2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide i

Table of Contents

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

Mission Statement – National Interagency Coordination Center ............................................... 1

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

Mobilization/Demobilization...................................................................................................... 3

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

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

Multi-Agency Coordinating Groups (MAC) Organization ...................................................... 17

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

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

Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams.............................................................................................. 30

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Positions....................................................... 30

Overhead Mobilization and Demobilization............................................................................. 30

Interagency Wildland Fire Modules ......................................................................................... 31

National Incident Management Teams..................................................................................... 37

Incident Support Teams............................................................................................................ 41

Chapter 30 Crews ....................................................................................................................... 50

Minimum Crew Standards for National Mobilization.............................................................. 50

Type 1 Crews:........................................................................................................................... 50

Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews........................................................................................... 50

Type 2 and Type 2 IA Crews:................................................................................................... 51

Chapter 40 Equipment and Supplies........................................................................................ 52

Equipment/Supplies Demobilization ........................................................................................ 52

National Interagency Support Cache Ordering Procedures...................................................... 52

National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD)......................................... 54

Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (RAWS)........................................................................ 55

Smoke Monitoring Kit, (Kit – Smoke Monitor – E-Sampler, NFES 005840) ......................... 56

National Contract Mobile Food Services and National Contract Mobile Shower Facilities.... 56

Engines and Water Tenders...................................................................................................... 57

Mobile Retardant Bases............................................................................................................ 57

Chapter 50 Aircraft .................................................................................................................... 59

Aircraft Mobilization ................................................................................................................ 59

Initial Attack Load – Smoke Jumpers....................................................................................... 60

Aircraft Demobilization............................................................................................................ 60
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Flight Management Procedures ................................................................................................ 60

Airtankers.................................................................................................................................. 64

Leadplanes (LP) and Aerial Supervision Modules (ASM)....................................................... 67

Air Tactical Aircraft.................................................................................................................. 67

Large Transport Aircraft........................................................................................................... 69

Infrared (IR) Support to Fire Operations.................................................................................. 69

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) ......................................................................................... 70

Temporary Flight Restrictions, FAR 91.137 (TFR) ................................................................. 70

Airspace Conflicts..................................................................................................................... 71

FAA Temporary Control Tower Operations............................................................................. 71

Dedicated Radio Frequencies ................................................................................................... 71

Chapter 60 Predictive Services.................................................................................................. 73

7-Day Significant Fire Potential Outlook ................................................................................. 73

National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook.............................................................. 73

Fuel and Fire Behavior Advisories........................................................................................... 74

Incident Status Summary (ICS-209)......................................................................................... 74

Interagency Situation Report .................................................................................................... 77

Incident Management Situation Report .................................................................................... 78

Chapter 70 Fire Organization Directory .................................................................................. 79

Fire Directory – Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACCs)......................................... 79

Chapter 80 Forms....................................................................................................................... 93

Appendix: Acronym Guide ........................................................................................................ 94
Objectives, Policy, and Scope of Operation Chapter 10

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CHAPTER 10

OBJECTIVES, POLICY AND SCOPE OF OPERATION

Mission Statement – National Interagency Coordination Center

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 allhazard 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 that 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 costeffective 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.

Total Mobility

The National Coordination System uses the total mobility concept to position and utilize 

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 attack capability.

 Limiting costs without compromising safety.

 Meeting agency suppression objectives.

 Support to National Response Framework (NRF) taskings.

Local and Geographic Area Drawdown Levels and National Ready Reserve

Drawdown is the predetermined number and type of fire suppression resources that are required 
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to maintain viable initial attack (IA) capability at either the local or the 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 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.

National Ready Reserve 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.
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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, ID 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, VA.

Situation and damage assessment information will be transmitted through established fire 

management 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.

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.
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Resource mobilization and reassignments between Northern California Operations and Southern 

California Operations do not require resource orders through NICC.

Units responding to non-compact 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

Resources assigned to emergency incidents will follow sending agency dispatch procedures for 

travel to the incident. Incident agency dispatch procedures will be followed for return travel from 

the incident with the hosting dispatch office making travel arrangements and provide airline 

tickets or travel information to individuals and resources as needed. Travel arrangements made 

outside of incident agency dispatch procedures may not be reimbursed without proper approvals 

and authorization. Commercial and/or contract transportation methods may be used.

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.

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 
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shall include mitigation measures used to reduce fatigue.

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.
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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.

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 NationalMultiAgency 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.

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.

 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:
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 Accomplish immediate and critical suppression objectives, or

 Address immediate and critical firefighter or public safetyissues.

 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 preplanned response to a wildfire, given the wildfire’s potential. Initial 

attack may include size up, patrolling, monitoring, holding action, or suppression.

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, at the request of the sending unit, resources assigned 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 Incident Resource Ordering Capability (IROC). Standard interagency 

mobilization processes are identified within the Interagency Standards for Resource Ordering

Guide (ISROG) located at the following link:

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

With the exception of compact orders, NICC will not process requests for resources “after the 

fact,” for resources that self-mobilized i.e., requests for resources that have mobilized to an 

incident prior to receiving a resource order.

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, 

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, 

and the Preparedness/Detail Request Form are the approved forms (see Chapter 80) that, when 

associated with an IROC request, satisfy documentation required of resource mobilization.

Responsible agency management fiscal codes must be included on each approved form.

NICC will process resource orders for planned events. NICC will not process overhead resource 

orders for training unless it is required for an AD hire, or for a unique situation (agency approval 

required). 
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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, anda 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://wfmi.nifc.gov/cgi/UnitId.cgi for a complete list.

Compacts

In the United States, the Weeks Law of 1911 authorized states to enter into compacts for the 

protection of forests and watersheds. Today there are eight Forest Fire Compacts in the United 

States and Canada representing almost all US states and Canadian provinces/territories.

Recognition of the need for consistency and continuity has led to the development of the 

Alliance of Forest Fire Compacts. The Alliance includes all eight forest fire compacts in the

U.S. and Canada. More information is located at http://affcompacts.org .

The purpose of forest fire compacts is to facilitate the sharing and coordination of resources, 

information, prevention efforts, training, fire management knowledge, and lessons learned. The 

exchange of resources between compacts is intended to be for states, provinces and territories 

using established procedures utilizing agency specific standards and terms. State and Federal 

agencies use the national interagency mobilization system as authorized in master cooperative 

wildland fire agreements. Forest fire compact orders are often processed in the national 

interagency mobilization system under the authorities of the forest fire compacts. Resources 

shared under compact authorities remain under compact control for the duration of their 

assignment and are separate from national interagency mobilizations. The two systems 

sometimes overlap, and understanding compact mobilizations is an important part ofdispatching.
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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. The 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.

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

 Large and Very Large Airtankers

 Type 3 Multi-Engine Water Scoopers

 National Aerial Supervision Modules and Lead Planes

 Modular Airborne Firefighting System

 National Contract Type 1 and Type 2 Helicopter

 Smokejumper Aircraft

 National Infrared Aircraft

 Large Transport Aircraft

 National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD)

 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

 National Contract Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Notification of Commitment of National Resources

When requested, GACCs will notify NICC of the commitment of National Resources within 

their Geographic Area. Notification of national resource commitment will be obtained via IROC

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, or

 Have location changes.
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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.

 Pre-identified Type 1 Incident Management Team members are authorized additionalweight, 

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.

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
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FS severity support 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

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 agency cost code 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

 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.
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Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The BIA wildland fire management funding is divided into six (6) 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

 Severity AF2105050.999900

 Emergency Stabilization AF2202020.999900

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
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Reimbursable-Wildland Fire Management

 Preparedness AF6901000.999900

 Emergency Operations AF6902000.999900

 Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation AF6903000.999900

 Fuels Management AF6904000.999900

 All Risk Assistance AF6910000.999900

 Proceeds of Sale of Surplus Property/Equipment AF6906000.999900

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

 Collections – Preparedness AF6908000.999900

 Collections – Suppression AF6909000.999900

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, Cost Center, Functional Area, Budget Object ClassCommitment Item and WBS. A BIA example of a Suppression, fire code, should look like: 

18XA1125TR AAK4004401 AF2001010.999900 261A00 WBS AF.SPFAX60000.00000.

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.WX0000 Base-8 for All Hazard support

 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
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14 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Suppression Operations

 PF200SP85.WW0000 Respond to Wildfires

 PF210SV85.WV0000 Severity

 PF210SV85.WU0000 Step-Up

 PF220ES85.RM0000 Wildfire Burned Area Response

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.
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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##ZZZZ0

 Severity FF.F21000##ZZZZ0

 Emergency Stabilization FF.F22000##ZZZZ0

 Burned Area Rehabilitation FF.F32000##ZZZZ0

 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

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 forRegional 

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

Region/Unit overrides will be used.

“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.

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.
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Why Preparedness Levels are Established

The purpose of established Preparedness Levels is:

 To identify the level of wildland fire activity, severity, and resource commitmentnationally.

 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 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.

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.
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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 with a substantial 

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.

Preparedness Level 5

Descriptor

National resources are 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.

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 
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18 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 resourcerequirements 

(prepositioning).

 Provides oversight of general business practices between NMAC and theGeographic MultiAgency Coordination (GMAC) groups.

 Distributes and archives decisions, direction and 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

 NMAC members are responsible for dissemination of written correspondence totheir 

respective agencies.

 Determines National Preparedness Levels (PLs).

 Determines national fire resource availability to support non-fire/all hazardoperations 

(Reference Support to the National Response Framework).

 Determines activation, coordination and involvement of military and internationalresources:

 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.

 Manages Type 2 incident management team assignments when demand exceedssupply 

nationally.
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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. For information regarding NMAC go to: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/adminstrative/nmac/index.html

Responsibilities of GMACs

 Determine and set Geographic Area priorities.

 Acquire, allocate, and reallocate resources.

 Issue coordinated Situation Assessment Statements.

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, andallocating/reallocating 

incident resources.

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 
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20 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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)

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.
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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 IBA2) may be ordered by the Agency Administrator to 

assist with incident business.

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 throughestablished 

dispatch ordering channels.

 Arranges for and manages facilities and equipment necessary to support the MACGroup 

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 
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22 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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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2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 23

Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example
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24 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Incident Support Organization (ISO), Example – Complex Incident

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, located at the following web site: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references/Military_Use_Handbook.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 timeframesfor 

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

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:

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

 One (1) Deputy BNML.

 One (1) Safety Officer (SOF2)

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

configuration.

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

configuration.

Complex Incident Organization Multi-Agency Coordination Group

Agency #1 Agency #2 Agency #3
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2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 25

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 

request to the Region X Defense Coordinating Officer.

 NICC will provide the following items:

- Air transportation, if needed, from installation to the jetport closest to the incident.

 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 may 

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:

 Pounds of external cargo per day.

 Number of passengers (PAX) per day.

 Hours of water bucket missions per day.

 Pounds of internal cargo per day.

 Estimation of aircraft needed.

 Aviation communication needs.

- Helicopter Modules/Managers Refer to Military Use Handbook

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

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 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

International Operations

International Arrangements and Agreements, and their respective Operating Plans, can be found 

at the following link: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/International%20Agreements.html

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 havebeen 

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.

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.

More information concerning the mission of OFDA and how it organizes and responds to 
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2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 27

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://www.fs.fed.us/international/ip/

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:

ALASKA – Fort Wainwright, Alaska: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/

EASTERN – Milwaukee, Wisconsin: https://gacc.nifc.gov/eacc/

GREAT BASIN – Salt Lake City, Utah: https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS – Redding, California:

https://gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/

NORTHERN ROCKIES – Missoula, Montana: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/

NORTHWEST – Portland, Oregon: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/

ROCKY MOUNTAIN – Lakewood, Colorado: https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/

SOUTHERN – Atlanta, Georgia: https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPERATIONS – Riverside, California: 

https://gacc.nifc.gov/oscc/

SOUTHWEST – Albuquerque, New Mexico: https://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/

Ordering Procedures

Resource order requests will be processed using the IROC. 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 ensure proper 

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

mutual aid agreements with cooperators whenever possible.
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28 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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.

 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, communication will be necessary between both 

GACCs and the expanded dispatch organization.
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2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 29

Unit Identifiers

The NICC Center Manager and each 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 IROC. 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.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

30 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 or other 

agency approved qualifications guides.

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Positions

Overhead positions are 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

The Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS), and the Incident Qualification 

System (IQS) are information management systems that track training and certifications for 

Wildland Firefighters. For a complete list of all NWCG 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 Required/Acceptable" is selected 

as an inclusion in IROC. 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 provided by a local fire department 

through agreements and 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 (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.

Overhead Name Requests

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. All name requests must include the individuals current 
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 31

dispatch location.

Document name request justification, for all name requested resources, on the resource order 

form.

Name requests for Geographic Area Trainee positions will be justified within special needs and 

will be processed.

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

be processed during normal business hours.

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

as UTF.

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.

Use of the THSP (Technical Specialist) position code is only appropriate when no other 

appropriate position code exists, and requires additional information describing the specialty be 

included with the request (THSP – Duty Officer; or THSP – Air Resource Advisor).

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

severity orders.

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, 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 IROC 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/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html.

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.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

32 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 

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. All Initial Attack orders should be honored when 

smokejumpers are available. While most effective at providing rapid initial response,

smokejumpers are well equipped to respond to extended attack incidents and short-term critical 

need missions on large fires. Smokejumpers are normally configured by planeload, with each 

load ranging from eight to ten 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. 

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 or hosting 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. Booster requests may specify a desired delivery system (round or squareparachutes). 

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.

Smokejumper Numbers 

Planned staffing includes 467 smokejumpers at the following locations (actual fire season 

numbers may vary): 

Alaska Fairbanks, AK 63

Great Basin Boise, ID 80

McCall, ID 70

Northern California Redding, CA 40

Northern Rockies Missoula, MT 74

Grangeville, ID 30
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20 

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 33 

West Yellowstone, MT 30

Northwest North Cascades, WA 30

Redmond, OR 50

Satellite bases may be activated based on fire activity. 

Daily availability is updated throughout the fire season and is posted at the following link: 

https://www.nifc.gov/smokejumper/reports/smjrpt.php

For a list of smokejumper aircraft refer to the following link:

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/aviation/aviation.htm

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 link: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/aviation/Lead_Planes.pdf

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.
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34 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 

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 IROC 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. 

Rappeller Numbers 

Planned staffing includes 320 Rappellers at the following locations (actual fire season numbers 

may vary):

Great Basin Boise, ID 16

New Meadows, ID 30

Salmon, ID 45

Northern California Fort Jones, CA 21

Northern Rockies Gallatin, MT 16

Libby, MT 15

Northwest Grants Pass, OR 21

John Day, OR 50

Prineville, OR 23

La Grande, OR 40

Wenatchee, WA 27

Southern California Prather, CA 16

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. Coordination between 

requesting and sending units must occur. 
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2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 35

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 Interagency Incident 

Communications Division (NIICD) 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. Thisincludes 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 specifically for air operations.

 Maintains an accurate inventory of all communications equipment assigned to incidents 

under their control.

 Keep current on the availability ofcommunications 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.

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:
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

36 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

 Brief the traveling personnel providing an overview of travel purpose and finaldestination, 

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 Followingtelephone 

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)

IMET status will be maintained by the respective Geographic Area in IROC. Status will include 

updated contact information, the home jetport, individual qualifications, and current availability.

When a National Weather Service (NWS) 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) by calling the NWS Incident Response Desk at 877-323-IMET. 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:
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 37

 Laptop computer

 Printer

 Mobile satellite setup and setup tools

 Cellular telephone

 Agency or rental vehicle appropriate for off-pavement use

 Miscellaneous office supplies

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 Supervisory Clerk

CDSP – Cache Demobilization Specialist

FLOP – Fork Lift Operator

WHHR – Warehouse Materials Handler

WHLR – Warehouse Materials Handler Leader

ACMR – Assistant Cache Manager

FCMG – Fire Cache Manager

National Incident Management Teams

Teams will be ordered by type using an Overhead Group request in IROC.

Interagency Incident Management Teams (IMTs)

Incident Management Teams and National Incident Management Organizations will be ordered 

by type. 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.

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

(planned replacement need). The primary mission of IMTs is wildfire incident management. 

IMTs may respond to all-hazard incidents under the following guidelines:
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

38 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

 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 sixteen (16) Type 1 IMTs. The Type 1 IMTs are dispersed as follows:

Alaska Northwest 3 California 4

Northern Rockies 2 Rocky Basin 3

Southern 2 Southwest 2

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 1, IMT2, and IMT3 (for out of geographic area assignments) configuration can be found at 

the following link: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/imt_configuration.pdf

In addition to the twenty (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 fourteen (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. When an IMT is mobilizing to an incident

outside of their GACC, the GATR from the hosting GACC will work with the sending GATR to 

identify the eight (8) Geographic Area priority trainees that will be assigned to the IMT to 

achieve immediate IMT needs, provide valuable trainee opportunities and to support IMT 

succession planning.

Unless notified, 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 
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 39

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 (2) hour call.

 Type 1 IMTs will be considered unavailable for a National assignment if the primary Incident 

Commander position or two Command/General Staff positions are vacant. The Deputy 

Incident Commander may be allowed to take the team with Geographic Area MultiCoordinating Group (GMAC) approval. Any deviation to the aforementioned availabilityand 

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.

 Type 1 IMTs that are mobilized but are cancelled or released within 48 hours willremain 

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 Type1 

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 NIMO Teams prior to mobilization. This includes internalassignments.

The National rotation and current assignment history for the Type 1 IMTs is maintained 

throughout the calendar year at the following link:

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/imt_rotate.pdf
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40 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

NIMO Incident Management Team Type of Assignments

There are four (4) National Incident Management Organization Teams (NIMO).

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, it may also be appropriate for multiple Type 3 fires for developing 

personnel capability as mentors, trainers, and evaluators.

Trigger Points: 

 Multiple ignitions within a GACC 

 Agency Administrator requesting additional support

 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)

 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:

 Incident is projected to last more than fourteen (14) days

 Agency Administrator’s request for additional support

 Cost containment, WFDSS, Risk and Complexity Assessment, 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:

Northwest 1

Great Basin 1

California 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.
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 41

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.

National Area Command Team Rotation Process

 National Area Command Teams remain on-call for a maximum of fourteen (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 fourteen (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 allArea 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 the following link:

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/area_rotate.pdf.

Incident Support Teams

Teams will be ordered using an Overhead Group request in IROC, with the exception of 

Aviation Safety and Technical 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 ten (10) National Interagency Buying Teams. The teams are dispersed as follows:

Northern Rockies 1

Great Basin 1

Eastern 2

Southwest 1

California 2

Northwest 1

Southern 2

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.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

42 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 NWCG Standards for Incident Business Management in Chapter 20 and Chapter 40 

located at: https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms902.pdf and the National 

Interagency Buying Team Guide located at: 

https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms315.pdf.

BUYTs should not be utilized as de facto payment teams. Incident host agencies should order a 

Review, Audit, Process 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. Two (2) members of the team must be Contracting 

Officers. 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 link: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/teams/buy_rotate.pdf.

Review, Audit, Process Team (RAP)

The National Park Service RAP Teams will no longer be ordered on a rotational basis. Instead, 

before a RAP is ordered to audit and process DOI incident invoices, the ordering unit should 
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 43

contact either:

Christine Peters, 208.407.6558, christine_peters@nps.gov, or

Danica Colley, 208.387.5296, danica_colley@nps.gov+

Once the configuration of the team is determined, requests for RAP Teams will be placed 

through established ordering channels using an Overhead Group Request. RAP team leaders and 

members will be ordered by the jurisdictional unit as THSPs, as currently there are no 4-letter 

designators in IQCS for RAP Team positions.

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.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

44 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

DOI National Burned Area Emergency Response Team Configuration

The initial callout of the DOI National BAER Team may consist of the following thirteen (13) 

positions:

 BAER Team Leader

 Deputy BAER Team Leader

 BAER Environmental Specialist

 BAER Documentation Specialist

 BAER Geographic Information Specialist (GIS) x 2

 BAER Hydrologist

 BAER Soil Scientist

 BAER Geologist

 BAER Biologist

 BAER Forester

 BAER Cultural Resource Specialist

 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 callout (in order of contact):

Lou Ballard (National Coordinator) FWS 208-387-5584

Rich Schwab (National Coordinator) NPS 202-513-7129

Darryl Martinez (National Coordinator) BIA 505-563-3369

James Bowmer (Acting National Coordinator) BLM 202-912-7220

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)

The mission of National Fire Prevention and Education Teams (NFPETs) is to provide unit and 

agency managers with skilled and mobile personnel which have the ability to supplement or 

enhance ongoing local wildfire prevention and education activities, where hazard or risk is, or is 

expected to be, elevated above normal. Ordering NFPETs for normal, routine, or project work 

should be discouraged.
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 45

Teams are highly effective in their ability to reduce unwanted human-caused wildland ignitions 

and are equipped to rapidly complete on-site prevention assessments and plans, initiate 

implementation of such plans, and to begin immediate prevention and education activities.

NFPET Configuration

A basic team is composed of three personnel with these minimum qualifications:

 PETL – Fire Prevention Education Team Leader

 PETM – Fire Prevention Education Team Member

 PIO2 – Public Information Officer Type 2

Actual team composition may include additional support positions, as determined jointly by the 

team leader and the ordering unit, on a case-by-case basis, based on the team’s anticipated 

tasking.

The assignment of PETL and PETM trainees is encouraged. If the use of trainees is authorized 

by the ordering unit, priority for assignment is to be given to trainees selected by the team’s

NFPET Geographic Area Coordinator or the ordering unit’s Geographic Area priority trainee 

program, where applicable.

Requests for National Fire Prevention and Education Teams will be placed through established 

ordering channels in IROC using an Overhead Group Request. The NFPET Geographic Area 

Coordinators listed below will work with Geographic Area Coordination Centers to fill team 

orders.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

46 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

NFPET Coordinators

Geographic Area Geographic Area Coordinator Alternate

Great Basin Julie Campbell

Work: (801) 625-5718

Cell: (801) 389-3200

Julie.a.campbell@usda.gov

Eastern Dennis Fiore

Work: 208-993-0995 

dennis.fiore@usda.gov

Northern Rockies Rita Chandler

Work: (406) 329-3409

Cell: (406) 370-0000

rita.chandler@usda.gov

Northwest and Alaska Vacant Karen Curtiss

Work: (541) 383-5583

Cell: (541) 480-8246

karen.curtiss@usda.gov

California Vacant

Rocky Mountain Carmen Thomason Work: (307) 775-

6020

Cell: (307) 331-3103

cthomaso@blm.gov

Sheryl Page

Work: (719) 553-1638

Cell: (303) 809-9860

sheryl.page@usda.gov

Southern Lex Gabaldo

Work: (404) 347-3734

Cell: (775) 443-7145

Alexis.gabaldo@usda.gov

Paul Gellerstedt Work: (404)

347-7626

Cell: (470) 585-9154

paul.gellerstedt@usda.gov

Southwest Eric Solomon - Acting

Work/Cell: (480) 339-9585 

Eric.Solomon@usda.gov

National Maureen Brooks Work/Cell: (202) 604-

2237 Maureen.t.brooks@usda.gov
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 47

Community Mitigation Assistance Teams (CMAT)

Community Mitigation Assistance Teams help communities build sustainable local capacity for 

wildfire mitigation. This can be accomplished during high fire risk periods before, during or after 

a wildfire when awareness of the need for risk reduction and the likelihood of action is highest.

The Team works collaboratively with community partnerships to address immediate and longterm wildfire risk challenges and integrates community fire adaption and resilient landscapes 

concepts outlined in the National Cohesive Wildfire Management Strategy.

CMAT Configuration

 Teams number 3 to 8 people depending on community need and deploymenttraining 

opportunities.

 Teams are comprised of a team lead, mitigation specialists and may include trainees.

Additional support position may be required and will be jointly determined by the team lead 

and the ordering unit.

 Team members represent federal, state, local government and non-government partners who 

specialize in effective community wildfire risk reduction.

 Team members are name requested as Technical Specialists (CMAT) throughestablished 

ordering channels.

CMAT Leads

Pam Leschak (208) 387-5612 pam.leschak@usda.gov

Jonathan Bruno (719) 433-6775 jonathan@cusp.ws

To request a CMAT: complete the request form located at https://www.fs.fed.us/managingland/fire/cmat and submit to team leads listed above.

Fire and Aviation Safety Teams (FAST)

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:

 Provide guidance to ensure fire and aviation programs are conducted safely.

 Assist with providing immediate corrective actions.

 Review compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) abatement 

plans, reports, reviews, and evaluations.

 Review compliance with Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations.

FAST reviews can be requested through the GACC to conduct reviews at the state/regional and 

local level. If a more comprehensive review is required, a national FAST can be ordered through 

the National Interagency Coordination Center.

FASTs will be chartered by their respective Geographic Area Coordinating Group (GACG), with 

a delegation of authority, and report back to the GACG.

FAST reports include 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. FAST reports should be submitted to the GACG, with 

a copy to the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team (FFAST) Chair within thirty (30) days.
Chapter 20 Overhead and Teams

48 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 

individuals 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 Technical Assistance Team (ASTAT)

Aviation Safety and Technical Assistance Teams enhance safe, efficient, and effective aviation 

operations. An ASTAT provides assistance to unit and aviation managers, flight crews, and 

incident management teams for increasing, ongoing or declining incident aviation activity.

ASTATs assist and review helicopter and/or fixed wing operations on wildland fires. During 

high levels of aviation activity, it is advisable to request an ASTAT.

If an ASTAT 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.

ASTAT Configuration

The following configuration, or a similar combination of positions based upon the needs of the 

ordering unit, will be used when ordering an ASTAT.

 THSP – Aviation Safety Manager

 THSP – Operations Specialist (helicopter and/or fixed wing)

 THSP – Pilot Inspector

 THSP – Maintenance Inspector (optional)

 THSP – Avionics Maintenance Inspector (optional)

 ACDP – Aircraft Dispatcher (optional)

ASTAT 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.
Overhead and Teams Chapter 20

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 49

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)

THSP– Public Affairs Officer
Chapter 30 Crews

50 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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.

For copies of the NCR Contract contact:

U.S. Forest Service, Contracting 

National Interagency Fire Center 

3833 S. Development Avenue Boise, Idaho 83705-5354

Phone: (208) 387-5665

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/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html

Type 1 Crews:

Crews that meet minimum standards identified within the Wildland Fire Incident Management 

Field Guide, PMS 210, https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms210.pdf

Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews

For a complete list of all Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews refer to 

https://www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/fire/people/ihc

Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC) are a Type 1 Crew that exceeds the Type 1 Standards as 

required by the Standards for Interagency Hotshot Crew Operations. 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 IHCs but will not 

recognize internal Geographic Area rotations of these crews.

Type 1 IHCs 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 

IHCs normally come equipped with hand tools. There may be occasions when Type 1 IHCs 

transported by air do not arrive with hand tools. If tools are needed, they should be ordered 

separately as supply items.

When Type 1 IHCs 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).
Crews Chapter 30

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 51

 Chain saws (four (4) kits).

 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, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/wildland-fire-incident- management-fieldguide

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. 
Chapter 40 Equipment and Supplies

52 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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. 

Contracted resources shall not be held in reserve as a contingency force in a non-pay status when 

that resource is available.

Examples of Contract 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 IROC.

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 
Equipment and Supplies Chapter 40

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 53

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 the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) 

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.
Chapter 40 Equipment and Supplies

54 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 NIICD Communications Duty Officer 

(CDO).

National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD)

NIICD is a National Resource composed of multi-channel radio systems and kits available for 

complex incident communications. The priority use of NIICD radio systems and kits are for 

active incidents. All radio systems and kits must be returned to NIICD as soon as the incident has 

demobilized. A National Communications Duty Officer (CDO) is available at NIICD 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 NIICD CDO on all telecommunication issues.

NIICD 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 

NIICD CDO can provide assistance in determining a specific incident’s communication 

requirements.

NIICD 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 NIICD CDO.

NIICD issues dedicated FM frequencies in conjunction with communication equipment assigned 

to incidents. NIICD 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 NIICD telecommunications components, refer to the 2020 National 

Incident Radio Support Cache User’s Guide, NFES 000968 

(https://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/2020NIRSCUsersGuideWeb.pdf) or the NWCG Fire 

Supplies and Equipment Catalog, Part 1,(https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/449-1).
Equipment and Supplies Chapter 40

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 55

Radio Ordering

Requests for NIICD radio systems and kits will be placed in IROC with NICC through 

established ordering channels. To ensure 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. For emergency air charter a local 

Fixed Base Operator (FBO), airport and receiver contact information must be included. 

Each Geographic Area may order up to four (4) Starter Systems for preposition during their 

established fire season. The NIICD 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 NIICD for maintenance. To maintain quality and quantity for the field, 

each Starter System or kit will be returned to NIICD 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 NIICD as soon as the need has 

diminished or annually for preventative maintenance. Prepositioning NIICD radio systems and 

kits longer than six (6) months requires NIICD approval.

Frequency and Radio Demobilization

Temporary frequencies and any radio equipment with temporary frequencies will be released first 

due to licensing requirements. NIICD radio systems and kits should be inventoried, sealed, and 

returned promptly to NIICD/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.

Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (RAWS)

Incident Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (IRAWS – NFES 005869)

Seventy-five (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,

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms449-1. The availability of equipment and associated 

technician support depends on a variety of factors. Prior phone coordination with the National 

Interagency Fire Center Remote Sensing/Fire Weather Support Unit (RSFWSU) at (208) 387-

5726 is recommended.

Requests for IRAWS will be placed with NICC through established ordering channels. 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. 
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56 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Upon release from the incident, the IRAWS will be returned to NIFC via the most expeditious 

method available.

Project Remote Automatic Weather Stations, (PRWAS – NFRS 005970)

Requests for PRAWS will be placed to NICC through normal ordering channels. PRAWS will 

be configured for the specific project prior to mobilization. The requesting agency must contact 

the Remote Sensing/Fire Weather Support Unit at 208-387-5726 prior to ordering to determine 

the PRWAS configuration. Set up of the PRAWS is the responsibility of the ordering unit. Upon 

release from the project, the PRAWS will be returned to NIFC via the most expeditious method 

available (next day air cargo preferred).

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

Smoke Monitor Kits should be requested through IROC as a Supply request. Kit information, 

primary contacts, and ordering instructions can be found at the following link:

https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/smoke-monitoring/ordering-instructions.html

National Contract Mobile Food Services and National Contract Mobile 

Shower Facilities

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 seventy-two (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. Per the contract, first meal served will be dinner. Allow a minimum of 24 

hours from time order is in place to the NICC to the time of the first meal. 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. 

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. 
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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.

Requests for Mobile Food Service Units and Mobile Shower Facilities require a completed 

Mobile Food & Shower Service Request Form at: 

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

Local units will notify their GACC twenty-four (24) hours in advance of demobilization. All 

release information will be entered into IROC 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 twenty-four (24) hours, contractors must return to the unit’s Designated 

Dispatch Point (DDP).

The National Mobile Food Service and National Shower contracts can be obtained by contacting:

U.S. Forest Service, Contracting

National Interagency Fire Center

3833 S. Development Avenue

Boise, Idaho 83705-5354

Phone: (208) 387-5665

Engines and Water Tenders 

Please see https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/memos/eb-m-08-006.pdf for NWCG Engine 

and Tender Typing Standards.

Mobile Retardant Bases

Mobile Retardant Bases can be ordered to service Very Large Airtankers, Large Airtankers, 

helicopters and SEATS. 

Orders should be placed through normal dispatch channels to NICC. 

Units should identify physical location and any limiting factors affecting access to the area of 

planned use.
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58 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Use Special Needs block to identify type of aircraft utilizing the service:

 Helicopter

 SEAT

 LAT

 VLAT
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CHAPTER 50

AIRCRAFT

NICC is the sole source for large transport aircraft holding 14 CFR Part 121 Certificates and for 

Type 1 and 2 Call-When-Needed (CWN) Helicopters.

Cooperator aircraft (State contracted, State owned, State managed National Guardaircraft, 

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 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 use and payment for the mission.

 The cooperator aircraft will be operated within limitations specified 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 on federal incidents of cooperator-owned aircraft prior to exhausting contracted 

resources must involve a “significant and imminent threat to life or property.”

 Use the Cooperator Aircraft Use Validation Worksheet to document the justification for 

cooperator aircraft utilization. https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms.htm

Aircraft Mobilization

When a Geographic Area has depleted local and available aircraft resources, request(s) will be 

placed with NICC. Documentation of special needs, threats or specific reporting instructions are 

critical for the proper and timely processing of each request. Aircraft assigned will become the 

receiving Area’s resource until released or reallocated by the NICC. The following selection 

factors will be used when ordering aircraft:

 Initial Attack vs. Large Fire Support

 Timeliness.

 Cost effectiveness.

 Performance specifications for density/high altitude operations.

 Airtankers: Loaded or empty (two hour maximum flight when loaded, except for the 

VLATS).

 Special applications such as special-use flights, bucket vs. tanked, tundra pads, float, etc.

 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-40.
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Initial Attack Load – Smoke Jumpers

When smokejumpers are needed jump-ready for initial attack with aircraft, they are to be 

requested in IROC as “Load, Smokejumper, Initial Attack” on an Aircraft request. All Initial 

Attack Orders will be honored when smokejumpers are available.

Specifying the delivery system is not permitted. The sending unit will fill the request with a 

roster in IROC or by forwarding a manifest form, with name and agency identification, through 

the established ordering channels. This information can be acquired after the smokejumper 

aircraft is airborne. Any intent to retain Smokejumpers which have not been utilized as an IA 

load will be negotiated between the sending and receiving smokejumper base in concurrence 

with the NICC and the GACCs. 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 sending and receiving smokejumper bases in concurrence with the NICC and the 

GACCs.

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.

Initial Attack Aircraft - BLM

BLM Initial attack aircraft may be launched within its current dispatch zone to new incidents 

after having been provided location, bearing, distance, and flight following frequency. All other 

pertinent information will be provided to aircrews while en-route. 

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 IROC.

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.
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Types of flights:

Point-to-Point

A “Point-to-point” flight is one that originates at one developed airport or permanent helibase 

and flies directly to another developed airport or permanent helibase with the sole purpose of 

transporting personnel or cargo (this term does not apply to flights with a scheduled air carrier on 

a seat fare basis). These types of flights are often referred to as “administrative” flights and only 

require the aircraft and pilot to be carded and approved for point-to-point flight. A point-to-point 

flight is conducted higher than 500 feet above ground level (AGL).

Mission Flights

Mission flights are defined as flights not meeting the definition of point-to-point flight. A 

mission flight requires work to be performed in the air (retardant or water delivery, fire 

reconnaissance, smokejumper delivery), or through a combination of ground and aerial work 

(delivery of personnel and/or cargo from helibases to helispots or unimproved landing sites, 

rappelling or cargo let-down, horse herding).

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 pilot, to be distributed through originating 

dispatch office and are documented on an Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule. 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, 
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62 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

it is the receiving dispatcher’s responsibility to initiate aircraft search and rescue actions. Flight 

following problems are documented through the SAFECOM system.

Resource Tracking

NICC will resource track, through the use of an Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule , all aircraft 

crossing Geographic Area boundaries, which have been ordered through NICC on:

 Aircraft Orders

 Flight Requests

When mobilizing Large and Very Large Airtankers utilizing initial attack neighborhood/border 

agreements it is not necessary to forward a Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule to NICC. GACCs 

should notify the NICC via telephone of the resource commitment.

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 theinitial 

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 aircraftsearch/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 Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule 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 Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule to the receiving GACC by email or fax.

 Notify receiving GACC of any route changes, and of any delay or advances ofa flight plan 

exceeding thirty (30) minutes.

 Resource track aircraft to specified destinations.

 Monitor flight plans for additional utilization.
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Responsibilities of Receiving GACC:

 Relay Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule 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 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 andrescue 

guides, as appropriate.

Responsibilities of Receiving Unit:

 Confirm arrival of all 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 searchand 

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 “Requirements to Utilize AFF” 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 anytime 

during the flight.

 The dispatch office will provide the pilot with FM frequencies and tones that willbe 

monitored for the duration of the flight.

 When aircraft is initially airborne, and outside of sterile cockpit environment, the pilot will 

contact the dispatch office via radio stating call sign, departure location, number on board, 

fuel on board, ETE, destination, confirmation of AFF location. This is required to positively 
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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.

 If there is a deviation from the planned 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 flightand 

will set a 15-minute timer and document the location 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 ortelephone 

informing them that they are on the ground.

Additional information about AFF can be found at: https://www.aff.gov/

Airtankers

Airtankers are National Resources and their primary mission is initial attack. 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 4,999 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 located at https://www.nifc.gov/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html and the Standards 

for Airtanker Operations located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2019-
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09/standards_for_airtanker_operations_-_final_-_2019_approved_0.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 Fixed Wing Coordinator (NFWC) ordesignated representative 

of request(s).

 The NFWC 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 theCO.

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, and Wyoming. 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.
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Ordering Criteria

FS domestic requests will be placed through established ordering channels to NICC.

NICC will place a Request for Assistance (RFA) to the Region X Defense Coordinating Officer 

(DCO).

The requesting Geographic Area needs to order the following support:

 One (1) each MAFFS Liaison Officer (MLO aka MAFF) and 1 each MLO trainee One (1) 

each Airbase Radio Kit (NFES 4660)

 One (1) each MAFFS Communications Specialist (THSP) One (1) each Assistant MAFFS 

Liaison Officer.

 One (1) each MAFFS Airtanker Base Manager (MABM) and 1 each MABM trainee

 Logistics, Finance, and Information personnel

MAFFS Operations must also include a MAFFs qualified Lead Plane.

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 twenty-six (26) people per two (2) aircraft. Refer to the current MAFFS Operating 

Plan for specifics.

Type 3 Multi-Engine Water Scoopers

Water scoopers are National Resources and their 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)

Federal and/or State contracted SEATs are managed under either an Exclusive Use, On-Call, or 

CWN contract. A list of DOI Nationally funded SEATs is maintained and information can be 

requested through the National SEAT Coordinator. The national contract SEAT module 

includes the option for 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.

Orders for SEATs placed to NICC are coordinated with the National SEAT Coordinator. Local 

Units or Geographic Area Coordination Centers hiring or releasing SEATs will notify the 

National SEAT Coordinator regardless of jurisdiction. Consistent with the DOI authorization 

(see the BLM National Aviation Plan), DOI Nationally funded SEATs will be managed as DOI 

National shared resources. As National assets, these SEATs can and will be moved to areas of 

greatest need. Geographic Areas and Fire Staff on an Interagency basis will provide direction to 

the Dispatch system on the mobilization and demobilization of SEATs to meet existing or 

forecasted fire loads within their jurisdiction. Nationally, when competition for SEATs exists, 

NMAC will provide SEAT allocation direction to NICC based on intelligence developed by the 

National Seat Coordinator. The National SEAT Coordinator position is responsible for 

coordinating the allocation and reallocation of SEATs Nationwide as well as maintaining current 

status, location and utilization of Federal and State contracted SEATs throughout the Nation. 

DOI Nationally funded SEATs will have their IROC status set as available nationally. When 
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assigned to an incident, DOI Nationally funded SEATs will be released back to the 

GACC/Hosting unit at the end of each shift and shown as available “National” in IROC. 

Mobilization for incident response will occur via resource order; however, once a decision to 

reallocate a DOI Nationally funded SEAT to another GACC is made, the receiving GACC will 

place a request for the mobilization, and the resource item will be transferred after mobilization 

is complete. 

For additional information and SEAT reporting requirements, see the Interagency SEAT 

Operations Guide (ISOG), https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms506.pdf

The National SEAT Coordinator can be reached at 208-387-5419, or via email at 

blm_fc_seat@blm.gov.

Leadplanes (LP) and Aerial Supervision Modules (ASM)

Leadplanes and ASMs are National Resources. Areas administering these aircraft will make 

them available for wildland fire assignments when ordered by NICC. 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 Leadplanes/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

Air Tactical Aircraft

Air Tactical aircraft are on agency Exclusive Use Contracts Call When Needed (CWN) 

Agreements. They are available for interagency use and will be requested through established 

ordering channels. Federal agencies have developed Air Tactical specific contracts and 

agreements that add performance capabilities and radio configurations specific to the role of 

aerial supervision.

To ensure consistent utilization, rotation and management of the exclusive use ATGS fleet, 

please refer to Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations Chapter 16, Aviation 

Operations and Resources located at https://www.nifc.gov/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html.

Helicopters – Call-When-Needed (CWN)

 Type 3 helicopters are ordered through normal ordering channels and are dispatchedeither 

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.
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68 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

 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 witha

CWN helicopter, the requesting Area must provide a module. 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.

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 asnormal 

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.

The BLM Type 1 Helicopter Program is currently a pilot project under evaluation and direction 

of the BLM National Office. This aircraft comes with a compliment of crewmembers and flight 

mission capabilities that are unique to this category of aircraft.

The BLM Type 1 Helicopter’s primary mission is initial attack. While most effective at 

providing rapid initial response, the crew is well equipped to respond to extended attack 

incidents and critical need missions on large fires. In order to retain this helicopter and crew 

beyond initial attack for extended attack incidents, a request will be made to the GACC. 

Extended attack incidents that utilize the crew to fill critical positions, should immediately order 

replacement personnel for those positions in case the aircraft and crew are reassigned.
Aircraft Chapter 50

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 69

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 missionbasis. 

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 personand 

telephone number.

All personnel listed on the manifest and flight crew members should be provided at least one 

sack lunch.

Infrared (IR) Support to Fire Operations

Aircraft systems configured with infrared (IR) camera systems are available from agencies and 

private sector to provide support to wildland fire operations in three mission areas:

Detection: Use IR imagery to detect and map locations of new fires, typically following a 

lightning storm.

Large Fire Perimeter Mapping: Use IR imagery to map the heat perimeter of large fires, typically 

the role of National Infrared Operations (NIROPS).

Tactical Incident Awareness and Assessment (IAA): Use IR imagery to provide near real-time 

situational awareness, spot fire detection, over watch of ground operations, and map the heat 

perimeter of smaller fires or active portions of large fires. Can be conducted during the day or 

night. 

Infrared camera systems can be categorized into two primary categories: 1) Line Scanner / Stepstare camera systems, or 2) gimbal mounted electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) camera ball. Line 

scanners and step-stare systems can quickly scan and map large fires and are best used when the 

fire is actively burning with open flame. EO/IR camera balls are best used to provide over watch 

of a specific area and are more sensitive to detecting smoldering heat sources, however scan 

volume to map large fires is typically lower than line scanners or step-stare systems.

Aircraft assigned to NIROPS are predominantly equipped with line scanners or step-stare camera 

systems. In 2020 NIROPS will consist of agency as well as contracted aircraft. NIROPS aircraft 

are National Resources. To order, use the IR Online Scanner Request Form on the NIROPS 

website no later than 1530 hours Mountain Time https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/nirops/users/login.

Aircraft equipped with gimbal mounted EO/IR camera balls are typically better suited to 

detection or tactical IAA missions. Aircraft from federal, state, National Guard, and contractors 
Chapter 50 Aircraft

70 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

are available. Ordering procedures varies depending on the aircraft. To order, contact the 

ordering GACC to discuss options. 

The following are some guidelines to help select the right tool for the task:

Identify what the IR imagery is needed for, what information it is intended to provide, the 

desired products, and time of day.

If the fire is actively burning and a once per 24 hour perimeter map is sufficient, submit request 

for NIROPS 

If the fire is experiencing significant spread and additional day-time mapping and/or over watch 

is needed to monitor fire progression, consider requesting an aircraft equipped with thermal 

sensors for day-time flights in addition to nightly NIROPS.

If the fire is no longer actively spreading and IR imagery is needed to inform mop-up decisions, 

consider requesting an aircraft equipped with a gimbal mounted camera ball instead of NIROPS.

Following a lightning storm consider requesting an aircraft equipped with gimbal mounted 

camera ball to conduct a detection flight over the lightning affected area. 

Most crewed aircraft systems are only capable of providing “periodic” over watch of an incident, 

limited by fuel cycle. For more “persistent” coverage of an incident, consider requesting a large 

UAS capable of providing 12-18 hours of flight time per day. 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Incident UAS missions may be conducted on a small scale by agency owned UAS and an agency 

crew or on a larger scale by vendor owned and operated UAS with agency support.

Agency owned UAS are ordered as standard overhead with the UAS defined in the Special 

Needs block in IROC.

Vendor owned UAS are ordered as an Aircraft number in IROC.

The ordering unit can contact the UAS Fire Coordinator at 208-387-5335 with ordering 

questions. The Coordinator can help the local unit determine needs and order specifics. 

Please see: https://sites.google.com/a/firenet.gov/interagency-fire-uas/ for further information.

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 NWCG Standards for Airspace Coordination, located at 

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/520 further describes how flight restrictions are requested 

and implemented.

Military Training Routes and Special Use Airspace that present conflicts with incident related 
Aircraft Chapter 50

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 71

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. 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 local unit aviation hazard maps. Further direction 

may be obtained in the .NWCG Standards for Airspace Coordination.

Airspace Conflicts

Consult the NWCG Standards for Airspace Coordination at 

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/520

The Aircraft Conflict Initial Report can be accessed at 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms.htm

The Reporting UAS Situation ARTCC Script is available at 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms.htm

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. 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). There is a helpful 

checklist found in Chapter 11 of the Interagency Airspace Coordination Guide that aids in 

requesting a Temporary Tower.

Dedicated Radio Frequencies

All documents containing USDA Forest Service (FS) and/or Department of Interior (DOI) 

frequencies must have the following statement on the top and bottom of each page containing 

frequencies, “Controlled Unclassified Information//Basic”. This requirement is in accordance 

with direction from the Washington Office Frequency Managers for both Departments.

FM, VHF, and UHF Frequencies:

NIICD issues dedicated FM frequencies in conjunction with communication equipment assigned 

to incidents. NIICD will order additional FM frequencies from DOI and FS, Washington Office, 

as conditions warrant. To ensure 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 NIICD 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 NIICD CDO will be notified by phone or 
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72 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 IROC.

FM air-to-ground frequencies will be facilitated and coordinated by the NIICD 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 NIICD CDO. Updated frequency information 

for initial attack air to air, and air to ground is coordinated annually with the GACCs.

Requests for the use of dedicated Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground frequencies will be made 

through established ordering channels from the incident host GACC, directly to the NIICD, 

followed by a call placed to the 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. Frequencies are ordered on an Aircraft “A” request.
Predictive Services Chapter 60

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 73

CHAPTER 60

PREDICTIVE SERVICES

Predictive Services is a decision support unit for federal, state and local land management 

agencies for operational management of and strategic planning for wildland fire management 

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

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. Forecasts will include the forecaster’s name or other agreed upon identifier to 

facilitate coordination.

All Geographic Area outlooks are available at

https://fsapps.nwcg.gov/psp/npsg/forecast#/outlooks?state=map.

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://fsapps.nwcg.gov/psp/npsg/forecast#/outlooks?state=map.

National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook

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. 

The Outlook identifies areas where significant wildland fire activity is expected to be above or 

below normal levels.
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74 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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 

the past month’s weather and a national overview of each of the outlook periods. The Past 

Weather and Drought section summarizes the weather of the past month and the evolution ofany 

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 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 mandatory. 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

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 

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)

The Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) conforms to National Incident Management System 
Predictive Services Chapter 60

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 75

(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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76 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide
Predictive Services Chapter 60

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 77

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 forICS- 209 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

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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78 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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.
Fire Organization Directory Chapter 70

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 79

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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80 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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

SIMONTACCHI, Jarrod

Center Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5662

PETERSON, Sean

Assistant Center Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5418

VACANT

Assistant Center Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5656

VACANT

Intelligence Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5093

VACANT

Intelligence Officer Boise, ID 208 387-5093

LUTTRELL, Karla

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

DUNN, Sean

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

THOMPSON, Marshall Emergency 

Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

ALTMAN, Jada

Emergency Operations Coordinator Boise, ID 208 387-5400

HENRY, Bryan

Fire Weather Program Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5451

VACANT

Fire Weather Asstnt. Program Manager Boise, ID 208 387-5449

VACANT

Fire Analyst Boise, ID 208 387-5439

Logistics Coordinators:

CLACK, Wade

HAMPTON, Matt

LOEWEN, Charlie

MOORE, Jason

OKE, Nicole

OROZ, Teri 

ROBBINS, Heather

SMITH, Greg

SORENSON, Matt

STRELNIK, Jamie

Boise, ID 208 387-5400

FOSHAY, Holland

Administrative Assistant Boise, ID 208 387-5400
Fire Organization Directory Chapter 70

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 81

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: 1-800-237-3633

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

SHOOK, Hilary

Deputy Center Manager Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5685

RUBIN, Katie

Logistics Coordinator, State of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5682

HUMPHREY, Jennifer

Emergency Operations Coordinator Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5670

BRANSON, Gabriella

Intelligence Coordinator Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5671

HUMPHREY, Jennifer

Aircraft Coordinator Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5681

COOK, April

Equipment Coordinator Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5687

DECK, Brooke

Overhead/Crew Coordinator Fairbanks, Alaska 907 356-5684

STEVENS, Eric

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@usda.gov

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 651 293-8446

Fax: 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: sm.fs.gbc_cod@usda.gov

***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 Aircraft Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

BURBRIDGE, Brian

Operations Coordinator Crews Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

WHALEN, Kim

Operations Coordinator Equipment Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

PLATT, John

Operations Coordinator Overhead 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

BOWLING, Travis

Intelligence Assistant Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320

ANDERSON, Richard

Administrative Assistant Salt Lake City, UT 801 531-5320
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Fire Directory – Northern California (ONCC)

UNIT:

Northern Operations Coordination Center

6101 Airport Road

Redding, California 96002

BUSINESS TELEPHONE NO.: (530) 226-2801

TOLL FREE:

NIGHT OR 24 HOUR NO.: (530) 226-2800

FACSIMILE NUMBER: (530) 223-4280

ELECTRONIC MAIL: SM.FS.onclogistics@usda.gov

SM.FS.oncintell@usda.gov onc-aviation@usda.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

VACANT

Assistant Director of Operations Redding, CA 530 226-2700

MASOVERO, Anthony

Center Manager Redding, CA 530 226-2812

VACANT

Deputy Center Manager Redding, CA 530 226-2835

VACANT

Department of Interior Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2831

VACANT

Aviation Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2801

FORNI, Laurie

Mobilization Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2801

Logistics Coordinators:

HOWARD, Patrick

MILOVICH, Rob

MOORE, Juel

SITES, Keren

Redding, CA 530 226-2801

RUSSELL, Troy

Intelligence Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2810

EISZELE, Dan

Assistant Intelligence Coordinator Redding, CA 530 226-2811

GARDINO, Billy

Fire Management Specialist 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@firenet.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

PIPKIN, Kathy

Center Manager Missoula, MT 406 329-4709

POLUTNIK, Julie

Assistant Center Manager Missoula, MT 406 329-4995

ROBINSON, Roy

DNRC Direct Protection Coordinator Missoula, MT 406 329-4881

SORENSON, Kathryn (Detail)

Logistics Coordinator – Aircraft Missoula, MT 406 329-4882

VACANT

Intelligence Coordinator Missoula, MT 406 329-4886

WALKS, DAVID

Logistics Coordinator – Overhead Missoula, MT 406 329-4953

GOODELL, Craig

Northern Rockies Operations Specialist Missoula, MT 406 329-4961

RICHMOND, Michael Predictive 

Services Meteorologist Missoula, MT 406 329-4703

HASKELL, Coleen

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: ornwc@firenet.gov

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

OROSCO Sr., Elmer

Asst. Emergency Operations Manager Portland, OR 503 808-2725

VACANT

Asst. Emergency Operations Manager Portland, OR 503 808-2726

VACANT

Logistics Coordinator Portland, OR 503 808-2720

ATTEBURY, Gary

Aviation/Airspace Specialist Portland, OR 503 808-2730

CONNOLLY, Carol

Public Affairs Specialist Portland, OR 503 808-2764

VACANT

IT Specialist Portland, OR 503 808-2735

KLUKAS, Tim

Fire Management Analyst Portland, OR 503 808-2733

SALTENBERGER, John

Fire Weather Program Manager Portland, OR 503 808-2737

WISE, Eric

Fire Weather Meteorologist Portland, OR 503 808-2756

RAMIREZ, Monica

Intelligence Officer Portland, OR 503 808-2734

VACANT

GIS Specialist Portland, OR 503 808-2741
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Fire Directory – Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (RMACC)

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: cormc@firenet.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

HARTBERG, Travis

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

Aircraft Coordinator Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

DRAPEAU, Bruce

Logistics Coordinator - Overhead Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

TURNER, Robert

Logistics Coordinator - Crews Lakewood, CO 303 445-4300

VACANT

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

RMACC Incident Business Specialist RMCG 

Business Manager

Lakewood, CO 303 445-4306

RMACC 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:gasac@firenet.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

ELLSWORTH, Nancy

Center Manager Atlanta, GA 678 320-3001

MILLER, Calvin

Deputy Center Manager Atlanta, GA 678 320-3003

ROBINSON, Tracy

Assistant Area Coordinator –

Overhead

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3002

BRICE, Jeff

Assistant Area Coordinator –

Crews

Atlanta, GA 678 320-3004

VACANT

Operations Coordinator - Aviation Atlanta, GA 678 320-3005

BOYER, TJ

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

23300 Castle Street

Riverside, California 92518

FIRE TELEPHONE NO.: (951) 276-6721

TOLL FREE/Flight Following: (800) 995-3473 24hr 

Mobilization Duty Officer: (951) 276-6725 24hr 

Aviation Duty Officer: (951) 320-2093

24hr Intel. Duty Officer: (951)214-6922

24hr Duty Chief: (951) 214-6921

FACSIMILE NUMBER:

 Business: (951) 782-4900

 Aircraft: (951) 320-6215 

ELECTRONIC MAIL: SM.FS.osclogistics@usda.gov

 SM.FS.osc-aviation@usda.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

SKELTON, Randy

Assistant Fire Director, Operations Riverside, CA 951 320-6103

TOMASELLI, Jim

GACC Center Manager Riverside, CA 951 320-6214

VACANT

Deputy GACC Manager Riverside, CA 951 320-6109

MATARAZZI, Les

Department of Interior Coordinator Riverside, CA 951 320-6145

VACANT

Division Chief/Aviation Riverside, CA 951 321-1879

SALAS, Manny

Division Chief/Mobilization Riverside, CA 951 320-6196

Logistics Coordinators: 

CAMPBELL, John

DUNN, Michael

GOMEZ, Robert

HUBER, Shyla

RAPHAEL, David

Riverside, CA 951 276-6721

VACANT

Predictive Services Lead, Fire Weather Program 

Manager Riverside, CA 951 782-4848

HAGGERTY, Kelli

Intelligence Coordinator Riverside, CA 951 320-6103

RANDA, Stefanie

Intelligence Officer Riverside, CA 951 320-6214
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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: nmswc@firenet.gov

NAME/TITLE CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

JAYCOX, Kenan

Center Manager Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

DIAZ, Tony

Deputy Center Manager Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

VACANT

Area Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

VACANT

Area Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

TSADIASI, Bryant

Area Coordinator (Acting) Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

SEDILLO, Oscar

Asst. Aviation Coordinator Albuquerque, NM 505 842-3473

HAMMER, Dominic Logistics 

Coordinator 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
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Fire Directory – National Interagency Support Caches (NISC)

NAME CITY/STATE AREA CODE OFFICE PHONE

Alaska Incident Support Cache (AKK) Fort Wainwright, AK 907 356-5742

Fax: 356-5754

State of Alaska Fire Warehouse (AKS) Fairbanks, AK 907 451-2641

Fax: 451-2669

Billings Interagency Incident Support 

Cache (BFK) Billings, MT 406 896-2870

Fax: 896-2881

Coeur D’Alene Incident Support Cache 

(CDK) Coeur D’Alene, ID 208 666-8694

Fax: 769-1534

Great Basin Area Incident Support Cache 

(GBK) Boise, ID 208 387-5104

Fax: 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 530 226-2850

Fax: 226-2854

Northern Rockies Area Incident Support 

Cache (NRK) Missoula, MT 406 329-4949

Northeast Area Incident Support Cache 

(NEK) Grand Rapids, MN 218 327-4579

Fax: 327-4581

Northwest Area Incident Support Cache 

(NWK) Redmond, OR 541 504-7234

Fax: 504-7240

Rocky Mountain Area Incident Support 

Cache (RMK) Lakewood, CO 303 202-4940

Fax: 202-4965

Southern Area Incident Support Cache 

(SAK) London, KY 606 878-7430

Fax: 864-9559

Southern California Incident Support Cache 

(LSK) Ontario, CA 909 930-3208

Fax: 947-6391

Southwest Area Prescott Incident Support 

Cache (PFK) Prescott, AZ 928 777-5630

Fax: 777-5608

Southwest Area Silver City Incident 

Support Cache (SFK) Silver City, NM 505 538-5611

Fax: 388-5672
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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

BOKOVAY, Dave

Director of Operations Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

VACANT

Training Manager Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

SHARPE, Maria

Fire Science and

Information Manager

Leduc, Alberta 204 557-2677

POULIN, Serge

Strategic Planning Manager Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

MOUSSEAU, Marc

Duty Officer Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

SHINNAN, Anoosh 

Executive Assistant Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030

POULIN, Erik

Administrative Assistant Winnipeg, Manitoba 204 784-2030
Forms Chapter 80

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 93

CHAPTER 80

FORMS

Listed below are links to commonly used forms. It is suggested that units download and save 

these forms to assure access to them when they might not be immediately available via the 

internet. Frequent downloads will make sure units have the current version of the forms.

The following forms are all available at https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms.htm

Resource Order Form

Mobile Food and Shower Service Request

Passenger and Cargo Manifest

Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule Form

FAA Temporary Tower Request Form

Request for a Temporary Flight Restriction

Preparedness Detail Request Form

Wildland Fire Fatality and Entrapment Form

Assignment Extension Requirements and Documentation Form

Rationale for Assigning/Requesting Incident Management Teams

Reimbursable Form

The ICS 209 Incident Status Summary is available at https://fam.nwcg.gov/famweb/sit/ics209.pdf

The Fuels and Fire Behavior Advisory Template is located at 

https://www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/fuels_fire-danger/fuels_fire-danger.htm
Appendix Acronym Guide

94 2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide

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

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

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 95

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

96 2020 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

NIICD National Interagency Incident Communications Division

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

RAP Review, Audit, Process Team

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

2020 National Interagency Mobilization Guide 97