper 

spike bases.

There are two primary methods for ordering smokejumpers, booster load/individual 

smokejumper or initial attack load (See Chapter 50). The type of order should be predicated on 

immediate need or augmentation.

Smokejumper boosters are utilized to increase smokejumper capability at a base or within a 

Geographic Area. Booster requests should be based on current and/or expected fire activity with 

an understanding that boosters should be released back to home unit(s) or made available to 

higher activity areas if activity does not develop at receiving unit.

Boosters are ordered by individual Overhead requests and can be filled from one or multiple 

bases. Assignment duration can be for any time up to 14 days with extensions negotiated 

between the sending and receiving units subject to NICC concurrence. Booster requests may 

specify a desired delivery system (round or square parachutes). Smokejumper aircraft must be 

ordered separately if the aircraft is needed beyond delivery of the smokejumpers.

NICC, GACCs, and local dispatch centers should communicate with the hosting and potential 

sending smokejumper base(s) before the order(s) are placed and filled.
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Smokejumper Numbers

Planned staffing includes 481 smokejumpers at the following locations (actual fire season 

numbers may vary):

BLM Alaska (Fairbanks) 70

BLM Great Basin (Boise) 81

FS Region 1 (Missoula) 70

(Grangeville) 30

(West Yellowstone) 30

FS Region 4 (McCall) 70

FS Region 5 (Redding) 50

FS Region 6 (N. Cascade) 30

(Redmond) 50

Daily availability is updated throughout the fire season and is posted at the following website: 

https://www.nifc.gov/smokejumper/reports/smjrpt.php

Smokejumper Gear, Weights, and Volume

WEIGHT VOLUME

Jump gear 50 lbs. 4.5 cu ft.

Travel Bag 45 lbs. 4.0 cu ft.

Main parachute 22 lbs. 1.5 cu ft.

Reserve parachute 12 lbs. 1.0 cu ft.

Pilots – Lead Plane, Aerial Supervision Module and Smokejumper

For a complete list of Lead Plane, Aerial Supervision Module and Smokejumper pilot 

qualifications, refer to the following web site:

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/aviation/Lead_Planes.pdf
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Helicopter Module

Call-When-Needed (CWN) helicopters will be managed by a qualified Helicopter Manager 

(HMGB) and qualified Helicopter Crew Members (HECM); when combined they function as a 

helicopter module.

TYPE

HELICOPTER

FAA STANDARD / 

TRANSPORT CATEGORY

FAA Standard Category Temporarily 

Designated for Limited Use

FAA Standard Category Permanently 

Designated for Limited Use or FAA 

Restricted Category

1

Manager plus Four (4) 

Helicopter Crewmembers Manager only Manager only

2

Manager plus Three (3) 

Helicopter Crewmembers Manager only Manager only

3

Manager plus Two (2) 

Helicopter Crewmembers Manager only Manager only

CWN Helicopter and Module must meet up away from Incident(s) or Fire Operations. The minimum required 

staffing levels must be filled with fully qualified personnel. Trainees may be ordered in addition to the standard 

module configuration.

Units requesting helicopter modules for Call-When-Needed helicopters will do so using an 

Overhead (O) support request for each position. Helicopter module requests should be 

coordinated with anticipated helicopter delivery time and location. Ordering a helicopter module 

for a CWN helicopter is not automatic. Ordering units should attempt to fill helicopter module 

positions internally first.

If the intended use is for initial attack, the HMGB request must specify that a fitness level of 

arduous is required. Any other qualification requirements (ICT4, etc.) must also be specified.

If helicopter personnel/modules are required to arrive with special needed items (flight helmets, 

radios, etc.), it must be specified at the time of request.

Helicopter Rappellers

The USDA Forest Service operates 12 rappel bases nationally in Regions 1, 4, 5, and 6. Each 

base utilizes Bell medium helicopters, and generally operates from May through October.

Rappellers’ primary mission is initial attack. When Rappellers are needed for initial attack with 

aircraft, they are to be requested in ROSS as “Load, Rappeller, Initial Attack” on an Aircraft

request. Additional mission specific information should be documented on the resource order. 

When ordered for initial attack, Rappellers will be self-sufficient for 36 hours after deployment 

on an incident and are assigned to the user unit until released. 

Rappel boosters will be ordered by individual Overhead requests. Any additional support needs 

may be documented on the resource order.
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Rappeller Numbers

Planned staffing includes 290 Rappellers at the following locations (actual fire season numbers 

may vary):

FS Region 1 (Gallatin, MT) 15

(Libby, MT) 15

FS Region 4 (Boise, ID) 15

(New Meadows, ID) 30

(Salmon, ID) 42

FS Region 5 (Fort Jones, CA) 21

(Prather, CA) 15

FS Region 6 (Enterprise, OR) 19

(Grants Pass, OR) 19

(John Day, OR) 28

(Prineville, OR) 22

(La Grande, OR) 19

(Wenatchee, WA) 30

Rappeller and Helicopter Manager Gear, Weights, and Volume

WEIGHT VOLUME

Travel bag and line gear 65 lbs. 2.0 cu ft.

Specialized equipment 30 lbs. 1.0 cu ft.

Helicopter Manager’s specialized 30 lbs. 1.0 cu ft.

equipment (policy documents)

Non-Standard Overhead Groups

The generic overhead catalog items “module, fuels” or “module, suppression” will be used to 

order non-standard overhead groups. All requests for these catalog items will be placed through 

established ordering channels using an Overhead Group Request. Length of assignment rules 

apply to all non-standard overhead groups.

When ordered as a non-standard overhead group, “module, fuels” or “module, suppression,” 

individuals requested must reside within one geographic area. At the discretion of the sending 

Geographic Area center manager, modules may be comprised of individuals from multiple host 

units within the Geographic Area.

Units may name request individual overhead positions from various geographic areas following 

standard ordering procedures for overhead requests and upon arrival, create modules locally 

based on mobilization needs and priorities.
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Communications Coordinator (COMC)

A Communications Coordinator must be assigned when a second 4390 Starter System is 

assigned to any incident within a one hundred (100) mile radius of the first assigned 4390 Starter 

System. The Communications Coordinator should be requested as a name requested position. 

The GACC will coordinate filling the request with the National Incident Radio Support Cache 

(NIRSC) in Boise, ID by calling the National Communications Duty Officer (CDO) at 208-387-

5644. Rental vehicle, lap top computer and cellular phone should be authorized when placing the 

request.

It is important that this position be ordered as early as possible to alleviate the possibility of 

frequency conflicts during multi-incident situations. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the allocation of communications resources at the Geographic Area level. This 

includes communications equipment, personnel, and associated supplies. The COMC 

provides support to the assigned Geographic Area and reports daily to the NIFC 

Communications Duty Officer (CDO). The COMC will not be assigned to specific incidents 

or to an Area Command Team. Situations may occur when communications coordination is 

required between multiple Geographic Areas. Under these circumstances, a COMC may be 

assigned to a NICC Resource Order to provide overall coordination and support to COMCs 

assigned to the affected Geographic Areas.

• Manage the frequency resources for all incidents under assigned jurisdiction. This includes 

all frequencies for ground tactical, command, logistics, and air operations.

NOTE: During complex or multiple fire situations, the COMC will request additional qualified 

personnel to be assigned as field COMCs. Any situation involving complex air operations will 

require that a COMC be requested a specifically for air operations.

• Maintains an accurate inventory of all communications equipment assigned to incidents 

under their control. 

• Keep current on the availability of communications resources for future Geographic Area and 

National requirements. The COMC should be current with procedures needed to obtain such 

resources. 

• Provide problem-solving recommendations and advice on communications issues to the 

respective Geographic Area Coordinators, the Area Command Teams, and/or to Incident 

Management Teams within a complex or single incident. National, as well as Geographic 

Area priorities will be considered when making recommendations and/or providing advice.

• Assist incidents with communication system design and in obtaining specialized 

communications equipment.
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Flight Manager

A Flight Manager will be designated for point-to-point flights transporting personnel. The Flight 

Manager is a government employee that is responsible for coordinating, managing, and 

supervising flight operations. The Flight Manager is not required to be on board for most flights. 

For those flights that have multiple legs or are complex in nature, a Flight Manager should attend 

the entire flight. The Flight Manager will meet the qualification standard for the level of mission 

assigned as set forth in the Interagency Aviation Training Guide (IAT).The Flight Manager is 

supervised by the Sending Unit dispatcher until the destination is reached. The Flight Manager 

duties are:

• Brief the traveling personnel providing an overview of travel purpose and final destination, 

route of travel, intermediate stops, if applicable, and estimated time(s) of arrival (ETAs).

• Ensure the passenger manifest is accurate and contains the correct names and weights of the 

passengers. Note: The pilot is ultimately responsible for ensuring correct weights, balance 

and power computations. The Flight Manager will provide one copy of the manifest to the 

pilot-in-command and ensure that additional copies are available for the receiving unit and 

the sending dispatcher.

• Ensure proper Resource Tracking procedures are met. The NICC Flight Following telephone 

number is 1-800-994-6312. 

• Ensure passenger aircraft safety briefing is conducted. 

• Maintain a current list of telephone numbers for the sending and receiving units. The Flight 

Manager will contact the sending unit dispatch when the flight plan has deviated more than 

30 minutes from the original flight plan.

• Have all personnel within the weight limitations, assembled, and ready to board in the 

designated staging area.

• Ensure the pilot and aircraft are currently authorized for the intended mission and the pilotin-command can verify the aircraft is within weight and balance limitations. 

• Responsible for signing the Daily Flight Report – Invoices (Form 6500-122 or AMD-23) for 

all flights (except for domestic air carriers, airlines, and NIFC contract aircraft).

• For Canadian travel, the Flight Manager will ensure proper documentation is included, as 

outlined in the Canadian/United States Operating Agreement.

Incident Meteorologist (IMET)

Whenever a Geographic Area mobilizes a Type 1 Interagency Incident Management Team, the 

Geographic Area will provide an IMET who will be assigned to the incident. Certain situations 

could develop where an IMET is not needed for each incident, such as when two (2) or more 

incidents are in close proximity to each other. In these cases, one (1) or more IMETs could be 

shared by the incidents. 

IMET status will be maintained by the respective Geographic Area in ROSS. Status will include 

updated contact information, the home jetport, individual qualifications, and current availability.
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 39

When an IMET is needed for an incident, the request will be placed up to the GACC. The GACC 

will contact the NWS National Fire Weather Operations Coordinator (NFWOC) (Larry Van 

Bussum, or acting) by calling the NWS Incident Response Desk at 877-323-IMET (4638).

The NFWOC will then identify the name and location of the available IMET to fill the ordering 

incidents IMET request. If the available IMET is located within the Geographic Area where the 

incident is located, the IMET will be ordered by name request and internally mobilized using 

established procedures. If the available IMET is located in another Geographic Area, the IMET 

request will be placed to the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) as a name request

using established procedures. NICC will place the IMET request to the appropriate Geographic 

Area to be filled.

When the NWS cannot provide transportation, the sending dispatch office is responsible for 

arranging and providing mobilization needed for the IMET and any required equipment to the 

incident. The incident or incidents host agency is responsible for arranging and providing 

demobilization needed for the release of the IMET and required equipment back to the home 

unit.

The IMET is a single resource covered under a reimbursable agreement between the Wildland 

Fire Agencies and the Department of Commerce, NOAA-NWS. Standard NWS equipment that 

is essential to on-site meteorological support is mobilized with each IMET, no additional 

resource order requests are necessary. Standard NWS equipment does not require additional 

ordering by the incident. Basic standard NWS equipment includes:

• Laptop computer

• Printer

• Mobile satellite setup and setup tools

• Cellular telephone

• Agency or rental vehicle appropriate for off-pavement use

• Miscellaneous office supply

Reimbursement of costs associated with utilization of Standard NWS equipment such as cell 

phone usage charges, satellite communication charges, and four-wheel drive SUV, pickup or 

similar rental vehicle to travel to incident locations with their equipment (including remote 

locations) is authorized under section V., part B item 4 of the Interagency Agreement for 

Meteorological and Other Technical Services. Damages, failure, and daily wear incurred to 

standard equipment during an assignment are also eligible for reimbursement.

Cache Support Positions

These positions are available to assist fire caches during periods of high activity or when 

shortages of locally trained personnel hinder cache operations.

CASC – Cache Supply Clerk

CAST – Cache (Supply) Clerk Supervisory

CDSP – Cache Demobilization Specialist

FLOP – Fork Lift Operator
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40 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

WHHR – Warehouse Materials Handler

WHLR – Warehouse Materials Handler Leader

WHMG – Warehouse Manager

National Incident Supply Cache (NISC) responders are expected to be equipped with NAP 

credentials and knowledge of the Incident Cache Business System (ICBS).

National Incident Management Teams

Teams will be ordered by type using an Overhead Group request in ROSS.

Interagency Incident Management Teams (IMTs)

Incident Management Teams will be ordered by type (Type 1, Type 2 and NIMO). National 

Type 1 IMTs will be mobilized according to the National call-out procedures from the National 

rotation managed by NICC. Geographic Area Type 2 IMTs will be mobilized according to 

Geographic Area policy, with the following exception: Geographic Area Type 2 IMTs that have 

been ordered through NICC for staging within a Geographic Area will be prioritized and 

assigned to any new Federal Type 2 incident within that Area, or when a replacement team is 

needed within that Area.

IMTs will be requested through established ordering channels. Incident Commanders shall make 

notification to the receiving Geographic Area through established ordering channels of any 

position shortages, or when their team configuration differs from the standard configuration. 

The primary mission of IMTs is wildfire incident management. IMTs may respond to all-hazard 

incidents under the following guidelines:

• Planned events should be managed internally by the respective agency.

• The planned length of assignment should not exceed fourteen (14) days without negotiated 

approval from the sending Geographic Area and NICC.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobilization under the National Response 

Framework (NRF) will be accomplished according to the National call-out procedures. The 

standard length of assignment of fourteen (14) days may be extended up to thirty (30) days after 

negotiated approval between the Incident Commander and FEMA.

• Base hours for Federal employees, in most cases, are not reimbursed by FEMA. Overtime, 

premium pay, and travel expenses may be paid by FEMA.

Type 1 IMTs

There are four (4) National Incident Management Organization Teams (NIMO).

There are sixteen (16) Type 1 IMTs. The Type 1 IMTs are dispersed as follows:

Northern Rockies 2 California 4

Rocky Basin 3 Northwest 2

Southwest 2 Alaska 1

Southern 2
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 41

IMT Configurations

IMTs ordered through NICC will be requested as either a long or a short team configuration. 

Any variation from the standard configuration is at the discretion of the requesting unit. The 

Deputy Incident Commander position is not mandatory. The Incident Commander positions on 

IMTs may only be filled by current agency employees. It is recommended that the following 

positions also be filled by current agency employees: Finance/Admin. Section Chief Type 1 or 

2, Procurement Unit Leader, Comp/Claims Unit Leader, and Compensation-for-Injury Specialist. 

IMT configuration can be found at the following link: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/imt_configuration.pdf

In addition to the 20 positions identified on the short team configuration, a maximum of six (6) 

IMT trainee positions will be mobilized with the team. In addition to the 44 positions identified 

in the long team configuration, a maximum of 14 trainee positions will be mobilized with the 

team. Long team configuration trainee positions include six (6) IMT trainee positions and eight 

(8) GACC priority trainees. Unless notified otherwise, trainees for both short and long team 

configurations will be mobilized for incidents on Federal lands.

National Type 1 IMT Rotation Process

• Type 1 IMTs remain on-call for a maximum of seven (7) days.

• At the time (clock hour and day of the week) a Type 1 IMT from national rotation is 

requested, the next eligible Type 1 IMT in rotation will be notified and placed in two (2) 

hour call status and will remain in call status for the next seven (7) days. The next two (2) 

Type 1 IMTs in national rotation will also be notified of the schedule change. Geographic 

Areas unable to provide a Type 1 IMT when ordered for a national assignment will be listed 

as unavailable on the national rotation list and will not be considered until the designated slot 

rotates into position again.

• Geographic Areas with more than one (1) Type 1 IMT may decide which “eligible” team 

responds to a National call. Geographic Areas must pass if no “eligible” Type 1 IMT can 

meet the two-hour call.

• Type 1 IMTs will be considered unavailable for a National assignment if the primary 

Incident Commander is unavailable or it is necessary to have more than two (2) substitutes to 

fill Command/General Staff positions. The Deputy Incident Commander may be allowed to 

take the team with Geographic Area Multi-Coordinating Group (GMAC) approval. Any 

deviation to the aforementioned availability and substitution principle must have GMAC and 

NMAC approval. An IMT that is not available for a National assignment will be listed as 

unavailable on the national rotation list.

• Within Round 1 of the national rotation, once a Type 1 IMT has been committed to an 

incident, either internally or nationally, it will remain ineligible for a National assignment

until all Type 1 IMTs have had an assignment. Once all Type 1 IMTs have had an 

assignment within Round 1, the national rotation will begin Round 2, following the same 

procedures that applied in Round 1. 

A committed Type 1 IMT that is reassigned to additional incidents prior to being demobilized to 

home unit will be counted as a single assignment within the round that the team was mobilized.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

42 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

• Type 1 IMTs that are mobilized but do not actually receive an incident or staging assignment

within 48 hours will remain eligible for National assignments in the current round of the 

National rotation.

• All assignments, internal or national, count as experience.

• Once a Type 1 IMT, mobilized from the National rotation is staged by NICC, that team will 

be prioritized and assigned when a Geographic Area requires a replacement team. Once a 

team has been staged by a Geographic Area, the team will be prioritized and assigned to any 

new incident within that Area, or when a replacement team is needed within the Area. If 

NICC receives another Type 1 IMT request, the first eligible Type 1 IMT in National rotation 

will be ordered.

• The Geographic Area will coordinate with NICC before reassigning an out-of-area Type 1 

IMT to another incident.

• Geographic Areas with only one (1) Type 1 IMT may stand the team down for rest after 

coordination with NICC.

• The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) retains the authority to manage all 

team assignments as necessary to achieve team experience objectives, ensure proficiency, 

manage fatigue, or for other reasons. 

• Teams mobilized in the previous calendar year and whose assignment extends into the new 

calendar year will not be shown as assigned in the new calendar year.

• When situations warrant, rationale is required by NMAC for assignment of Area Command, 

National Type 1 and 2 Incident Management Teams and NIMO Teams prior to mobilization. 

This includes internal assignments.

The National rotation and current assignment history for the Type 1 IMTs is maintained 

throughout the calendar year at web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/imt_rotate.pdf

NIMO Incident Management Team Type of Assignments

The following criteria will be considered in determining appropriate assignments for NIMO:

• Wildland Fire - NIMO Teams may be ordered for managing wildland fire. This is not limited 

to Type 1 or 2 wildfires, but may also be appropriate for multiple Type 3 fires for developing 

personnel capability as mentors, trainers, and evaluators.

- Trigger Points

o Multiple ignitions within a GACC

o Agency Administrator requesting additional support

o Fire is Type 2 complexity with potential for Type 1 (NIMO Team is assigned and 

Type 2 IMT remains integrated and in support and/or obtains Type 1 training and 

experience)
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 43

• Long Duration Incidents - A NIMO Team may be assigned to fires that are expected to last 

for several weeks or as the “second” team in to bring incidents to their conclusion.

- Trigger Points

o Incident is projected to last more than 14 days

o Agency Administrator’s request for additional support

o Cost containment, WFSA/WFIP, Complexity Analysis, etc., indicates need for a nontraditional approach in managing the incident.

• Mission Specific Assignments

- National/Geographic Area Operations Support

- International Assignments 

- All Hazard 

- Fuels Management

Due to the nature of incidents that NIMO teams will be assigned to, team configuration may be 

negotiated by NMAC, the NIMO Coordinator, NIMO Incident Commander, and the requesting 

unit, up to the maximum number of positions. To increase personnel capacity and capability, 

trainees, apprentices, and/or technical specialists may be ordered for any or all positions.

National Area Command Team

There are three (3) Area Command Teams. They are dispersed as follows:

Southwest 2

Great Basin 1

National Area Command Teams will be mobilized according to the National call-out procedures 

from the National Area Command Team rotation managed by NICC. Orders for National Area 

Command Teams will be placed through established ordering channels using an Overhead Group 

Request to NICC.

National Area Command Team Configuration

National Area Command Teams are comprised of six (6) positions: four (4) specific and two (2) 

trainees identified by the Area Commander. The Area Commander position may only be filled 

by a current agency employee.

ACDR Area Commander

ACPC Assistant Area Commander, Planning

ACLC Assistant Area Commander, Logistics

ACAC Area Command Aviation Coordinator

Area Command trainees (2 each)

Depending on the complexity of the interface between the incidents, specialists in other areas 

such as aviation safety, information, long term fire planning, risk planning may also be assigned.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

44 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

National Area Command Team Rotation Process

• National Area Command Teams remain on-call for a maximum of 14 days. 

• At the time (clock hour and day of the week) an Area Command Team from National 

rotation is requested, the next eligible Area Command Team in rotation will be notified and 

placed in two (2) hour call status and will remain in call status for the next 14 days. The next 

two (2) National Area Command Teams in National rotation will also be notified of the 

schedule change. 

• Substitutions of current Area Commanders/Deputy Area Commanders between teams and 

Command positions are permissible with prior coordination with NICC.

• Teams that receive an assignment will be out of the National rotation until all Area 

Command Teams have had an assignment.

The national rotation and current assignment history for the Area Command Teams is maintained 

throughout the calendar year at web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/area_rotate.pdf.

Incident Support Teams

Teams will be ordered using an Overhead Group request in ROSS, with the exception of 

Aviation Safety Assistance Teams.

Overhead requests for specialized team member of nonstandard teams, such as After Action 

Review teams, will be placed as Technical Specialist (THSP).

National Interagency Buying Teams (BUYT)

There are twelve (12) National Interagency Buying Teams. The teams are dispersed as follows. 

Northern Rockies 1

Great Basin 1

Eastern 2

Southwest 2

California 2

Northwest 1

Southern 2

Alaska 1

National Interagency Buying Teams will be mobilized according to the National call-out 

procedures from the National Interagency BUYT Rotation managed by NICC. Orders for 

BUYTs will be placed through established ordering channels using an Overhead Group Request.

The primary mission of a BUYT is to support the local administrative staff with incident 

acquisition. In addition, the BUYT Leader has the responsibility for coordinating property 

accountability with the Supply Unit Leader. Responsibilities and coordination of BUYTs can be 

found in the Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook in Chapter 20 and Chapter 

40.
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 45

BUYTs should not be utilized as de facto payment teams. Incident host agencies should order an 

Administrative Payment Team if the situation warrants.

BUYTs are ordered by the incident host agency and report to the agency administrator or other 

designated incident agency personnel. Buying teams work with the local administrative staff to 

support the incident acquisition effort. Geographic Areas will internally mobilize their National 

Buying Teams, local Geographic Area buying teams, or ad-hoc buying teams before requesting a 

National Interagency Buying Team from NICC. National BUYTs are mobilized according to 

National Call-Out Procedures.

BUYT Configuration

National Interagency BUYTs are comprised of a leader and six team members. One of the six 

members may be assigned as an assistant or deputy leader. In addition to the seven-member 

team, personnel from the incident host agency or alternate buying team members may be added 

as needed, to supplement the primary team. One (1) member of the team must be a Contracting 

Officer. National Interagency BUYTs will consist of the following positions:

• Two (2) qualified procurement personnel.

• Four (4) personnel support positions.

• One (1) procurement or leader trainee. 

BUYTs Rotation Process

• BUYTs will remain on-call for a maximum fourteen (14) days.

• At the time (clock hour and day of week) a BUYT from the BUYT Rotation list is requested, 

the next eligible BUYT in rotation will be notified and will remain in call status for the next 

fourteen (14) day period. The next two (2) BUYTs in rotation will also be notified of the 

schedule change. Geographic Areas unable to provide a BUYT when ordered for a National 

assignment will be listed as unavailable on the BUYT Rotation and will not be considered 

until the designated Geographic Area slot rotates into position again.

• Geographic Areas with more than one (1) BUYT may decide which “eligible” team responds 

to a National call. Geographic Areas must pass if no “eligible” BUYT can meet the needed 

date/time of the request. BUYTs will be considered unavailable for a National assignment if 

more than two (2) procurement or support positions are to be filled with a substitute.

• The National Interagency Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) retains the authority 

to adjust the BUYT Rotation list when necessary to achieve team experience objectives or for 

other reasons.

The National rotation and current assignment history can be found at the following web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/buy_rotate.pdf.

Administrative Payment Teams (APTs)

The National Park Service provides Administrative Payment Teams for incident support. The 

purpose of the APT is to expedite payment of financial obligations incurred as a result of an 

emergency incident and relieve the local administrative unit of additional work generated by the 

incident. After receiving written delegation of authority from the agency administrator, the team 

is responsible for payment of all financial obligations incurred during the incident.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

46 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Requests for APTs will be placed through established ordering channels using an Overhead 

Group Request to NICC. APTs will be mobilized according to the National call-out procedures 

from the APTs Rotation managed by NICC.

APTs can make a full range of vendor payments. The following should be considered before 

requesting an APT:

• Is the incident expected to last for more than fourteen (14) days?

• The incident host agency is unable to process the payments during and after the incident due 

to regular workload demands.

• The community near the incident is providing support and cannot replenish stock without 

financial hardship and must be reimbursed fairly quickly.

• Teams can be ordered as a virtual team or mobilized to an incident to process DOI 

suppression invoices. If ordered as a virtual team, invoice packages can be shipped to the 

APT leader’s home unit to be audited and processed for payment.

Administrative Payment Teams Configuration

National Park Service APTs will consist of the following positions:

• One (1) Team Leader.

• Two (2) Administrative Assistants.

Team composition will be determined by the team leader, the ordering unit’s administrative staff, 

and is dependent on the number of invoice packages to be audited and processed.

National Administrative Payment Team Schedule Process

• Administrative Payment Teams will remain on-call for a maximum fourteen (14) days. 

• The schedule will change on alternate Tuesdays, at 2400 Mountain Time.

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3

Lisa Wilson – Team Leader Rachel Acker – Team Leader Connie Dworak – Team Leader

1/4/-1/17 1/18-1/31 2/1-2/14

2/15-2/28 3/1-3/14 3/15-3/28

3/29-4/11 4/12-4/25 4/26-5/9

5/10-5/23 5/24-6/6 6/7-6/20

6/21-7/4 7/5-7/18 7/19-8/1

8/2-8/15 8/16-8/29 8/30-9/12

9/13-9/26 9/27-10/10 10/11-10/24

10/25-11/7 11/8-11/21 11/22-12/5

12/6-12/19 12/20-1/2/18

Team 1: Lisa Wilson CA-SBC OSCC, Riverside, CA

Team 2: Rachel Acker WI-WIC EACC, Milwaukee, WI

Team 3: Connie Dworak NE-MWP RMCC, Lakewood, CO
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 47

• NPS payment team coordinator is Christine Peters, 208-407-6558, or 

christine_peters@nps.gov.

Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER)

All wildland fire management agencies are responsible for taking immediate and effective post 

wildfire site and resource stabilization actions designed to protect life and property and prevent 

further natural and cultural resource degradation while ensuring all environmental and legal 

mandates are met. Burned Area Emergency Response is an integral part of wildfire incidents.

BAER team mobilization decisions are based on incident complexity and values to be protected. 

Less complex incidents will use local, regional, interagency, and contracted ad hoc BAER teams 

and resources. Bureaus coordinators maintain rosters of BAER personnel for less complex 

incidents.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) maintains one National BAER Team to assist field units 

plan for complex post-fire emergency stabilization. The National BAER Team is scalable in long 

and short configurations. It may be ordered as command and general staff, or ordered as 

individual resources. The full National BAER Team is dispatched to more difficult incidents 

involving extreme risks to human life and critical Federal assets. Potential floods, mud and 

debris flows, watershed/municipal water supplies, urban interface, and complex and multiple 

jurisdictions are the dispatch prioritization criteria issues factored into the mobilization decision. 

Less complex incidents will use local, regional, interagency, and contracted ad hoc BAER teams. 

Bureaus coordinators maintain rosters of BAER personnel for less complex incidents.

Department of Interior

• The Department of the Interior (DOI) maintains a National BAER Team to assist field units 

in planning for immediate post wildfire site emergency stabilization. National BAER Teams 

are dispatched to more complex BAER incidents involving extreme risks to human life and

critical Federal assets. Potential floods, mud and debris flows, watershed/municipal water 

supplies, urban interface, and complex and multiple jurisdictions are the dispatch 

prioritization criteria issues factored into the mobilization decision. 

• National Interagency BAER Team resources are mobilized through established ordering 

channels. The core strategic full national team will consist of thirteen positions and is 

organized per a National Standard Operating Guide. Dispatch of the full national team will

be coordinated using Team Dispatch Prioritization criteria in consultation with the national 

coordinators. The National BAER Team is scalable in long and short configurations and may 

also be ordered as command and general staff, or ordered as individual resources.

DOI National Burned Area Emergency Response Team Configuration

The initial callout of the full DOI National BAER Team will consist of no more than 13 

positions: 

• One (1) BAER Team Leader 

• One (1) Deputy BAER Team Leader 

• One (1) BAER Environmental Specialist 

• One (1) BAER Documentation Specialist 

• Two (2) BAER Geographic Information Specialist (GIS)

• One (1) BAER Hydrologist

• One (1) BAER Soil Scientist
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

48 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

• One (1) BAER Geologist

• One (1) BAER Biologist

• One (1) BAER Forester

• One (1) BAER Cultural Resource Specialist

• One (1) BAER Botanist

DOI Burned Area Emergency Response Team Mobilization Process

The ordering unit must make contact with their agency Regional/State BAER Coordinator before 

placing an order for the National BAER team.

During National Preparedness Levels 1-3, the ordering unit's agency administrator will 

coordinate any potential full National BAER Team assignment with the concurrence of the 

agency National BAER Coordinator and National Interagency BAER Team Leader, after making 

contact with their agency regional/state BAER coordinator.

During National Preparedness Levels 4-5, full national BAER Team assignments will be 

coordinated through the National BAER Coordinators with the concurrence of the National 

Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC), after making contact with their agency 

regional/state BAER coordinator.

NICC will notify the National BAER Coordinator-in-charge for any National BAER Team 

call-out (in order of contact):

Myron Hotinger (National Coordinator) BIA 208-387-5246

Lou Ballard (National Coordinator) FWS 208-387-5584

Rich Schwab (National Coordinator) NPS 202-513-7129

Dave Repass (National Coordinator) BLM 202-912-7224

Erv Gasser (National BAER Team Leader) NPS 206-220-4263

USDA Forest Service

• The USDA Forest Service (FS) maintains BAER teams at the local units. BAER personnel 

are dispatched at the local unit.

National Fire Prevention and Education Teams (NFPET)

NFPETs provide skilled and mobile personnel for fire prevention and education activities. They 

can be ordered to support a variety of situations affecting a large or small area. Teams are 

effective with the reduction of unwanted human-caused wildland ignitions, when wildland fire 

severity conditions are imminent, when unusually high fire occurrence is anticipated due to 

human activity, weather conditions, or hazardous fuels. NFPETs are designed to supplement 

local prevention and education program efforts on a short term basis. Working with local 

agencies and resources, NFPETs are equipped to complete on-site prevention assessments and 

plans, initiate the implementation of the plans, and begin immediate public outreach and 

information dissemination. Ordering teams for normal, routine, or project work should be 

discouraged.

Requests for National Fire Prevention and Education Teams will be placed through established 

ordering channels in ROSS using an Overhead Group Request to NICC. The NFPET Geographic 

Area Coordinators listed below will work with Geographic Area Coordination Centers to fill 

team orders.
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 49

NFPET Configuration

The minimum team mobilization will be one (1) Team Leader and two (2) team members, 

consisting of the following positions:

• PETL – Fire Prevention Education Team Leader

• PETM – Fire Prevention Education Team Member

• PIO2 – Public Information Officer Type 2 or,

Additional positions that can be used include:

• PETL (T) – Fire Prevention Education Team Leader, Trainee

• PETM (T) – Fire Prevention Education Team Member, Trainee

• PREV – Fire Prevention Technician

• PIOF – Public Information Officer

• THSP – Public Affairs (agency employee only)

• INVF – Wildland Fire Investigator

Actual team composition will be determined by the team leader and the ordering unit on a 

case-by-case basis dependent upon the needs of the assignment.

NFPET Coordinators

Geographic Area Geographic Area Coordinator Alternate

Great Basin Loren Walker 

Work: (801) 625-5245

Cell: (801) 690-6352

ldwalker@fs.fed.us

Rita Chandler

Work: (406) 329-3409

Cell: (406) 370-0000 

rgchandler@fs.fed.us

Eastern Maureen Brooks 

Work: (610) 557-4146

Cell: (610) 742-7614

mtbrooks@fs.fed.us

Northern Rockies Rita Chandler

Work: (406) 329-3409

Cell: (406) 370-0000 

rgchandler@fs.fed.us

Loren Walker 

Work: (801) 625-5245

Cell: (801) 690-6352

ldwalker@fs.fed.us

Northwest Lauren C. Maloney 

Work: (503) 808-6587 

Cell: (503) 329-3068

lmaloney@blm.gov

Karen Curtiss

Work: (541) 383-5583 

Cell: (541) 480-8246 

kcurtiss@fs.fed.us
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

50 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Geographic Area Geographic Area Coordinator Alternate

Geographic Area Geographic Area Coordinator Alternate

California Barb Geringer-Frazier

Work: (707) 562-9167

Cell: (707) 656-6080

bgeringerfrazier@fs.fed.us

Marva Willey

Work: (707) 562-8981 

Cell: (530) 515-0761

mwilley@fs.fed.us

Rocky Mountain Sheryl Page 

Work: (719) 553-1638

Cell: (303) 809-9860

slpage@fs.fed.us

Southern Lex Gabaldo

Work: (404) 347-3734 

Cell: (775) 443-7145

agabaldo@fs.fed.us

Paul Gellerstedt

Work: (404) 347-7626

Cell: (470) 585-9154

pgellerstedt@fs.fed.us

Southwest Dennis Fiore

Work: (505) 842-3203

Cell: (505) 270-9666

djfiore@fs.fed.us

Fred Hernandez 

Work: (505) 842-3804

Cell: (575) 313-9044 

fhernandez@fs.fed.us

National Gwen Beavans 

Work: (202) 205-1488

Cell: (404) 561-2643 

gbeavans@fs.fed.us

Wildland Fire and Aviation Safety Teams (FAST)

Wildland Fire and Aviation Safety Teams assist Agency Administrators during periods of high 

fire activity by assessing policy, rules, regulations, and management oversight relating to 

operational issues. They can also provide the following:

• Guidance to ensure fire and aviation programs are conducted safely.

• Review compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) abatement 

plans, reports, reviews, and evaluations.

• Review compliance with Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations.
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 51

Wildland FASTs can be requested to conduct reviews at the local, state, and geographical levels. 

If a more comprehensive review is required, a National FAST can be ordered through established 

ordering channels to NICC using an Overhead Group request. 

Wildland FASTs will be chartered by their respective Geographic Area Multi-Agency 

Coordinating Group (GMAC), with a delegation of authority, and report back to the GMAC.

The team’s report includes an executive summary, purpose, objectives, methods and procedures, 

findings, recommendations, follow-up actions (immediate, long-term, and national issues), and a 

letter delegating authority for the review. As follow-up, the team will gather and review all 

reports prior to the end of the calendar year to ensure identified corrective actions have been 

taken. FAST reports should be submitted to the Geographic Area, with a copy to the Federal Fire 

and Aviation Safety Team (FFAST) within thirty (30) days.

FAST Configuration

FASTs include a Team Leader, who is either an Agency Administrator or Fire Program Lead 

with previous experience as a FAST member; a Safety and Health Manager; and other members 

with a mix of skills from Fire and Aviation Management.

FAST Mobilization Process

FASTs are requested through established ordering channels to the GACCs, for reviews at the 

local, State/Regional or Geographic Area level. If a more comprehensive review is required, a 

National FAST can be ordered through NICC. FASTs are ordered using an Overhead Group 

request.

Aviation Safety and Assistance Team (ASAT)

Aviation Safety and Assistance Teams enhance safe, efficient, and effective aviation operations. 

An ASAT provides assistance to unit and aviation managers, flight crews, and incident 

management teams for increasing, ongoing or declining incident aviation activity. ASATs assist 

and review helicopter and/or fixed wing operations on wildland fires. During high levels of 

aviation activity, it is advisable to request an ASAT.

If an ASAT cannot be filled internally, the request may be placed with NICC through established 

ordering channels using individual overhead requests. ASTATs receive an assignment briefing 

with management concerns and/or issues identified in a letter delegating authority, which 

establishes the roles of the team and its expectations. The teams will provide daily feedback to 

the person(s) identified in the delegation of authority. Teams will conduct an exit briefing and 

will provide a written report prior to demobilization.

ASAT Configuration

The following configuration, or a similar combination of positions based upon the needs of the 

ordering unit, will be used when ordering an ASAT.

• THSP – Aviation Safety Manager

• THSP – Operations Specialist (helicopter and/or fixed wing)

• THSP – Pilot Inspector

• THSP – Maintenance Inspector (optional)

• THSP – Avionics Maintenance Inspector (optional)

• Aircraft Dispatcher (optional)
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52 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

ASAT Mobilization Process

ASAT members are requested through established ordering channels to the GACC.

Serious Accident Investigation Teams (SAIT)

Serious Accident Investigation Teams are mobilized to investigate serious wildland fire 

accidents. Serious wildland fire accidents are defined in the Interagency Standards for Fire and 

Fire Aviation Operations, Chapter 18. Team members ordered through established channels will 

be mobilized as THSPs. Requests for SAIT members mobilized through established ordering 

channels will be placed using individual overhead requests.

Normal SAIT Configuration is as follows:

• THSP – Team Leader

• THSP – Chief Investigator

• THSP – Advisor/Safety Manager

• THSP – Interagency Representative

• THSP – Subject Matter Expert (experienced in specialized occupation)

• PIO – Public Information Officer
Crews Chapter 30

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 53

CHAPTER 30

CREWS

Crews will be ordered by a standard type. Three (3) types exist for National or interagency 

assignments. They are; Type 1, Type 2, and Type 2 with IA (initial attack) capability.

NIFC Forest Service has contracted nationally for T-2IA Crews (National Contract Resources, or 

NCR). National Contract Resources (NCR) are hosted by local units (Host Unit Coordination 

Centers, or HUCC) which are contractually required to utilize dispatch priorities when 

mobilizing crews, as outlined in section C.7 of the National Type-2IA Firefighter Crew Contract. 

See the following web-site for further details:

https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/crews/crews.htm

Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews

For a complete list of all Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews, refer to the following web site: 

https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/hotshots/IHC_index.html

Minimum Crew Standards for National Mobilization

For a detailed description of minimum crew standards see Interagency Standards for Fire and 

Aviation Operations, Chapter 13, Firefighter Training and Qualifications at: 

https://www.nifc.gov/PUBLICATIONS/redbook/2017/Chapter13.pdf

Or

Wildland Fire and Aviation Program Management and Operations Guide, Chapter 12, Firefighter 

Training and Qualifications https://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/xnifc/documents/text/idc013072.pdf

Type 1 Crews:

Crews that meet minimum standards identified within the Wildland Fire Incident Management 

Field Guide, PMS 210, January 2014, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/wildland-fireincident-management-field-guide Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC) are a Type 1 Crew that 

exceeds the Type 1 Standards as required by the National IHC Operations Guide (revised 2011). 

Interagency Hotshot Crews require appropriate Federal or State agency sponsorship and a 

recommendation by their respective Geographic Area Coordinating Group for inclusion into the 

National Interagency Mobilization Guide. NICC will maintain availability status of Type 1 

Crews, but will not recognize internal Geographic Area rotations of these crews.

Type 1 Crews attempting to transport chain saws on other than NIFC contract jets should be 

prepared to ship their chain saws via an alternative method should loading be refused. Type 1

Crews normally come equipped with hand tools. There may be occasions when Type 1 Crews 

transported by air do not arrive with hand tools. If tools are needed, they should be ordered 

separately as supply items.

When Type 1 Crews are transported by aircraft, the receiving unit should be prepared to provide 

the following:

• Crew transportation.

• Vehicle to transport saws, fuel, and hand tools separate from crew transportation.

• Fire equipment (minimum two (2) cases of fuses).

• Chain saws (four (4) kits).
Chapter 30 Crews

54 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

• Saw fuel (ten (10) gallons, unmixed).

• Bar oil (five (5) gallons).

Type 2 and Type 2 IA Crews:

Crews that meet minimum standards identified within Wildland Fire Incident Management Field 

Guide, PMS 210, January 2014, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/wildland-fire-incidentmanagement-field-guide Type 2 Crews will be ordered as Type 2 or Type 2 IA. In addition to the 

Type 2 minimum standards, Type 2 IA Crews can be broken up into squads and have three (3) 

qualified sawyers.

Type 2 and Type 2IA Crews ordered through NICC DO NOT come with chain saws or hand 

tools when transported by air. If chain saws or hand tools are needed, they should be ordered 

separately as supply items.

Units sending Type 2 and Type 2 IA Crews will determine the ratio of crews to Crew 

Representatives (CREP) needed for a given assignment. Depending on the assignment, ratios of 

1:1 to 1:4 may be appropriate. These responsibilities can be met by an Interagency Resource 

Representative (IARR) as well. A CREP assigned to Type 2 or Type 2 IA Crew will remain with 

the crew from the initial dispatch until the crew is released to home unit. CREPs are not required 

for agency regular crews.

Standard crew size is twenty (20) people maximum and eighteen (18) people minimum 

(including Crew Boss, Crew Representative, and trainees).

All equipment will be inspected and weighed at time of mobilization to ensure adherence to safe 

transportation procedures.

All crew personnel mobilized and demobilized outside the local unit through NICC will be 

identified on a crew manifest form. Crew supervisors will maintain a minimum of four (4) 

accurate copies of this form at all times. Crew weights will be manifested separate from personal 

gear and equipment weights. The crew supervisor or CREP will ensure compliance with weight 

limitations.

Anytime a Geographic Area or State has committed four (4) or more crews, an Interagency 

Resource Representative (IARR) can be sent by the sending unit or the receiving unit can request 

them. For each IARR sent, it is the responsibility of the sending GACC to mobilize, demobilize, 

and ensure proper notification is made to the receiving GACC. An IARR mobilized to incident 

assignments away from their home unit should have the ability to be fiscally self-sufficient. If the 

IARR is not self-sufficient, the receiving unit must be notified in advance so they can be 

prepared to support them.
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CHAPTER 40

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

All Equipment and Supply Orders will follow established ordering procedures (Type 1, 2, 3 

incidents), except for the redistribution of supplies within the National Fire Equipment System 

(NFES). Redistribution of excess supply items will be coordinated by the designated NFES 

Cache Manager(s). Cache orders will be filled to meet timeframes specified, using the most 

economical service. All NFES cache items are shipped ready for fireline use.

Equipment/Supplies Mobilization

Contracted resources awarded under a competitive solicitation process shall be mobilized using

established dispatch priority lists (DPLs) within their local dispatch area before at-incident 

agreements are issued. All requests for Contracted equipment shall be ordered through the Host 

Dispatch Centers identified in the agreement and using established dispatch ordering channels. 

Dispatchers shall not hold Contracted resources in reserve as a contingency force in a non-pay 

status when that resource is available.

Examples of Equipment resources are:

• National Contract Mobile Food Services (Caterers).

• National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities.

• Rolling Stock – engines, water tenders, dozers, etc.

Supplies are identified as materials or goods not defined in any other resource or service 

category.

Examples of Supplies resources are:

• NFES items

• Mobile Cache Vans

• Local Purchase

Equipment/Supplies Demobilization

When demobilizing contracted tactical equipment, contractors awarded Incident Blanket 

Purchase Agreements (I-BPAs) as a result of competitive solicitations, shall be given priority to 

remain on the incident over tactical equipment with incident-only EERAs, unless the Incident 

Commander determines it necessary to deviate based on a specific incident need or objective. 

This applies to contracted tactical equipment only, and not all contracted resources.

Release information for equipment and accountable supply items must be promptly relayed 

through ROSS.
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National Interagency Support Cache Ordering Procedures

• The National Interagency Supply Cache Coordinator (NISCC) can be activated when 

activity warrants, but is always activated at the higher PLs

• Orders for cache restock will be placed directly between National Interagency Support 

Caches until the NISCC position is activated at NICC.

• When the NISCC is activated at NICC, all cache restock orders from National Interagency 

Support Caches will be placed with the NISCC. Based on national priorities, the NISCC will 

forward requests to the appropriate National Interagency Support Cache(s) for processing.

The Cache to Cache Restock process should be utilized before large replacement supply orders 

are procured through other sources. Large replacement supply orders will be coordinated by a 

representative from the NFES at all planning levels to avoid overstocking the system.

NFES Items in Short Supply

• NICC, in cooperation with NISCC, will advise all incident support agencies of those items in 

high demand with limited quantities and will distribute this information through the NFES 

Managed Items List.

• Identified items on the NFES Managed Items List will be requested through established 

ordering channels and will be coordinated through the NFES Representative at NIFC.

Field Office Replenishment During Fire Season

Agencies will place orders to their servicing National Interagency Support Cache. 

Replenishment orders must be the result of fire management activities and must be accompanied 

with the appropriate cost code.

Field Office Replenishment Outside of Fire Season

Whenever possible, field offices must order directly from DLS for those items stocked in the 

Federal Supply System. All other items will be ordered directly from suppliers unless individual 

agency instructions prevail.

Incident Replacement of NFES Items

Prior to release from an incident, personnel may request replacement of equipment and supplies 

that were consumed, lost, damaged or rendered unserviceable on the incident.

The IMT or other incident personnel may authorize replacement of items at the incident if 

available, or by approving an Incident Replacement Requisition; OF-315/NFES 001300 for 

replacement of NFES items by the incident’s servicing cache. Should the replacement of the 

approved items not be feasible prior to demobilization of the requesting resource, the incidents 

servicing cache will forward the request to the resources servicing cache. Caches may only 

process requests for NFES items. Requests for non-NFES items should be requested on a 

separate incident replacement requisition to be processed by the home unit. Please refer to the 

current Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook (Chapter 30) for procedures 

dealing with replacement of non-NFES supplies and equipment.

Local Unit Incident Replacement: Type 3 and Type 4 Incidents

The hosting units’ Agency Administrator or authorized representative must approve all 

replacement requests.
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Incident to Incident Transfer of Equipment and Supplies

Transfer of equipment and supplies between incidents, including those operating under Area 

Command authority, may occur only with proper documentation so accountability is maintained. 

Transfer of communications equipment creates safety concerns by increasing the risk of 

frequency conflict and the possibility of damaged equipment or equipment not tuned being 

utilized. This may only be done with approval of the NIRSC Communications Duty Officer 

(CDO).

National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC)

NIRSC is a National Resource composed of multi-channel radio systems and kits available for 

complex incident communications. The priority use of NIRSC radio systems and kits are for 

active incidents. All radio systems and kits must be returned to NIRSC as soon as the incident 

has demobilized. A National Communications Duty Officer (CDO) is available at NIRSC 

throughout the year. Geographic Area Frequency Managers, Communication Coordinators 

(COMC), and Incident Communication Unit Leaders (COML) will coordinate with NICC, the 

Geographic Area, and the NIRSC CDO on all telecommunication issues.

NIRSC stocks NFES 004390 Starter Systems, which will provide the initial Command/Tactical, 

Air Operations, and Logistical communications requirements of a single incident. Individual kits 

are available to supplement Starter Systems or to provide support for smaller incidents. The 

NIRSC CDO can provide assistance in determining a specific incident’s communication 

requirements.

NIRSC radios are synthesized and contain both FS and DOI frequencies. FS and DOI 

frequencies are not “cleared” nationally. Other agencies use these frequencies and, in some 

cases, in very critical and sensitive areas. All frequencies must be approved for the areas where 

they will be used. Any of the national frequencies (FS or DOI) are not to be used without prior 

coordination with the NIRSC CDO.

NIRSC issues dedicated FM frequencies in conjunction with communication equipment assigned 

to incidents. NIRSC will order additional temporary FM frequencies from DOI and FS – WO as 

needed. Government users may not use Family Radio Service (FRS) for communications on any 

planned or ongoing incident.

For a complete listing of NIRSC telecommunications components, refer to the National Incident 

Radio Support Cache User’s Guide, NFES 000968

(https://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/NIRSC_UG.pdf) or the NWCG Fire Supplies and Equipment 

Catalog, Part 1, NFES 000362 (https://www.nwcg.gov/node/15147).
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Radio Ordering

Requests for NIRSC radio systems and kits will be placed in ROSS with NICC through 

established ordering channels. To insure proper frequency coordination, the ordering office must 

include a Needed Date/Time, Latitude and Longitude of the incident, shipping address and 

receiving incident phone number. For shipping purposes a physical address which includes a 

street name and number, city, state, and zip code is required.

Each Geographic Area may order up to four (4) Starter Systems for preposition during their 

established fire season. The NIRSC CDO must be contacted at 208-387-5644 when an order for 

a Starter System is received for an incident. The CDO will identify which prepositioned Starter 

System will be assigned to the incident. A replacement Starter System may be requested after 

commitment of a prepositioned Starter System. Replacement Starter Systems may not be filled 

where congestion of spectrum is an issue. In these instances, special frequency Starter Systems 

will be built on an as needed basis and shipped to the incident.

Radios will be used as received without modification. Defective radio equipment will be 

immediately returned to NIRSC for maintenance. To maintain quality and quantity for the field, 

each Starter System or kit will be returned to NIRSC for rehabilitation immediately after each 

assignment. The incident or unit charged with custody of the radio equipment is responsible for a 

complete inventory of that equipment upon return from the incident.

Prepositioned radio systems and kits will be returned to NIRSC as soon as the need has 

diminished or annually for preventative maintenance. Prepositioning NIRSC radio systems and 

kits longer than six (6) months requires NIRSC approval.

Frequency and Radio Demobilization

Temporary frequencies and any radio equipment with temporary frequencies will be released first 

due to licensing requirements. NIRSC radio systems and kits should be inventoried, sealed, and 

returned promptly to NIRSC/NIFC. Do not stockpile kits. Spare seals are supplied in each box. 

Incidents are responsible for ensuring all radio systems or kits are returned or accounted for on a 

Property Loss Statement.

Incident Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (IRAWS-NFES 005869)

75 IRAWS are cached at the Remote Sensing Fire Weather Support Unit for response to 

wildland fires and other projects requiring environmental monitoring. For specific use and 

description, refer to the NWCG Fire Supplies and Equipment Catalog, Part 1, NFES 005869. 

The availability of equipment and associated technician support depends on a variety of factors. 

Prior phone coordination with the National Interagency Fire Center Remote Weather/Fire 

Weather Support Unit (RSFWSU) at (208) 387-5726 is recommended.

Requests for IRAWS will be placed with NICC through established ordering channels. Any 

necessary IRAWS technicians, vehicles, or air transportation required for mobilization and 

demobilization will be coordinated through NICC. RAWS Technicians will accompany the 

IRAWS when mobilized and do not require a separate Overhead request to be tracked. When 

ordering for wildland fire incidents, coordinate IRAWS requirements with an IMET if one is 

assigned. For further information on the IRAWS units, contact the Remote Sensing/Fire Weather 

Support Unit RAWS Coordinator at 208-387-5726. Upon release from the incident, the IRAWS 

will be returned to NIFC via the most expeditious method available.
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Smoke Monitoring Kit, (Kit – Smoke Monitor – E-Sampler, NFES 005840)

Smoke Monitor Kits should be requested through ROSS as a Supply request. Kit information, 

primary contacts, and ordering instructions can be found at the following link: 

https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/monitoring/smoke-monitor-cache/

National Contract Mobile Food Services and National Contract Mobile 

Shower Facilities

For a complete listing of the Schedule of Items and contract specifications for the National 

Mobile Food Service Contract and National Mobile Shower Facilities Contract, refer to the 

current National Contract Mobile Food Services publication, NFES 001276, and the National 

Contract Mobile Shower Facilities publication, NFES 002729. This information can also be 

found at the following web site: https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/

National Contract Mobile Food Service Units

Any time mobile food services are needed for federal wildland fire incidents in the western 

United States, the Federal Wildland Fire Agencies are obligated to order services from the 

National Mobile Food Services Unit (MFSU) Contractors any time (1) the number of people to 

be fed is at or above 150 persons per meal and (2) the headcount is estimated to remain at those 

numbers, or greater, for at least 72 hours from when the headcount first reaches 150 per meal, 

provided that the Contractors can reasonably meet the incident’s needs and required time frames. 

MFSU Contractors will be given the opportunity to provide three meals per day unless other 

arrangements are mutually agreed to with the FDUL or the needs of the incident require different 

meal options such as Meals Ready to Eat (MRE).

MFSU also may be ordered for other types of incidents at the Government’s option. State and 

other federal cooperators may also utilize this contract at their option. However, the ordering 

procedures at Section C.2 of the National Mobile Food Services Contract will be followed for all 

orders. For additional information, refer to the National Mobile Food Services Contract 

publication or the on the web at: https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/food/food.htm

National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities Units

Any time mobile Shower Facilities are needed for federal wildland fire incidents in the western 

United States, the Federal Wildland Fire Agencies (see Section J.10, National Mobile Shower 

Facilities Contract), are obligated to order services from the National Mobile Shower Facilities 

Contractors, provided that the Contactors can reasonably meet the incident’s needs and required 

time frames (See Section C.2, 2.2, National Mobile Shower Facilities Contract). Mobile Shower 

Facility Units also may be ordered for other types of incidents, at the Government’s option. State 

and other federal cooperators may also utilize this contract at their option. However, the ordering 

procedures at Section C.2 will be followed for all orders. For additional contract information, 

refer to the National Mobile Shower Facilities Contract publication or on the web at: 

https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/contracting/shower/shower.htm

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Mobilization

All National Contract Mobile Food Service Units and Mobile Shower Facility Units in the lower 

48 States are ordered through and mobilized by NICC through established ordering channels.
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• Requests for Mobile Food Service Units and Mobile Shower Facilities require a completed 

Mobile Food & Shower Service Request Form. See Chapter 80 or 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms/Food_Shower_Request_Form.pdf

If an incident has a need for additional mobile food service units or shower facilities units, the 

request will be placed with NICC through established ordering channels. NICC will determine 

and assign the appropriate units to all Federal wildland fire incidents.

When necessary, as determined by the incident, a Contracting Officer’s Technical 

Representative (COTR) may be ordered through the appropriate Geographic Area. If the 

Geographic Area is unable to provide a COTR, the order will be placed through NICC. Once the 

unit is operating smoothly, the COTR may be demobilized from the incident through the 

appropriate dispatch channels.

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Reassignments

All requests to reassign National Contract Mobile Food Services or Shower Facilities units will 

be placed with NICC through established ordering channels. All reassignments of National 

Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities units will be communicated to the vendor 

by NICC.

National Contract Mobile Food Services and Shower Facilities Demobilization

All release information will be entered into ROSS within fifteen (15) minutes of demobilization. 

Contractors may take twenty-four (24) hours to rest and replenish supplies within the local area 

after release. After 24 hours, contractors must return to the unit’s designated dispatch point.

Engines and Water Tenders

The tables list the NWCG type minimum requirements for engines and water tenders. Please use 

these types when requesting engines and water tenders.

Engine ICS Typing

Engine Type

Structure Wildland

Requirements 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Tank minimum capacity (gal) 300 300 500 750 400 150 50

Pump minimum flow (gpm) 1000 500 150 50 50 50 10

@ rated pressure (psi) 150 150 250 100 100 100 100

Hose 21⁄2" 1200 1000 – – – – –

11⁄2" 500 500 1000 300 300 300 –

1" – – 500 300 300 300 200

Ladders per NFPA 1901 Yes Yes – – – – –

Master stream 500 gpm min. Yes – – – – – –

Pump and roll – – Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Maximum GVWR (lbs.) – – – – 26,000 19,500 14,000

Personnel (min) 4 3 3 2 2 2 2

— = Not applicable

NFPA = National Fire Protection Association GVWR = gross vehicle weight rating
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Water Tender ICS Typing

Water Tender Type

Support Tactical

Requirements S1 S2 S3 T1 T2

Tank Capacity 4,000 2,500 1,000 2,000 1,000

Pump minimum flow (gal/min) 300 200 200 250 250

At rated pressure (psi) 50 50 50 150 150

Maximum refill time (minutes) 30 20 15 – –

Pump and roll – – – Yes Yes

Personnel (minimum) 1 1 1 2 2

— = Not applicable

Note:

1. All types shall meet Federal, state, and agency requirements for motor vehicle safety 

standards, including all gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) when fully loaded.

2. Type 3 engines and tactical water tenders shall be equipped with a foam proportioner system.

3. All water tenders and engine Types 3 through 6 shall be able to prime and pump water from 

a 10-foot lift.

4. Personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of NWCG’s National Incident 

Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).

Common Additional Needs for Engines and Tenders (Request As Needed)

• All-wheel drive (includes four-wheel drive)

• High-pressure pump (250 psi at one-half flow of Type)

• Foam proportioner

• Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) 40 cfm minimum

• Additional personnel
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CHAPTER 50

AIRCRAFT

NICC is the sole source for large transport aircraft holding Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 

Part 121 Certificates and for Type 1 and 2 Call-When-Needed (CWN) Helicopters.

Cooperator aircraft (State contracted, State owned, State managed National Guard aircraft, 

county, city, or other) may be used on federal fires under the following conditions:

• The pilot and aircraft have been approved in writing for the aircraft and the mission by either 

the FS or the Office of Aviation Services (OAS).

• There exists a written MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), Interagency Agreement, or 

other document that authorizes this use and payment for this use.

• The cooperator aircraft will be operated within any limits on its use established in the written 

approval.

• The cooperator aircraft will be used only in situations where federal aircraft are not 

reasonably available.

• The cooperator aircraft will be released when federal aircraft become reasonably available.

• Use of cooperator-owned aircraft prior to exhausting contracted resources must involve a 

“significant and imminent threat to life or property.”

Aircraft Mobilization

When a Geographic Area has depleted local and available aircraft resources, request(s) will be 

placed with NICC. Aircraft assigned will become the receiving Area’s resource until released. 

The following terminology will be used when requesting aircraft through NICC:

• Knots (kts.) will be the standard term used to reference airspeed.

• VORs (Very High Frequency Omni-directional Range) will be used to reference direction.

• Latitude and longitude must be provided in Degrees Decimal Minutes (DDM), utilizing GPS 

Datum WGS84 degrees and minutes.

• Aircraft registration numbers will be used when referencing helicopters, lead planes, and air 

attack aircraft. Airtankers and SEATs will be referenced by the airtanker number; e.g., 

T-00.

The following selection factors will be used when ordering aircraft:

• Airtankers: Loaded or empty (two [2] hour maximum flight when loaded, except for the 

VLATs).

• Timeliness.

• Cost effectiveness.

• Performance specifications for density/high altitude operations.

• Appropriately carded.

• Special applications such as special-use flights, tundra pads, float, etc.
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Initial Attack Load

When smokejumpers are needed jump-ready for initial attack with aircraft, they are to be 

requested in ROSS as “Load, Smokejumper, Initial Attack” on an Aircraft request. Specifying 

the delivery system is not permitted. The sending unit will fill the request with a roster in ROSS 

or by forwarding a manifest form, with name and agency identification, through the established 

ordering channels. This information can be acquired after the jumpship is airborne. Any intent to 

retain Smokejumpers which have not been utilized as an IA load will be negotiated between the 

GACCs and NICC. GACCs pre-positioning smokejumpers when multiple starts are occurring or 

predicted will specify the anticipated duration. If not deployed during this period, smokejumpers 

will be made available for higher priorities, unless longer duration is negotiated between the 

GACCs and NICC.

Smokejumpers held as boosters after release from the first IA assignment will be placed on an 

Overhead order using individual “O” requests. Smokejumpers recovered and mobilized to 

another assignment, internally or across Geographic Area boundaries, will also be placed on an 

Overhead order.

Aircraft delivering Initial Attack smokejumpers will return to the sending base or a designated 

airport before the end of the pilot’s daily flight or duty limitations. Any intent or necessity to 

retain the aircraft will be negotiated between NICC and the GACCs. If the aircraft is retained 

past the first operational period, it will be placed on an Aircraft request through established 

ordering channels.

Aircraft Demobilization

Flight Following will be performed on all Government or exclusive use contract aircraft being 

demobilized. NICC will release charter and CWN aircraft to the vendor without flight following 

provided no Government personnel or cargo is on board. All aircraft release information will be 

entered in to ROSS.

Flight Management Procedures

National Flight Following Frequency (168.6500 MHz)

The National Flight Following Frequency is used to monitor interagency and contract aircraft. 

All aircraft on point-to-point or mission flights should establish/terminate flight following, and 

confirm Automated Flight Following (AFF) on the National Flight Following frequency. All 

dispatch centers/offices will monitor the National Fight Following frequency at all times. A 

CTCSS tone of 110.9 must be placed on the transmitter and receiver of the National Flight 

Following frequency. The National Flight Following frequency is to be used for flight following, 

dispatch, or redirection of aircraft. No other use is authorized.

Types of flights:

Point-to-Point

Point-to-point flights originate at one developed airport or permanent helibase, with a direct 

flight to another developed airport or permanent helibase. These types of flights are often 

referred to as "administrative" flights. These flights require point-to-point approved pilots and 

aircraft. A point-to-point flight is conducted higher than 500 feet above ground level (AGL) 

except for takeoff and landing.
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Mission Flights

Mission flights are those flights that do not meet the definition of a point-to-point flight. These 

types of flights are often referred to as “tactical” flights. A mission flight requires work to be 

performed in the air (such as retardant or water delivery, reconnaissance, smokejumper delivery, 

sketch mapping), or through a combination of ground and aerial work (such as delivery of 

personnel and/or cargo from a helibase to an unimproved landing site, rappelling, cargo letdown, or wild horse herding). The pilot and aircraft must be agency approved (carded) for the 

mission being performed.

FAA Flight Plans and Flight Following

All flights conducted under FAA Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) are automatically provided FAA 

flight following. Administrative flights conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plans 

require the pilot to file a flight plan with the appropriate FAA facility. The pilot must request 

FAA flight following. Air Traffic Control (ATC) may or may not provide it. It is the pilot’s 

responsibility to confirm with dispatch which type of FAA flight plan will be used. The pilot 

shall close out the flight plan with the FAA once the flight is completed. FAA flight plans and 

flight following are generally used for point-to-point flights and the pilot or flight manager will 

contact dispatch with an estimated time of departure, estimated time en route and close out with 

dispatch once the aircraft is on the ground to accomplish resource tracking.

Agency Flight Plans and Flight Following

Agency flight plans are the responsibility of the originating dispatch office and are documented 

on a Flight Request/Flight Schedule or an Aircraft Resource order for mission flights. For 

mission flights, there are two types of Agency flight following: Automated Flight Following 

(AFF), and Radio Check-in. AFF is the preferred method of agency flight following. If the 

aircraft and flight following office have AFF capability, it shall be utilized. Periodic radio 

transmissions are acceptable when utilizing AFF. (See AFF procedures below for more 

information). Radio Check-in/Check-out flight following requires verbal communication via 

radio every 15 minutes. The dispatcher will log the aircraft call sign, latitude, longitude and 

heading. Agency flight following is used for all mission flights. All aircraft operating on Agency 

flight plans shall monitor Air Guard. Helicopters conducting Mission Flights shall check-in prior 

to and immediately after each takeoff/landing per IHOG 4.II.E.2. For point-to-point flights, AFF 

flight following may be used as well. The pilot or flight manager will, as a minimum, contact 

dispatch prior to the flight with an estimated time of departure, estimated time en route, souls and 

fuel on board and will close out with dispatch once the aircraft is on the ground. Flight following 

is the responsibility of the originating dispatch office and will remain so until transferred through 

a documented, positive handoff. The flight following dispatch office shall be continually staffed 

while an aircraft is airborne. Confirmation of an aircraft’s arrival at a specified destination is 

required to ensure that a flight has been completed safely. It is the pilot’s responsibility to close 

out a flight plan. If an aircraft is overdue, it is the receiving dispatcher’s responsibility to initiate 

aircraft search and rescue actions. Flight following problems are documented through the 

SAFECOM system.
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NICC will Resource Track all aircraft crossing Geographic Area boundaries, which have been 

ordered through NICC on:

• Aircraft Orders

• Flight Requests

• IA Smokejumper Orders

Responsibilities

SENDING UNIT – The Sending Unit is the dispatch unit which sends the aircraft from the 

vendor or Government aviation unit.

RECEIVING UNIT – The Receiving Unit is the dispatch unit which is receiving the resource.

Responsibilities of the Sending Unit:

• Obtain actual time of departure (ATD) and estimated time of arrival (ETA) from the initial 

departure airport from pilot/vendor.

• Relay the ATD, ETA, and method of Flight Following (agency or FAA) to the Sending 

Unit’s GACC via established ordering channels.

• Notify the GACC of any route changes, and of any delay or advances of a flight plan 

exceeding thirty (30) minutes.

• Assist with search procedures for overdue aircraft. Utilize agency aircraft search/rescue 

guides, as appropriate.

• On any flight requiring stops en route to a destination, instruct the Pilot-In-Command or 

Flight Manager to contact NICC at (800) 994-6312. Aircraft support vehicles should contact 

NICC at fuel stops. 

Responsibilities of Sending GACC:

• Sending GACC will relay the flight itinerary to NICC via email or fax.

• Notify NICC of any route changes, and of any delay or advances of a flight plan exceeding 

thirty (30) minutes.

• Assist with search procedures for overdue aircraft. Utilize agency aircraft search and rescue 

guides, as appropriate.

Responsibilities of NICC:

• Relay flight itinerary to the receiving GACC by email or fax.

• Notify receiving GACC of any route changes, and of any delay or advances of a flight plan 

exceeding thirty (30) minutes.

• Resource track tactical aircraft to specified destinations.

• Monitor flight plans for additional utilization.

Responsibilities of Receiving GACC:

• Relay flight itinerary to the Receiving Unit by email or fax.

• Notify Receiving Unit of known delays/advances of a flight plan exceeding thirty 

(30) minutes.

• Confirm arrival of all tactical aircraft to NICC by telephone; notify NICC of any aircraft

overdue by more than thirty (30) minutes.

• Assist with search procedures for overdue aircraft. Utilize agency aircraft search and rescue 

guides, as appropriate.
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Responsibilities of Receiving Unit:

• Confirm arrival of all tactical aircraft by telephone to Receiving GACC.

• Notify Receiving GACC of any delays of a flight plan exceeding thirty (30) minutes; notify 

receiving GACC of any aircraft overdue by more than thirty (30) minutes.

• Initiate/assist with search procedures for overdue aircraft. Utilize agency aircraft search and 

rescue guides, as appropriate.

Automated Flight Following (AFF) Requirements and Procedures

AFF reduces the requirement to “check in” via radio every 15 minutes, and provides the 

dispatcher with a wide range of information on the flight, airspace, and other data that may be 

pertinent to the flight. This reduces pilot workload, clears congested radio frequencies, and 

provides the dispatcher with much greater detail and accuracy on aircraft location and flight 

history.

Requirements to Utilize AFF:

• Automated flight following does NOT reduce or eliminate the requirement for aircraft on 

mission flights to have FM radio capability, and for the aircraft to be monitoring appropriate 

radio frequencies during the flight.

• Procedures for flight requests, ordering aircraft, requirement for a Flight Manager, etc., are 

the same as radio check-in procedures.

• The aircraft must be equipped with the necessary hardware (transmitter and antenna).

• The dispatch office responsible for the flight following must have a computer connected to 

the Internet immediately available to them in the dispatch office. Dispatch office(s) 

responsible for flight following shall be staffed for the duration of the flight.

• Training: The flight following dispatcher must have a working knowledge of the automated 

flight following program (Web tracker) and must have a current username and password for 

the automated flight following system.

Procedures for Utilizing AFF:

• When an aircraft is ordered, or a user requests flight following from a dispatch office, and the 

above listed requirements are met automated flight following shall be utilized.

• The dispatch office will log on to the automated flight following web site, verify that the 

aircraft icon is visible on the screen, and be able to quickly monitor this page at any time 

during the flight.

• The dispatch office will provide the pilot with FM frequencies and tones that will be 

monitored for the duration of the flight.

• The pilot will relay the flight itinerary, ETD, ETA and fuel on board to the dispatch center. 

• When aircraft is initially airborne, and outside of sterile cockpit environment, the pilot will 

contact the dispatch office via radio stating “Nxxxx off (airport or helibase name), ATD, 

SOB, FOB and ETE on AFF”. Dispatch office shall respond “Nxxxx, (dispatch call sign) 

AFF.” This is required to positively verify that both the aircraft and the dispatch office are 

utilizing AFF, radios are operational, and that the dispatcher can “see” the aircraft on the 

computer screen. If there is a problem at this point, change to radio 15-minute check-in 

procedures until the problem is resolved.

- If radio contact cannot be established the pilot will abort the mission and return to the 

airport/helibase.
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• If there is a deviation from the planned and briefed flight route, the pilot will contact the 

dispatch office via radio with the changed information.

• The dispatch office will keep the AFF system running on a computer for the entire flight and 

will set a 15-minute timer and monitor the computer at a minimum and document, for the 

duration of the flight.

• If the aircraft icon turns RED, it means the signal has been lost. Immediately attempt contact 

with the aircraft via radio and follow normal lost communication, missing aircraft, or downed 

aircraft procedures as appropriate. If radio contact is made after a lost signal, flight may 

continue utilizing 15-minute radio check-ins for flight following. (During tactical operations 

below 500’ a periodic red indication is normal and does not necessitate an ‘immediate’ 

contact especially if flight following has been established with the incident. This should be 

addressed during the pre-flight briefing.)

• When the aircraft has completed the flight and landed, the pilot or flight manager (passenger, 

observer, Flight Manager, ATGS, etc.) shall contact the dispatch office via radio or telephone 

informing them that they are on the ground.

• If the flight will cross “traditional dispatch boundaries,” the originating dispatch office must 

coordinate with affected units, and establish if the aircraft will be flight followed for the 

duration of the flight from the originating office or handed off when the border is crossed. 

Either option is acceptable but must be communicated and understood between dispatch 

offices and pilots/flight managers.

Additional information about AFF can be found at: https://www.aff.gov/
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Airtankers

Airtankers are National Resources and their primary mission is initial attack operations. The 

NICC will prioritize and allocate federal airtankers by positioning them in areas of current or 

predicted high wildfire danger or activity. Geographic Areas managing these aircraft will make 

them available for wildland fire assignments when ordered by NICC. This will be accomplished 

by ensuring that all support functions (i.e., airtanker Bases and Local Dispatch Centers) that are 

required for the mobilization of national assets (i.e. Airtankers, Lead Planes, ASMs, and Type 1 

and 2 Helicopters) are staffed and maintained to support mobilizations. When a Geographic Area 

has depleted available VLAT or Large Airtanker (Type 1 or 2) resources, request(s) will be 

placed with NICC. Large Airtanker initial attack agreements between neighboring unit level 

dispatch centers are valid only where proximity allows the airtanker to respond loaded direct to 

the incident.

There are five (5) types of airtankers:

Type Capacity (Minimum)

VLAT 8,000 gallons or more

1 3,000 to 7,999 gallons

2 1,800 to 2,999 gallons

3 800 to 1,799 gallons

4 Up to 799 gallons

Airtanker Management

To ensure consistent utilization, rotation and management of the national airtanker fleet, please 

refer to Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations Chapter 16, Aviation Operations 

and Resources. (https://www.nifc.gov/PUBLICATIONS/redbook/2017/Chapter16.pdf)

Airtanker Use in Optional and Post Season Periods

Post Season and Optional Use airtanker activations are processed by the Contracting Officer 

(CO), via a signed modification.

The following process is used to activate airtankers during the Post Season and Optional Use 

periods:

• The requesting GACC will place request(s) for airtankers with NICC.

• NICC will notify the National Airtanker Program Manager (NATPM) or designated 

representative of request(s).

• The NATPM or designated representative and NICC will determine the availability of 

airtankers and will notify the national airtanker inspector(s), if needed. The CO or designated 

representative will notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of the contract 

item to be activated.

• NICC will notify the GACC of the airtanker activation.

• NICC will request the airtanker from the appropriate vendor once approved by the CO.
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Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS)

• Objectives

MAFFS provides emergency capability to supplement commercial airtankers on 

wildland fires.

• Policy

MAFFS are National Resources and are used as a reinforcement measure when contract 

airtankers are committed or not readily available. MAFFS will be made available to assist 

foreign governments when requested through the Department of State or other diplomatic 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

• Responsibility

Geographic Areas are responsible for ascertaining all suitable commercial airtankers are 

assigned to wildland fires or committed to initial attack before placing a request for a 

MAFFS Mission to NIFC. For additional information, see the MAFFS Operating Plan.

• NIFC Responsibility

NIFC is responsible for ascertaining that all suitable commercial contract airtankers

nationally are committed to wildland fires, initial attack, or cannot meet timeframes of 

requesting units. When this occurs, the Duty Coordinator will notify the FS Assistant 

Director for Operations, NIFC. The FS Assistant Director for Operations or his/her acting, 

NIFC, or in his/her absence, the FS Assistant Director for Aviation, Fire and Aviation 

Management Washington Office, is responsible for initiating a MAFFS mission. Once 

approval is given, the NICC Manager activates the request through proper DOD channels.

After the initial contact has been made, the NICC will submit a Request for Assistance 

(RFA) to the DOD Liaison at NIFC. The Governors of California, Wyoming, and North 

Carolina may activate their respective Air National Guard Units having MAFFS equipment 

and qualified crews for State-controlled fires. Approval for use of MAFFS equipment must 

be obtained from the FS Assistant Director for Operations, NIFC, prior to this activation.

When MAFFS are activated by a governor, the FS Regional Office for that State will assign 

an accounting code for the incident.

• Ordering Criteria

- FS domestic requests will be placed through established ordering channels to NICC.

- NICC will place a Request for Assistance (RFA) to the NIFC Defense Coordinating 

Officer (DCO). The DCO places the RFA concurrently with the US Northern 

Command and the Joint Directorate of Military Support for approvals.

- The requesting Geographic Area needs to order the following support:

o 1 each MAFFS Liaison Officer (MLO aka MAFF) and 1 each MLO trainee

o 1 each Airbase Radio Kit (NFES 4660)

o 1 each MAFFS Communications Specialist (THSP)

o 1 each Assistant MAFFS Liaison Officer.

o 1 each MAFFS Airtanker Base Manager (MABM) and 1 each MABM trainee

o Logistics, Finance, and Information personnel

- MAFFS Operations must also include a MAFFs qualified Lead Plane.
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The Receiving Unit must be prepared to provide administrative support (procurement, motel 

rooms, phones, office space, clerical and timekeeping support, transportation) to accommodate 

as many as 26 people per two (2) aircraft. Refer to the current MAFFS Operating Plan for 

specifics.

Water Scoopers

Water scooper’s primary mission is initial attack operations. The NICC will prioritize and allocate 

federal water scoopers by positioning them in areas where they can be tactically effective and where

current or predicted high wildfire danger or activity is occurring. Geographic areas managing these 

aircraft will make them available for wildland fire assignments when ordered by NICC.

Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs)

Federally contracted SEATs are managed under either exclusive use or CWN contract. The

CWN contract SEAT module includes a support vehicle with batch mixing capability for wet and 

dry retardant. They are available for interagency use and will be requested through established 

ordering channels. If the ordering office cannot provide a SEAT Manager for a SEAT, the SEAT 

Manager will be requested on an Overhead order. For additional information, see the Interagency 

SEAT Operations Guide (ISOG), NFES 001844.

Lead Planes and Aerial Supervision Modules (ASM)

Lead Planes and Aerial Supervision Modules are National Resources. Areas administering these 

aircraft will make them available for wildland fire assignments when ordered by NICC, if not 

currently committed to fires. Requests for lead planes may be filled with an ASM. 

The ASM is a fixed wing platform that utilizes two (2) crew members to perform the functions 

of traditional air attack and low-level lead operations. The ASM requires both crew members to 

be trained to work as a team, utilizing Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills and techniques 

to enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. For a list of all Lead Planes/Aerial Supervision 

Modules, refer to the following web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/aviation/Lead_Planes.pdf

Smokejumper Aircraft

For a list of all Smokejumper Aircraft, refer to the following web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references/Smokejumper_Aircraft.pdf

Tactical and Reconnaissance Aircraft

Air Tactical and reconnaissance aircraft are on Call-When-Needed (CWN) and Exclusive Use 

Contracts solicited and inspected by the OAS and other federal agencies. They are available for 

interagency use and will be requested through established ordering channels. The ordering office 

may request the aircraft with specific avionics equipment as shown below. 

Required Equipment Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4

Aeronautical VHF-AM radio transceivers 2 each 2 each 2 each 2 each

Aeronautical VHF-FM radio transceivers 2 each 1 each 1 each N/A

Transponder & altitude encoder Yes Yes Yes Yes

Panel Mounted or Aviation Handheld GPS 1 each 1 each 1 each 1 each

TAS (DOI) Yes N/A N/A N/A
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Required Equipment Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4

Separate audio control systems for pilot and ATGS Yes Yes N/A N/A

An audio control system N/A N/A Yes Yes

Audio/mic jacks with PTT capability in the rear 

seat connected to the co-pilot/ATGSs audio 

control system

Yes Yes N/A N/A

An intercommunication System Yes Yes Yes Yes

AUX-FM provisions Note 1 Note 1 N/A N/A

AFF Yes Yes Yes Yes

2 – aeronautical VHF-FM antennas N/A N/A N/A Yes

An accessory power source N/A N/A N/A Yes

A portable Air Attack kit (Note 2) N/A N/A N/A Yes

Note 1: Type 1 and 2 aircraft must have either AUX-FM provisions or an additional aeronautical 

VHF-FM radio transceiver.

Note 2: Air Attack kits may be agency or contractor furnished.

Helicopters – Call-When-Needed (CWN)

• Type 3 helicopters are ordered through normal ordering channels and are dispatched either 

locally, or through Geographic Area Coordination Centers.

• With the exception of Alaska, all Type 1 and 2 helicopters are National Resources and will

be dispatched by NICC.

There are two (2) categories of helicopters:

- Limited: No government personnel/passenger or internal cargo transport, lift only. See 

Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide, NFES 001885 for additional information.

- Standard: Government personnel/passenger and cargo hauling.

• When processing requests for helicopters, NICC will inform the requesting GACC of the 

contract type of the assigned resource: Exclusive Use or CWN. Exclusive Use Contract 

helicopters are mobilized complete with an assigned module. If the request is filled with a 

CWN helicopter, the requesting Area must provide a module or order a module through 

NICC. A helicopter manager (HMGB) must be identified and confirmed in the Special Needs 

block before NICC assigns a CWN helicopter, with the exception of Alaska, due to the 

extended mobilization time of the aircraft from the Lower 48 to Alaska. CWN helicopter 

managers and/or modules will meet with their assigned helicopter off-site from the incident 

prior to performing work. The specific reporting location should be identified on the 

Resource Order, such as a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) or other easily located site. GACCs 

will obtain approval from NICC prior to reassigning Type 1 or 2 Helicopters to another 

incident.
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Exclusive Use Contract Helicopters

• All FS Exclusive Use Type 1 and 2 Helicopters are contracted by NIFC.

• All Exclusive Use Contract Helicopters for DOI Agencies are solicited, inspected, and 

contracted by DOI AQD and OAS.

• Exclusive Use Contract Helicopters are dispatched locally by the Administrative Unit.

• When ordering helicopters with rappel or short haul capability, request the aircraft as normal 

and define the added capability in the “Special Needs” block of the Resource Order.

Periodically, Forest Service Type 1 and Type 2 Exclusive Use Helicopters not within their 

Mandatory Availability Period (MAP) are hired under their Exclusive Use Contract for optional 

use periods for incidents or projects. A modification to the Exclusive Use Contract is required for 

the duration of the incident assignment. The Exclusive Use Contract designates the COR and the 

Exclusive Use Helicopter Manager. If, the designated FS Exclusive Use Helicopter Manager is 

not immediately available, the requesting Geographic Area will assign an available Exclusive 

Use Helicopter Manager to the helicopter until the designated Exclusive Use Helicopter Manager 

arrives at the incident. The designated Helicopter Manager will then manage the helicopter 

thereafter. The COR will be notified that the Exclusive Use Helicopter is being dispatched.

Large Transport Aircraft

Large transport aircraft are National Resources and will be requested through NICC.

• Scheduling: Large transport aircraft arranged by NICC are requested on a per mission basis. 

Flight Following ATD/ETE will be relayed by the NICC Aircraft Desk for each flight leg.

• Requests for Large Transport: When requesting a large transport aircraft, the following 

information is required:

- Number of passengers and/or cargo weight per destination, and combined total weight for 

the flight.

- Pick-up point at jetport and time passengers and/or cargo are available to load. NICC 

requires 48 hour lead time to plan and schedule aircraft for demobilization flights.

- Pick-up point at the jetport is the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) or gate at the airport 

terminal where the aircraft will park.

- Passengers must be weighed and manifested prior to boarding the aircraft.

- Government or contractor support available at each airport, including contact person and 

telephone number.

- All personnel listed on the manifest and flight crew members should be provided at least 

one sack lunch.
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Airborne Thermal Infrared (IR) Fire Mapping

Infrared equipment and aircraft are National Resources. All requests for infrared flights will be 

placed with NICC through established ordering channels no later than 1530 Mountain. All 

requests for infrared services will be on a ROSS aircraft request. Infrared Scanner Request 

Forms for infrared flights will be created at the National Infrared Operations (NIROPS) website 

at: https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/nirops/users/login. User accounts can be requested on this webpage. 

If the website is unavailable, a faxed Infrared Aircraft Scanner Request Form (See Chapter 80) 

will be submitted for each request. A qualified Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) must be confirmed or 

in place at the time of the infrared flight. IRINs typically work remotely from their home unit.

NICC may assign these resources to a Geographic Area during lower Preparedness Levels (PL). 

When assigned to a Geographic Area, the GACC will provide a qualified IR Coordinator and 

provide for Flight Following of assigned aircraft. NICC will flight follow between Geographic 

Areas.

NICC will maintain the flight scheduling and priority setting for national infrared resources 

when competition exists.

Flight crews, when assigned to a Geographic Area, will coordinate with the using agency’s IR 

Liaison and IR Coordinator. The IR Coordinator will keep informed of mission priorities, flight 

times, etc.

Users of Infrared Services should be familiar with the contents of the National Infrared 

Operations Guide, available from the Infrared Operations Specialist at NIFC, (208) 387-5647.

The objectives of the Infrared Program are:

• Primary: Provide infrared support and services to all agencies engaged in wildland fire 

activities.

• Secondary: Provide infrared support for other resource projects as priorities, time, and 

capabilities allow.

Infrared Aircraft

Aircraft Flight Rate Per Hour

N144Z – Cessna Citation $ 1850

N149Z – King Air 200 $ 1250

Rates are subject to change. For further information, contact the FS Region 4 Aviation 

Operations Office.
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PERFORMANCE

N144Z Cessna Citation

• Block speed – 370 kts.

• IR Scanner speed – 240 kts.

• Fuel – Jet

• Endurance for infrared missions (2 Pilots, 1 Technician) 3.0 Hours (with reserves

• Maximum take-off weight – 14,800 lbs.

• Runway – Hard surface, minimum 4,000 feet @ sea level

• Passenger configuration – 6 passengers + baggage

N149Z King Air 200 (Cargo Door)

• Block speed – 240 kts.

• IR Scanner speed – 220 kts.

• Fuel – Jet

• Endurance for infrared missions (2 Pilots, 1 Technician) 4 Hours (with reserves

• Maximum take-off weight – 12,500 lbs.

• Runway – Hard surface, minimum 4,000 feet @ sea level

• Passenger configuration – 6-8 passengers + baggage

• Cargo configuration – 2,000 lbs. (2 Pilot), 2 + 30 hour endurance (with reserves)

Capabilities and Limitations:

• Infrared Scanners:

- Infrared energy can penetrate smoke and haze, but is limited by clouds and fog. Infrared 

energy follows a line-of-sight path.

- For best results, imagery should be taken between the hours of 2200-0200 and between 

one (1) hour after sunset and one (1) hour before sunrise. Imagery flights can be made at 

other times, but expect degradation in image quality. Fire detection is unaffected by time 

of day.

• Infrared Aircraft:

- All USDA Forest Service infrared aircraft deliver imagery via FTP site transfer. Products 

produced by the infrared interpreter are posted on the NIFC ftp site at 

https://ftp.nifc.gov/incident_specific_data/.
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Temporary Flight Restrictions, FAR 91.137 (TFR)

Temporary airspace restrictions will be established when incident related aviation activities 

present potential conflict with other aviation activities. The FAA requires that latitude/longitude 

information for TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) must be provided in degrees, minutes, and 

seconds, including reference to north latitude and west longitude. If seconds’ information is not 

available, add two (2) zeroes to the description. Do not use spaces, commas, or other symbols in 

the description. Example: ddmmssN/dddmmssW or 450700N/1175005W. The corner points 

should be listed in a clockwise sequence around the requested TFR to avoid “bow tie” 

depictions. The Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide describes further how flight 

restrictions are requested and implemented and can be found at the following website: 

https://www.airspacecoordination.net/

Temporary Flight Restrictions requests for all risk (non-wildfire) incidents should be familiar 

with the FAA's Airspace Management Plan (AMP) for Disasters located at 

https://www.airspacecoordination.net/ under "Publications and Training."

Military Training Routes and Special Use Airspace

Military Training Routes and Special Use Airspace that present conflicts with incident related 

aviation activities will be identified by local units. One source for this information is AP-1B, 

Flight Information Publication “Military Training Routes.” Each dispatch office should 

download a current edition of the AP-1B. Instructions for access can be found under “Airspace 

Coordination” at the following website: https://www.airspacecoordination.net/. Special Use 

Airspace may be found on Sectional Aeronautical Charts. Critical Airspace information pertinent 

to flight should be organized for easy and rapid utilization; i.e., displayed on dispatching hazard 

maps. Further direction may be obtained in the Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide.

Airspace Conflicts

Consult the Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide.

FAA Temporary Control Tower Operations

Geographic Areas within the FAA’s Western Service Area (which includes the following states: 

AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and WY) may request FAA Air Traffic 

Control support through the Western Service Area Agreement when Air Operations in support of 

an incident becomes complex or unsafe at uncontrolled airports or helibases. FAA Temporary 

Control Towers are ordered on an Aircraft Order. A lead time of 48 hours is desirable when 

ordering. Ordering procedures are outlined within the current agreement located at the airspace 

coordination website: https://www.airspacecoordination.net/ The GACCs do not need to forward 

the request to NICC.

The Interagency agreement with the FAA requires that a Resource Order and a Temporary 

Tower Request form be forwarded to the FAA. The forms may be forwarded when the request is 

made by the GACC to the FAA’s Regional Operations Center (ROC). The current Temporary 

Tower Request Form is located at https://www.airspacecoordination.net/ , under forms. In 

addition, there is a helpful checklist in Chapter 11 of the Interagency Airspace Coordination 

Guide that aids in requesting a Temporary Tower.
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Dedicated Radio Frequencies

FM, VHF, and UHF Frequencies:

NIRSC issues dedicated FM frequencies in conjunction with communication equipment assigned 

to incidents. NIRSC will order additional FM frequencies from DOI and FS, Washington Office, 

as conditions warrant. To insure proper frequency coordination, the ordering office must 

include the Latitude and Longitude of the incident on the resource order.

AM Frequencies:

Initial attack AM air-to-air frequencies will be assigned by the NIFC Communications Duty 

Officer (CDO) after annual coordination with the FAA. All available AM assignments will be 

published at the beginning of the fire season and will be available for use by the dispatch zones. 

When the tertiary assignment (if applicable) is used the NIFC CDO will be notified by phone or 

e-mail. VHF AM assignments are used for air-to-air communications, and are authorized only 

within the zone to which assigned. IA assignments are not dedicated to project fires.

To utilize the initial attack AM assignments to their fullest capabilities they should only be used 

on TFRs for the initial burning period, and after that a dedicated AM frequency should be 

ordered from the CDO through ROSS.

FM air-to-ground frequencies will be facilitated and coordinated by the NIFC CDO in 

cooperation with the agency frequency managers with the intent to create permanent 

assignments. Both AM and FM assignments will be used on an interagency basis and master 

records of the assignments are maintained by the NIFC CDO. Updated frequency information for 

initial attack air to air, and air to ground is coordinated annually with the GACCs.

Incident requests for the use of dedicated Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground frequencies will be made 

through established ordering channels to NICC and are filled by the NIRSC CDO. The CDO 

coordinates all National Cache FS and DOI frequencies as well as any additional frequencies

released by other agencies for wildland fire support. Aviation frequencies are to be ordered on an 

Aircraft order as an “A” request.

Airtanker bases will monitor 123.975 VHF AM for aircraft contact. (Airtanker bases in the 

Southwest and Southern Geographic Areas may be assigned alternate frequencies. Please 

reference local supplements for current frequency assignments.) These frequencies are for 

National Airtanker Ramp use and not to be used for tactical or flight following purposes.
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CHAPTER 60

PREDICTIVE SERVICES

Predictive Services is a decision support unit for federal, state and local land agencies for 

operational management of and strategic planning for wildland firefighting resources. Predictive 

Services accomplishes this through analysis of weather and climate, fuels, fire activity and 

behavior. 

Intelligence gathering is a fundamental component of the national coordination system for 

federal, state and local land agencies. Intelligence coordination is accomplished through 

compiling reports from all levels of the firefighting organization as well as communicating with 

individual GACCs and local jurisdictions concerning their historic, current, and expected fire 

occurrence.

The products and services from both Predictive Services and the Intelligence section provide 

support for the proactive management of wildland fire with an eye toward safety, cost 

containment, efficiency and ecosystem health. 

7-Day Significant Fire Potential Outlook

*Daily: Issued daily, except when the Geographic Area Predictive Services unit is not staffed; 

such as during weekends or holidays. 

The National 7-day Significant Fire Potential Outlook is a composite of outlooks produced by 

each of the Geographic Area Predictive Services units. The 7-day provides a week-long 

projection of fuel dryness, weather, and fire potential. The 7-day depicts a nationwide view of 

the significant fire potential for the next seven days with links to the individual Geographic Area 

7-day outlooks. The system is database driven and is updated periodically as each Geographic 

Area Predictive Services unit posts its outlook. Each Geographic Area Predictive Services unit 

will determine whether to routinely produce a morning or afternoon product. Issuance times for 

each Area’s outlook can be found in the Geographic Area Mobilization Guide and/or in its 

National Weather Service/Predictive Services Annual Operating Plan. Geographic Areas are 

required to provide 7-Day Outlooks daily, except when the Geographic Area Predictive Services 

unit is not staffed; such as during weekends or holidays. Forecasts will include the forecaster’s 

name or other agreed upon identifier to facilitate coordination. 

All Geographic Area outlooks will be viewable from https://psgeodata.fs.fed.us/7day/. The 

outlooks produced by the 10 Geographic Area Predictive Services units will be consolidated into 

a National 7-day Significant Fire Potential map located at: 

https://psgeodata.fs.fed.us/staticmap.html.

National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook

*Monthly: Issued the first day of the month.

The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook is prepared and distributed by NICC 

Predictive Services on the first day of each month. The Outlook is a composite of outlooks 

prepared by the individual Geographic Area Predictive Services units and national discussions 

prepared by NICC Predictive Services. It provides fire managers at all levels with the 

information needed to make long range decisions concerning resource staffing and allocation. 
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The Outlook identifies areas where significant wildland fire activity is expected to be above or 

below normal levels. 

The Outlook covers a four-month period, divided into four one-month sections. Maps for each 

period display areas of below normal, normal, and above normal significant wildland fire 

potential. A brief synopsis of the current and predicted national and GACC situation is included 

in the report. The Outlook begins with an Executive Summary which provides a brief synopsis 

of each of the outlook periods. The Past Weather and Drought section summarizes the weather of 

the past month and the evolution of any drought conditions to illustrate how fuels and fire 

conditions reached the current state. The Weather and Climate Outlooks section summarizes the 

broad climate patterns that will affect temperature and precipitation for the next four months. 

The Fuel Conditions and Fire Season Timing section describes the current state of the fuels and 

how they will transition during the outlook period as well as the expected progression of the 

current fire season relative to the typical, or average, fire season. The Geographic Area 

Forecasts section provides brief but more specific weather, fuels and fire potential information 

for each of the Geographic Areas. 

GACC monthly outlooks are optional but strongly encouraged as they provide greater detail than 

the national outlook issued by NICC. GACC monthly outlooks will adhere to the following 

protocols:

• GACC and NICC outlooks must be geospatially equivalent.

• GACC websites are required to link to the national outlook.

• GACCs are required to provide draft forecast maps as well as narrative highlights for the 

outlook period to NICC no later than five business days before the end of each month.

• GACC monthly outlooks will be issued and posted to the web on the first business day of 

each month. Maps will show areas where above normal, normal and below normal 

significant fire potential are expected. A discussion of fuel conditions, climate outlooks, 

and other pertinent information will be included in the outlooks.

Fuel and Fire Behavior Advisories

*As needed.

Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisories are alerts issued as needed to address an exceptional or 

extreme circumstance that could threaten firefighter safety. Conditions that could be reasonably 

expected normally do not warrant a Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory. Advisories will focus 

on fuel conditions and fire behavior that have long term impacts, not atmospheric conditions that 

can change significantly over short periods of time and can be found in other products. 

Advisories will highlight conditions that are currently on-going and give specific examples that 

have been experienced in the field. Advisories should be tailored so that firefighters at all 

experience levels can recognize the situation and act accordingly. Advisories should be 

coordinated with neighboring administrative units to ensure that all areas with similar conditions 

are being addressed. All Advisories that extend beyond a single local administrative unit or that 

will be posted on the national Advisory map must be coordinated with the National Interagency 

Coordination Center and Geographic Area Coordination Center Predictive Service Units. Each 

Advisory must include a map of the affected area. Only one Advisory may be active at any time 

over any area. If multiple Advisory conditions are present incorporate them into one Advisory. 

Advisories will remain in effect for 14 days from issuance. If the Advisory conditions continue 
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2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 81

beyond the 14 days a new Advisory will need to be issued to update conditions and 

circumstances with more timely information. Advisory templates can be found at: 

https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/fuels_fire-danger/fuels_advisories.htm and in Chapter 

80 of the National Interagency Mobilization Guide.

Incident Status Summary (ICS-209)

*As described below to report significant wildland fires

The Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) conforms to National Incident Management System 

(NIMS) policy. The ICS-209 is used to report large wildland fires and other significant events on 

lands under federal protection or federal ownership, and is submitted to the GACC. Lands 

administered by states and other federal cooperators may also report in this manner.

The ICS-209 program is a Fire and Aviation Management Web (FAMWEB) application referred 

to as the “209 Program.” The ICS-209 is submitted by the agency that has protection 

responsibility for the incident, regardless of who administers the land. If the protection agency is 

non-federal and chooses not to meet federal reporting standards, then the federal agency which 

has administrative jurisdiction will submit the incident ICS-209. Geographic Area Intelligence 

Coordination staff will ensure that their local dispatch centers submit complete and accurate ICS209 reports for any wildland fire meeting the requirements specified in the When to Report 

Wildland Fire Incidents ICS-209 flowchart shown below (available at: 

https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/intelligence/intelligence.htm), or as set in their 

Geographic Area Mobilization Guide, if more frequent. 

Specific instructions for entering ICS-209 information can be found in the SIT-209 User’s Guide 

at: https://gacc.nifc.gov/predictive_services/intelligence/niop/programs/sit_209/Help/index.htm. 

The ICS-209 Program and electronic ICS-209 form is located at: https://fam.nwcg.gov/fam-web/

Required Reporting of Wildland Fires

Wildland fires managed for complete perimeter control (full suppression) will submit an ICS-209

daily when that fire meets large fire criteria. For fires being managed under full suppression 

strategy an ICS-209 will be submitted daily before 0200 Mountain Time to report the previous 

day’s activity, until the incident is contained. Refer to the GACC Mobilization Guide, or agency 

policy for reporting requirements once containment is achieved.

The National Interagency Coordination Center classifies large fires as 100 acres or larger in 

timber and slash fuel types, 300 acres or larger in grass or brush fuel types, or when a Type 1 or 

2 IMT is assigned. 

Wildland fires managed under a Monitor, Confine, or Point Zone Protection management 

strategy will submit an ICS-209 following the guidelines outlined in the When to Report 

Wildland Fire Incidents with an ICS-209 flowchart shown below. For incidents that require daily 

reporting, ICS-209’s should be submitted daily before 0200 Mountain Time. For incidents that 

require weekly reporting, ICS-209’s should be submitted weekly before Friday at 0200 Mountain 

Time. 
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Wildland fires within a complex should be aggregated and included on one ICS-209. A complex 

is two or more individual incidents located in the same general proximity, which are assigned to 

a single incident commander or unified command. In order to maintain data management, 

reporting integrity, resource management and cost accountability for individual wildland fire 

incidents within a parent complex and to facilitate the necessary data sharing between fire 

application systems through IRWIN, the following complex reporting business practices for ICS209 and IRWIN must be followed.

• The complex parent is a unique record and is not a converted wildland fire incident 

record.

• The complex parent record should be created in an IRWIN recognized CAD system, or as 

an individual ICS-209. The parent incident shall include the word “Complex” and not be 

named from an existing fire.

• Individual child incidents can be added to a complex within the 209 program as either 

preexisting ICS-209 incidents or as individual IRWIN incidents created from another 

IRWIN recognized application using the ‘Complex by Incident’ button in block 7 of the 

209 data entry screen. Finalize an existing ICS-209 child incident prior to associating the 

incident to the parent Complex.

• Incidents that do not have a unique IRWIN record cannot be added to the complex using 

the ‘Complex by Incident’ button.

• If an incident is removed from the complex, it may resume ICS-209 reporting as an 

individual incident if appropriate, using normal ICS-209 reporting guidelines. 

• Prescribed fires will be reported following the requirements outlined in the When to 

Report Wildland Fire Incidents document.

For non-fire incidents, an ICS-209 will be submitted for other events in which a significant 

commitment of wildland fire resources has occurred, or when a Type 1 or 2 Interagency Incident 

Management Team has been assigned.

For more information refer to When to Report Wildland Fire Incidents document on the National 

Intelligence website at: https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/intelligence/intelligence.htm.

Interagency Situation Report

*Daily: Issued daily, except when the unit is not staffed; such as during weekends or holidays. 

The Interagency Situation Report is a (FAMWEB) application known as the Sit Report Program. 

GACC Intelligence staff will ensure that all of their dispatch centers have submitted completed 

Situation Reports. The reporting period for this report is 0001 to 2400. At national Preparedness 

Level 2 the NICC Intelligence Coordination staff will retrieve situation reports from FAMWEB 

by 0200 Mountain Time following this reporting period. Fires and acres shall be reported by 

protection responsibility. Reporting is required for all prescribed fire activity along the same 

schedule as wildfires. The Interagency Situation Report application is divided into five sections:

• Daily Fire Statistics

• Planned Prescribed Fires

• Remarks

• Year-to-Date Statistics

• Incident Priority
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The Sit Report Program shares certain incident information with the 209 Program for summaries 

and reports. Specific reporting requirements and program instructions are located in the Sit 

Report User’s Guide located at: 

https://gacc.nifc.gov/predictive_services/intelligence/niop/programs/sit_209/Help/index.htm.

The Sit Report Program is located at https://fam.nwcg.gov/fam-web/.

Incident Management Situation Report

The National Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) shall be issued daily at National 

Preparedness Level 2 and above, or whenever significant wildland fire activity or resource 

mobilization occurs. Whenever daily reporting is not required, the IMSR will be issued weekly 

on Fridays.

The IMSR is prepared by the NICC Intelligence Coordination staff from information and data 

derived from the Interagency Situation Report and 209 Program through the FAMWEB reporting 

system. A brief national weather/fire potential outlook will be prepared by NICC Predictive 

Services for inclusion in the Predictive Services Discussion section of the IMSR.

Large full suppression wildland fires are typically reported in the IMSR until the incident is 

contained; no longer has a commitment of at least 100 personnel; is no longer demonstrating 

significant activity; or is failing to provide new reports submitted as required. Wildland fires 

managed under a Monitor, Confine, or Point Zone strategy will initially be reported in the IMSR 

when the event exceeds 100 acres in timber and slash fuel types, 300 acres in grass or brush fuel 

types, or has a Type 1 or 2 IMT assigned. Such large, long duration fires will be reported in the 

IMSR until activity diminishes, and thereafter when significant activity occurs (such as an 

acreage increase of 1,000 acres or more since last reported, significant resource commitment or a 

significant event occurs).

The Active Incident Resource Summary is updated daily in the IMSR. It includes the total count 

of fires and acres with resources assigned that have been reported in the SIT-209 program within 

the last seven days.
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CHAPTER 70

FIRE ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

Fire Directory – Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs)

National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC)

Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC)

Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC)

Great Basin Coordination Center (GBCC)

Northern California Coordination Center (ONCC)

Northern Rockies Coordination Center (NRCC)

Northwest Area Coordination Center (NWCC)

Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (RMCC)

Southern Area Coordination Center (SACC)

Southern California Coordination Center (OSCC)

Southwest Area Coordination Center (SWCC)

National Interagency Support Caches (NISC)

Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC)
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Fire Directory – National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC)

UNIT:

National Interagency Coordination 

Center

3833 S. Development Avenue

Boise, Idaho 83705-5354

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (208) 387-5400

FLIGHT FOLLOWING: 1-800-994-6312

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (208) 387-5400

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (208) 387-5663 or

(208) 387-5414

ELECTRONIC MAIL: cod@blm.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

STINGLEY-RUSSELL, Susie

Center Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5662

Vacant

Assistant Center Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5418

FLETCHER, Bill 

Assistant Center Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5656

PETERSON, Sean

Intelligence Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5093

LUTTRELL, Karla

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

HENDREN, Dave

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

SIMONTACCHI, Jarrod

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

SQUIRES, Rick

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

DELGADO, Ed

Fire Weather Program Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5451

HENRY, Bryan

Fire Weather Assistant Program 

Manager

Boise, ID 208 387-5449

SULLENS, Jeremy

Fire Analyst Boise, ID 208 387-5439

CLACK, Wade

Administrative Assistant Boise, ID 208 387-5400
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Fire Directory – Alaska Interagency Coordination Center (AICC)

UNIT:

Alaska Interagency Coordination 

Center

1541 Gaffney Road

P.O. Box 35005

Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (907) 356-5680

Flight Following: 1-800-237-3646

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (907) 356-5680

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (907) 356-5678

ELECTRONIC MAIL: blm_ak_accmob_dispatch@blm.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

CROWE, Ray

Center Manager Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5677

Vacant

Deputy Center Manager

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5680

VACANT

Logistics Coordinator, State of Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5682

GREGG, Jon

Tactical Resources Coordinator

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5670

BRANSON, Gabriella

Intel Coordinator

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5671

HUMPHREY, Jennifer

Aircraft Coordinator

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5681

SALISBERRY, Scott

Equipment Coordinator

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5687

MARTIN, Bridget

Overhead/Crew Coordinator

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5684

ALDEN, Sharon

Fire Weather Program Meteorologist 

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5691

STRADER, Heidi

Fire Weather Program Meteorologist

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5691

VACANT

Fire Behavior Analyst 

Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5673
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Fire Directory – Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC)

UNIT:

Eastern Area Coordination Center

626 East Wisconsin Ave, Suite 500

Milwaukee, WI 53202

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (414) 944-3811

TOLL FREE:

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (414) 944-3811

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (414) 944-3838

INTEL FACSIMILE: (414) 944-3839

ELECTRONIC MAIL: wieacc@fs.fed.us

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA

CODE

OFFICE

PHONE

McINTYRE-KELLY, Laura

Center Manager Milwaukee, WI 414 944-3811

NEYLON, Brendan

Deputy Center Manager Milwaukee, WI 414 944-3811

VIERS, Tom

Aviation Coordinator Milwaukee, WI 414 944-3811

PARRISH, Jennifer

Logistics Coordinator Milwaukee, WI 414 944-3811

SILVERSTONE, James

Intelligence Coordinator Milwaukee, WI 414 944-3811

MARIEN, Steve

Fire Weather Program Manager St. Paul, MN 651 293-8446Fax: 290-3815

OLSON, Randee

Interagency Incident Business Management 

Specialist

Grand Marais, MN 218 387-3204

Fax: 387-3246
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Fire Directory – Great Basin Coordination Center (GBCC)

UNIT:

Great Basin Coordination Center

401 Jimmy Doolittle Rd., Suite 202

Salt Lake City, UT 84116

FIRE TELEPHONE NO: 801-531-5320

TOLL FREE: 800-844-5497

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO: 801-556-0647 or

801-556-1698

FACSIMILE NUMBER: 801-531-5321

ELECTRONIC ADDRESS: gbc_cod@fs.fed.us

***IF NO ANSWER AT ABOVE NUMBER, CALL IN ORDER LISTED BELOW***

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

DINGMAN, Gina

Center Manager Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

STRINGER, Kara

Deputy Center Manager Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

MCCABE-HOWELL, Roni

Intelligence Coordinator Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

BARABOCHKINE, Jana

Operations Coordinator Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

BURBRIDGE, Brian

Operations Coordinator Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

WHALEN, Kim

Operations Coordinator Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

VACANT

Operations Coordinator Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

NEWMERZHYCKY, Basil

Fire Weather Program Manager Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

LAW, Shelby/HOSENFELD, Nanette

Fire Weather Assistant Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

MCGUIRE, Gina

Fire Weather Assistant Reno, NV 775 861-6650

TIPPETS, Ryan

Webmaster Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320
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Fire Directory – Northern California (ONCC)

UNIT:

Northern Operations Coordination 

Center

Geographic Area Coordination Center

6101 Airport Road

Redding, California 96002

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (530) 226-2801

TOLL FREE:

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (530) 226-2800

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (530) 223-4280

ELECTRONIC MAIL: caoncmob@dms.nwcg.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

BOYER, Paige

Assistant Director of Operations Redding, CA 530 226-2700

MASOVERO, Anthony

Center Manager Redding, CA 530 226-2812

STANLEY, Curtis

Deputy Center Manager Redding, CA 530 226-2835

GOGNA, Nathan

Department of Interior Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2831

HEFFENTRAGGER, Megan

Aviation Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2801

FORNI, Laurie

Mobilization Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2801

Logistics Coordinators

BIAGGI, Carmie

CONE, Deneen

MOORE, Juel

HOWARD, Patrick

MILOVICH, Rob

Redding, CA 530 226-2801

JOHNSON, Cathy

Intelligence Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2810

RUSSELL, Troy

Assistant Intelligence Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2811

BELONGIE, Brenda

Fire Weather Program Manager/Predictive 

Services

Redding, CA 530 226-2730
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Fire Directory – Northern Rockies Coordination Center (NRCC)

UNIT:

Northern Rockies Coordination Center

Aerial Fire Depot

5765 W. Broadway

Missoula, Montana 59808-9361

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (406) 329-4880

TOLL FREE:

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (406) 329-4880

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (406) 329-4891

Cache: (406) 329-4962

ELECTRONIC MAIL: mtnrc@fs.fed.us

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

PIPKIN, Kathy

Center Manager Missoula, MT 406 329-4709

HEINTZ, Judy

Assistant Center Manager

Missoula, MT 406 329-4708

GEMMELL, Harold

DNRC Direct Protection Coordinator

Missoula, MT 406 329-4996

THOMAS, Kim

Logistics Coordinator – Aircraft

Missoula, MT 406 329-4883

POLUTNIK, Julie

Intelligence Coordinator

Missoula, MT 406 329-4885

VACANT

Northern Rockies Operations Specialist

Missoula, MT 406 329-7431

RICHMOND, Michael

Predictive Services Meteorologist

Missoula, MT 406 329-4703

VACANT

Predictive Services Meteorologist

Missoula, MT 406 329-4875
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Fire Directory – Northwest Area Coordination Center (NWCC)

UNIT:

Northwest Area Coordination Center

150 SW Harrison St, Ste. 400

Portland, Oregon 97201

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (503) 808-2720

TOLL FREE:

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.:

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (503) 808-2750

ELECTRONIC MAIL: ornwc1@gmail.com

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

O’BRIEN, Dan

Center Manager Portland, OR 503 808-2732

PIERCE, Ted

Emergency Operations Manager

Portland, OR 503 808-2722

VACANT

Asst. Emergency Operations Manager

Portland, OR 503 808-2724

VACANT

Asst. Emergency Operations Manager

Portland, OR 503 808-2725

HARTSBURG, Travis

Asst. Emergency Operations Manager

Portland, OR 503 808-2726

CONNOLLY, Carol

Public Affairs Specialist

Portland, OR 503 808-2764

VACANT

Computer Specialist

Portland, OR 503 808-2735

POWELL, Mike

Fire Analyst

Portland, OR 503 808-2733

SALTENBERGER, John

Fire Weather Program Manager

Portland, OR 503 808-2737

VACANT

Fire Weather Meteorologist

Portland, OR 503 808-2756

VACANT

Intelligence Officer

Portland, OR 503 808-2734

HANEY, Barbara

GIS Specialist

Portland, OR 503 808-2741
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Fire Directory – Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (RMCC)

UNIT:

Rocky Mountain Area Coordination 

Center

2850 Youngfield Street, 4th Floor

Lakewood, Colorado 80215

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (303) 445-4300

TOLL FREE: 1-800-494-2073

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (303) 445-4300

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (888) 850-2925

ELECTRONIC MAIL: rmacoordctr@gmail.com

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

SWENDSEN, Scott

Center Manager Lakewood, CO 303 445-4302

BARTTER, Glenn

Deputy Center Manager

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4301

JUHOLA, Rob 

Assistant Area Coordinator 

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

BALDAUF, Amy

Logistics Coordinator - Aviation

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

DRAPEAU, Bruce 

Logistics Coordinator - Overhead

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

VACANT

Logistics Coordinator - Crews

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

HUNT, Melissa 

Logistics Dispatcher – Equipment

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

PEREA, Marco

Intelligence Coordinator 

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4303

MATHEWSON, Tim

Fire Weather Meteorologist

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4309

MANN, Russ

Fire Weather Meteorologist

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4308

MALCOLM, Brooke

RMCC Incident Business Specialist

RMCG Business Manager

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4306

RMCC Public/Media Fire Information Line Lakewood, CO 303 445-4322
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Fire Directory – Southern Area Coordination Center (SACC)

UNIT:

Southern Area Coordination Center

1200 Ashwood Parkway, Suite 230

Atlanta, Georgia 30338

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (678) 320-3000

TOLL FREE: 1-800-959-9181

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (678) 320-3000

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (678) 320-3036

ELECTRONIC MAIL:saccdispatch01@gmail.com

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

ELLSWORTH, Nancy

Center Manager Atlanta, GA 678 320-3001

ROBINSON, Tracy

Assistant Area Coordinator –

Overhead

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3002

VACANT

Assistant Area Coordinator –

Equipment and Supplies

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3003

BRICE, Jeff

Assistant Area Coordinator –

Crews

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3004

MILLER, Calvin

Operations Coordinator -

Aviation

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3005

VACANT

Intelligence Coordinator

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3007

INGRAM, Denver

Fire Weather Program Manager

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3008

SCASNY, Kevin

Fire Weather Meteorologist

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3009

CARTER, Danie

Program Assistant

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3016
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Fire Directory – Southern California Coordination Center (OSCC)

UNIT:

Southern California Coordination 

Center

2524 Mulberry Street

Riverside, California 92501

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (951) 276-6721

TOLL FREE/Flight Following: (800) 995-3473

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (951) 276-6725

FACSIMILE NUMBER:

Business: (951) 782-4900

Expanded Dispatch: (951) 774-0147

Aircraft: (951) 320-2069

ELECTRONIC MAIL: oscc_expanded@fs.fed.us

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

SKELTON, Randy

Assistant Fire Director, Operations Riverside, CA 951 320-6103

GREENWOOD, Pam

GACC Center Manager Riverside, CA 951 320-6214

BARRERA, Elizabeth

Deputy GACC Manager Riverside, CA 951 320-6109

MATARAZZI, Les

Department of Interior Coordinator Riverside, CA 951 320-6145

PATTERSON, Brandell 

Aviation Coordinator Riverside, CA 951 276-6725

VACANT

Mobilization Coordinator Riverside, CA 951 276-6725

LOGISTICS COORDINATORS:

CAMPBELL, John

DUNN, Mike

RAPHAEL, David

RICHARDS, Barbara

SALAS, Manny

Riverside, CA 951 276-6725

ROLINSKI, Tom

Predictive Services Lead, Fire Weather 

Program Manager

Riverside, CA 951 782-4849

VACANT

Intelligence Coordinator Riverside, CA 951 276-6107

VACANT

Intelligence Officer (vice Cohee) Riverside, CA 951 782-4876
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Fire Directory – Southwest Area Coordination Center (SWCC)

UNIT:

Southwest Area Coordination Center

333 Broadway SE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (505) 842-3473

TOLL FREE: (888) 440-4333

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (505) 842-3473

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (505) 842-3801

ELECTRONIC MAIL: nmswcc@gmail.com

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

JAYCOX, Kenan

Center Manager Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

DITMANSON, Kevin

Area Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

DIAZ, Tony

Area Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

MOORE, Nancy

Area Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

BEDONIE, Frank

Area Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

SEDILLO, Oscar

Aviation Dispatcher Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

ELLINGTON, Jay

Intelligence Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

MAXWELL, Chuck

Fire Weather Program Manager Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

NADEN, Rich

Fire Weather Meteorologist Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

ZABINSKI, Mary

Fire Information Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473
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Fire Directory – National Interagency Support Caches (NISC)

UNIT:

National Interagency Support Caches

NAME CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE 

PHONE

Alaska Incident Support Cache (AKK) Fort Wainwright, AK 907 356-5742

Fax: 356-5754

Coeur D’Alene Incident Support Cache 

(CDK) Coeur D’Alene, ID 208 666-8694Fax: 769-1534

Great Basin Area Incident Support Cache 

(GBK) Boise, ID 208 387-5104Fax: 387-5573

La Grande Incident Support Cache (LGK) La Grande, OR 541 975-5420

Fax: 975-5478

Northern California Incident Support 

Cache (NCK) Redding, CA 530 226-2850Fax: 226-2854

Northern Rockies Area Incident Support 

Cache (NRK) Missoula, MT 406 329-4949

Northeast Area Incident Support Cache 

(NEK) Grand Rapids, MN 218 327-4579Fax: 327-4581

Northwest Area Incident Support Cache 

(NWK) Redmond, OR 541 504-7234Fax: 504-7240

Rocky Mountain Area Incident Support 

Cache (RMK) Lakewood, CO 303 202-4940Fax: 202-4965

Southern Area Incident Support Cache 

(SAK) London, KY 606 878-7430Fax: 864-9559

Southern California Incident Support 

Cache (LSK) Ontario, CA 909 930-3208Fax: 947-6391

Southwest Area Prescott Incident Support 

Cache (PFK) Prescott, AZ 928 777-5630Fax: 777-5608

Southwest Area Silver City Incident 

Support Cache (SFK) Silver City, NM 505 538-5611Fax: 388-5672

State of Alaska Fire Warehouse (AKS) Fairbanks, AK 907 451-2641

Fax: 451-2669
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Fire Directory – Canada – Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC)

UNIT:

Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre

1749 Ellice Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H 1A6

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: 1-204-784-2030

TOLL FREE:

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.:

FACSIMILE NUMBER: 1-204-956-2398

ELECTRONIC MAIL: ciffc@ciffc.ca

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

CONNORS, Kim

Executive Director Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

POULIN, Serge

Strategic Planning 

Manager

Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

BOKOVAY, Dave

Operations Manager Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

MOUSSEAU, Marc

Aviation and Equipment 

Coordinator

Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

BON, Dick

Training Coordinator Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

STA. BRIGIDA, Alexis

A/Executive Assistant Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030
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CHAPTER 80

FORMS

Resource Order Form
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Mobile Food & Shower Service Request Form
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Passenger and Cargo Manifest Form
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Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule Form
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Hazard Analysis and Dispatch/Aviation Manager Checklist
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Infrared Aircraft Scanner Request Form
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FAA Temporary Tower Request Form
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Preparedness/Detail Request Form
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Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) Form
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Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory Template
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Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality Initial Report Form

Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment

INITIAL REPORT

Complete this report for fire-related entrapment and/or fatalities. Timely reporting of wildland-related entrapments or 

fatalities is necessary for the rapid dissemination of accurate information to the fire management community. It will 

also allow fire safety and equipment specialists to quickly respond to these events as appropriate. This initial report 

does not replace agency reporting or investigative responsibilities, policies, or procedures. Immediately notify the 

National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) Coordinator on Duty (COD) by phone, and then submit this written 

report to NICC within 24 hours—even if some data are missing—to the address given below.

NICC—National Interagency Fire Center Phone: 208–387–5400

3833 South Development Ave. Fax: 208–387–5414

Boise, ID 83705 Coordinator on Duty email: COD@blm.gov

Submitted by: Position:

Agency: Location:

Phone: E-mail:

1. General Information

Date of event: Time: 

Number of personnel involved: 

Number of Injuries: Fatalities: 

Fire name, location, agency, etc.: 

2. Fatalities

Type of accident:

Aircraft Vehicle Natural (lightning, drowning, etc.) Smoke

Medical (heart, stroke, heat, etc.) Entrapment Struck by falling object

Where fatality/entrapment occurred:

Fire site In transit Incident base Other 

Note: In the event of fatality(s), do not release name(s) until next of kin are notified.

Employing agency: 

Unit name: 

Address: 

For further information, contact: 

Phone: 
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3. Fire-Related Information

Fuel Model: 

Incident management type at time of the incident/accident: (check one)

1 2 3 4 5

Temperature: RH: Wind: Mph 

Topography: Urban/wildland intermix?: Yes No

Slope: %

Fire size at the time of the incident/accident: acres 

Cause of fire: Natural Incendiary Accidental Unknown

4. Entrapment Information

A situation where personnel are unexpectedly caught in a fire-behavior-related, life-threatening 

position where escape routes or safety zones are absent, inadequate, or have been compromised. 

An entrapment may or may not include deployment of a fire shelter. Note: Engine and dozer 

burnovers also constitute entrapments.

Brief description of the accident:

Entrapment Description

Person trapped: With shelter Without shelter

Burns/smoke injuries while in shelter Yes No

Burns/smoke injuries while escaping entrapment Yes No

Burns/smoke injuries incurred while fighting fire Yes No

Fire shelter performed satisfactorily Yes No

Fire shelter was available, but not used Yes No

Personal Protective Equipment Used

Fire shelter Yes No

Gloves Yes No

Protective pants Yes No

Boots Yes No

Protective shirt Yes No

Goggles Yes No

Face/neck protection Yes No

Hardhat Yes No
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Documentation of Length of Assignment Extension Requirements Form
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Appendix Acronym Guide

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APPENDIX:

ACRONYM GUIDE

The following acronyms are used throughout the Nation Mobilization Guide:

AD Administratively Determined

AFF Automated Flight Following

AMRS All-Hazards Meteorological Response System

APT Administrative Payment Team

ARA Aircraft Rental Agreement

ASAT Aviation Safety Assistance Team

ASM1 Aerial Supervision Module

ATD Actual Time of Departure

BAER Burned Area Emergency Response

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs

BLM Bureau of Land Management

BNML Battalion Military Liaison

BPA Blanket Purchase Agreement

BUYT Buying Team

CDO Communications Duty Officer

COMC Communications Coordinator

COML Incident Communication Unit Leader

COP Chief-of-Party

COR Contracting Officer Representative

COTR Contracting Officer Technical Representative

CRWB Crew Boss

CREP Crew Representative

CRM Crew Resource Management

CWN Call When Needed

DASP Disaster Assistance Support Program

DCO Defense Coordinating Officer

DMS Dispatch Messaging System

DOI Department of Interior

EERA Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement

EFTR Emergency Firefighter Time Report

ESF Emergency Support Function

EST Emergency Support Team

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival

ETD Estimated Time of Departure
Acronym Guide Appendix

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 119

ETE Estimated Time Enroute

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FAR Federal Aviation Regulations

FAST Wildland Fire and Aviation Safety Team

FBO Fixed Base Operator

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FMO Fire Management Officer

FOG Field Operations Guide

FOR Fixed Operating Rate

FRS Family Radio Service

FS Forest Service

FWS Fish and Wildlife Service

GACC Geographic Area Coordination Center

GMAC Geographic Multi-Agency Coordinating Group

GPU Ground Power Unit

GSA General Services Administration

HMGB Helicopter Manager Single Resource

HSPD Homeland Security Presidential Directive

HUDC Host Unit Dispatch Center

IA Initial Attack

IARR Interagency Resource Representative

IBA Incident Business Advisor

ICS Incident Command System

ICS 209 Incident Status Summary

IHC Interagency Hotshot Crew

IMET Incident Meteorologist

IMSR Incident Management Situation Report

IMT Incident Management Team

IQCS Incident Qualification Certification System

IR Infrared

IRAWS Incident Remote Automatic Weather Station

IRIN Infrared Interpreter

ISO Incident Support Organization

ISOG Interagency SEAT Operations Guide

JFO Joint Field Office

MAC Multi-Agency Coordinating Group

MAFFS Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems

MOU Memorandum of Understanding
Appendix Acronym Guide

120 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

NASF National Association of State Foresters

NCO National Contracting Officer

NFES National Fire Equipment System

NFPET National Fire Prevention Education Team

NICC National Interagency Coordination Center

NIFC National Interagency Fire Center

NIMO National Incident Management Organization Teams

NIRSC National Incident Radio Support Cache

NISCC National Interagency Supply Cache Coordinator

NMAC National Multi-Agency Coordination Group

NPS National Park Service

NRCC National Response Coordination Center

NRF National Response Framework

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWS National Weather Service

OAS Office of Aviation Services

OFDA Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PAX Passengers

POE Point of Entry

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

RAO Regional Aviation Officer

RRCC Regional Response Coordination Center

ROSS Resource Order Status System

SEAT Single Engine Airtanker

STCR Strike Team Leader Crew

TFR Temporary Flight Restriction

THSP Technical Specialist

USA United States of America

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USFA United States Fire Administration

UTF Unable to Fill

VOR VHF Omnidirectional Range

VLAT Very Large Airtanker

WUI Wildland Urban Interface
Index

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 121

INDEX

SUBJECT PAGE NUMBER(S)

A

Administrative Payment Teams (APTs) 45, 46

Administrative Support (Incident Support Organization) 19, 20

Air Tactical and Reconnaissance Aircraft 71

Airborne Thermal Infrared (IR) Fire Mapping 74

Aircraft 5, 8, 20, 25, 26, 33, 35, 38, 51, 53, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 

104, 106, 118

Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule Form 104

Airspace Conflicts 76

Airtankers 9, 26, 63, 69, 70, 77, 120

Assignment Extension Requirements Form See Documentation of Length of Assignment 

Extension Requirements Form

Assignment, length of assignment, days off 4, 5, 6, 10, 14, 24, 28, 31, 36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 

48, 49, 51, 54, 58, 64, 73, 116

Australia Support 3, 18, 26

Automated Flight Following (AFF) 64, 65, 67

Aviation Safety and Assistance Team (ASAT) 44, 51, 118

B

Border Fires 28, 29

Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) 47, 48, 118

Buying Teams 19, 44, 45

C

Cache Ordering Procedures 56

Canada Support 3, 18, 26, 98

Communications Coordinator (COMC) 37, 118

Complexity 21, 43

Cost Coding 10

Crews 8, 11, 20, 24, 53, 54

D

Demobilization 4, 20, 25, 29, 39, 55, 60, 64

Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP) 3, 26

Dispatch Forms 99

Documentation of Length of Assignment Extension Requirements Form 116

E

Engine Type 60
Index

122 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Equipment/Supplies 55

Exclusive Use Contract Helicopters 73

Expanded Dispatch Organization 20

F

FAA Temporary Control Tower Operations 76

FAA Temporary Tower Request Form 107

FAST (Wildland Fire and Aviation Safety Teams) 50, 119

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 1, 40

Field Office Replenishment 56

Flight Following Procedures (Flight Management) 64

Flight Manager 31, 38, 66, 67, 68

Frequencies, AM, FM, VHF, and UHF 37, 57, 67, 71, 72, 77, 120

G

Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs) 27, 85

Geographic Area Preparedness Levels 15

H

Helicopter Module 25, 35

Helicopter Rappellers 35

Helicopters – Call-When-Needed (CWN) 35, 63, 71, 72

Hotshot Crews 11, 53

I

IMT Configurations 41

Incident Management Situation Report 119

Incident Management Teams 5, 16, 37, 40, 42

Incident Meteorologist (IMET) 38

Incident Operations Driving 6

Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) Position Codes 31

Incident Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (IRAWS-NFES 005869) 58

Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) Form 109

Incident Support Organization (ISO) 19

Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example 22, 23

Infrared Aircraft 9, 74, 75

Infrared Aircraft Scanner Request Form 8, 106

Initial Attack Definition 7

Interagency Wildland Fire Modules 32, 33

International Operations 26

L

Large Transport Aircraft 9, 32, 63, 73

Lead Planes 63, 69, 71
Index

2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 123

Length of Assignment 4, 5

Local and Geographic Area Drawdown Levels and National Ready Reserve 2

M

MAC Group Coordinator 21

Mexico Support 26

Military 24, 25, 70, 76, 118

Military Training Routes and Special Use Airspace 76

Mission Statement 1

Mobile Food & Shower Service Request Form 101

Mobilization 1, 4, 16, 18, 20, 24, 29, 31, 33, 48, 51, 52, 53, 59, 63, 118

Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) 70

Multi-Agency Coordinating Groups (MAC) Organization 18

N

Name Request 32, 36, 39

National Area Command Team 9, 43, 44

National Area Command Team Configuration 43

National Association of State Foresters (NASF) 1

National Contract Mobile Food Services 9, 55, 59, 60

National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities 9, 55, 59

National Fire Preparedness Plan 15

National Fire Prevention and Education Teams (NFPET) 48, 49, 120

National Incident Management Organization Teams (NIMO) 40, 42

National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC) 9, 37, 57

National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) 2, 17, 42

National Ready Reserve 2

National Resources 9, 18, 69, 70, 71, 73, 74

National Response Framework 1, 3, 14, 18, 40, 120

National Type 1 IMT Rotation Process 41

New Zealand Support 26

NFES Items in Short Supply 56

NIFC Directors’ Delegations 18

Non-Incident Related Ordering 29

Non-Standard Overhead Groups 36

Notification of Commitment of National Resources 9

O

Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) 3, 26

Ordering Channels 27

Ordering Procedures 28

Other Nations Support for Large Scale Mobilizations 26

Overhead Mobilization and Demobilization 31
Index

124 2017 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

P

Passenger and Cargo Manifest Form 102

Predictive Services 79

Preparedness Level Descriptions 15

Preparedness/Detail Request Form 8, 108

Priorities 1

R

Radio Mobilization/Demobilization 58

Rappeller and Helicopter Manager Gear, Weights, and Volume 36

Rappellers See Helicopter Rappellers

Resource Mobilization 7

Resource Order Form 99

S

Serious Accident Investigation Teams (SAIT) 52

Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs) 71

Smokejumper Aircraft 9, 71

Smokejumper Gear, Weights, and Volume 34

Smokejumpers 9, 10, 33, 64

Special Use Airspace 76

Standard Cubes, Weight, and Gear Policy for all Personnel 9

Supplies/Equipment 55

T

Technical Support 19, 20

Temporary Flight Restrictions 76

Total Mobility 1

U

Unable to Fill (UTF) Procedure 9

Unit Identifiers 29

W

Water Tender Type 61

Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality 8

Wildland Fire Entrapment/Fatality Initial Report Form 114

Wildland Fire Weather Forecasts 10

Work/Rest Guidelines 4, 5