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Last Updated 3/2023
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This booklet provides users with position checklists and job aids for each specific Expanded Dispatch 

position. 

It is intended to be used as an on-the-job reference for qualified Expanded Dispatch personnel who have 

completed all prerequisites and the following course or courses: 

D-110 Dispatch Recorder 

D-310 Support Dispatcher 

D-510 Supervisory Dispatcher 

These Job Aids are not intended to replace training, nor can they be expected to cover every situation. 

Users will need to obtain specific direction from their supervisor on questions or when procedures need 

clarification. 

This publication is managed by:

National Coordination System Committee

Material is updated by:

Dispatch Position and Curriculum Management Subcommittee

 
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Table of Contents 

Position Checklists.................................................................................................................................................4

DISPATCH RECORDER....................................................................................................................................4

SUPPORT..........................................................................................................................................................5

SUPERVISORY DISPATCHER..........................................................................................................................6

Job Aids.................................................................................................................................................................8

PRE-ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST ......................................................................................................................8

RESOURCE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................9

SUPPORT DISPATCHER/DISPATCH RECORDER INITIAL BRIEFING CHECKLIST..................................... 10

INFORMATION NEEDED FOR SHIFT BRIEFING ........................................................................................... 11

CHANGE OF SHIFT BRIEFING FORM............................................................................................................ 12

FLIGHT REQUEST INFORMATION................................................................................................................. 13

SUPERVISORY DISPATCHER’S BRIEFING W/ HOST AGENCY DISPATCH CENTER CHECKLIST ..........14

SUPERVISORY DISPATCHER’S BRIEFING WITH THE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM CHECKLIST ..... 16

DEVELOPING AN ORGANIZATION ................................................................................................................ 18

INCIDENT SUPPORT CHECKLIST ................................................................................................................. 19

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PREPARATION.............................................................................................. 20

DEMOBILIZATION CHECKLIST ...................................................................................................................... 20

FIRE TRAVEL DEMOB WORKSHEET ............................................................................................................ 22

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FORM .......................................................................................... 22

Appendix A: Internet Reference Source List..................................................................................................... 24

Appendix B: Manual Resource Order Form Instructions ................................................................................... 26

COMMON TERMINOLOGY ............................................................................................................................. 32

COMMON ACRONYMS................................................................................................................................... 38

 COMMON ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 38
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Position Checklists 

DISPATCH RECORDER 

Seek out EDSP, EDSD or unit dispatcher for initial briefing. 

• Job Aid - - EDSD/EDRC INITIAL BRIEFING.... Page 9

Acquire a IROC log on and determine roles. 

Process resource requests using established procedures and ordering channels. 

• Job Aid - - ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS.... Page 8

Utilize supplemental forms when appropriate, such as Flight Request, Food Service Request, Crew 

Manifest, etc. 

Relay pertinent information through established dispatch channels. 

Track resources and document in accordance with established procedures. Participate in briefings and 

utilize shift/dispatch log when appropriate. 
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SUPPORT DISPATCHER

Seek out EDSP or host unit dispatcher for initial briefing. 

• Job Aid - - EDSD/EDRC INITIAL BRIEFING.... Page 9

Gather available information necessary to immediately assess situation, determine priorities and take 

appropriate actions. 

Acquire an IROC log on and determine roles. 

Start a dispatch log for the assigned functional area 

Mobilize resources specific to one or more of the functional areas: crews, overhead, equipment, and 

supplies. 

Use and/or direct the use of established procedures associated with IROC. 

• Job Aid - - RESOURCE ORDER INSTRUCTIONS.... Page 8

Use and/or direct the use of forms supplementing the resource order form. Use and/or direct the use of 

resource tracking and status systems. 

Supervise dispatch recorders. 

Maintain high level of professionalism with both internal and external contacts. Monitor functional area and 

communicate any needs to supervisory dispatcher. 

Coordinate with other functional areas to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective mobilization and 

demobilization. 

Conduct shift briefings for relief and dispatch recorders. 

• Job Aid - - INFO NEEDED FOR SHIFT BRIEFING.... Page 10

• Job Aid - - CHANGE OF SHIFT BRIEFING FORM.... Page 11

Prepare performance evaluations for dispatch recorders. 

• Job Aid - - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FORM.... Page 22

 

 
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SUPERVISORY DISPATCHER

Order a trainee EDSP when appropriate. 

Seek out supervisor or host unit dispatcher for initial briefing. 

• Job Aid - - EDSP INITIAL BRIEFING.... Page 14

Gather available information necessary to immediately assess situation, determine priorities and take 

action. Reevaluate as necessary. 

• Job Aid - - BRIEFING WITH THE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM CHECKLIST.... Page 15

Acquire IROC access for local center and establish roles. Develop an effective organization to meet present 

and future needs. 

• Job Aid - - DEVELOPING AN ORGANIZATION.... Page 17

Review resource orders to evaluate incident needs. 

• Job Aid - - INCIDENT SUPPORT CHECKLIST.... Page 18

Provide guidance and supervision as necessary to all functional areas in the expanded dispatch 

organization. 

Facilitate the orderly, safe, and effective mobilization and demobilization of resources. Establish and direct 

priorities for flow of resource orders and intelligence information. Ensure compliance with established 

dispatch protocols. 

Provide training for subordinates as necessary. 

Ensure the safety, welfare, and accountability of assigned personnel. Conduct operations considering local, 

area and national guidelines. 

Schedule and conduct briefings with all dispatchers to ensure complete information exchange. 

• Job Aid - - INFO NEEDED FOR SHIFT BRIEFING.... Page 10

• Job Aid - - CHANGE OF SHIFT BRIEFING FORM.... Page 11

 

Ensure coordination between functional areas. 

Define performance expectations for expanded dispatch personnel. Direct implementation of authorized offsite emergency procedures. 

• Job Aid - - EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PREPARATION.... Page 19
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Advise management, identify alternatives, make recommendations to implement management direction. 

Complete performance evaluations for subordinates. 

• Job Aid - - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FORM.... Page 22

Complete final incident package for return to unit. 
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Job Aids

PRE-ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST

This checklist outlines who, what, when, where, why, and how questions that will aid you in preplanning 

your organization prior to arrival at your incident assignment. 

 

Who: 

WHO has jurisdiction on the incident? 

WHO are the contacts at the incident? 

WHO are the contacts with local knowledge? 

WHO are the contacts within the upward chain of command? 

What: 

WHAT is my assignment? 

WHAT shift will I work? 

WHAT are the ordering channels? 

WHAT is the geographic area?

WHAT are the agency procedures? 

WHAT are the methods of tracking resources? 

When: 

WHEN is my assignment? 

WHEN did the incident begin? 

WHEN did, or will, expanded dispatch become functional? 

Where: 

WHERE is the incident? 

WHERE are the local suppliers? 

WHERE are we in the history of this incident? 

How: 

HOW complex is the incident? 

HOW many incidents are being supported? 

HOW do the communications systems operate? 

HOW many people is expanded dispatch supporting? 

HOW long is the anticipated duration of the incident? 

Why: 

WHY am I here? 

WHY do I need all of this information? 
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RESOURCE ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS 

The National Interagency Mobilization Guide identifies standard procedures which guide the operations of 

multi-agency logistical support activity throughout the coordination system at 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/mobguide/index.html . Geographic Area and Local Mobilization Guides are used 

to supplement the National Interagency Mobilization Guide. 

Resources are requested and mobilized using the Incident Resource Ordering (IROC) system. 

Standard interagency operations when using IROC are identified within the Interagency Standards for 

IROC Operations Guide (ISROG) located at: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/references/ISROG.pdf 

The Food Service Request Form, the Infrared Aircraft Scanner Request Form, and the 

Preparedness/Detail Request Form are the approved forms that, when associated with a IROC request, 

satisfy documentation required of resource mobilization. Technical support and user guide and quick 

reference cards for the IROC can be accessed online at: https://famit.nwcg.gov/applications/IROC 

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 

Responsible agency management fiscal codes must be included on each resource order. 

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) identifier for the responsible agency, and a unique order or incident 

number containing a maximum of six (6) characters (numeric) will make up the incident/project order 

number. 

Resources assigned to incidents will be identified by a valid Unit Identifier comprised of 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) identifier for the sending agency. 

See https://wfmi.nifc.gov/unit_id/Publish.html - on this page select Unit Identifiers and it will open a Unit ID 

Report document for the list. 

In the event that manual systems become necessary, instructions for completing resource orders in card 

stock format are included in an appendix to this document. 
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SUPPORT DISPATCHER/DISPATCH RECORDER

INITIAL BRIEFING CHECKLIST

✓ Fire Activity, type of incident, anticipated needs and shortages locally, geographically and 

nationally. 

✓ Priorities for current shift and critical orders to expedite. 

✓ Verify that the EDSD or EDRC has appropriate IROC privileges in local dispatch area. Confirm local 

ordering procedures: 

▪ How Supplies are ordered and who issues S#’s. 

▪ How local personnel are mobilized. 

▪ How vendors are mobilized with Equipment requests

✓ Identify incident ordering contacts. Obtain a map to incident or ICP. Not-to-exceed order times. 

✓ Obtain phone lists for internal/external key contacts - who will be responsible for the contacts and 

frequency of contacts. 

✓ Desk log procedures. 

✓ Verify shift schedule and accommodations. 

✓ Expectations for briefings between dispatchers (e.g., not to exceed 30 minutes). 

✓ How media/contractor/outside phone calls will be handled. 

✓ How time sheets will be handled. 

✓ How the resource tracking information will be displayed. Special situations. Local procedures for 

handling: 

▪ Aircraft incidents 

▪ Spills 

▪ Emergencies (fatalities, deployments, etc.) 

 
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INFORMATION NEEDED FOR SHIFT BRIEFING 

1. At the conclusion of each shift, it is the responsibility of each dispatcher in every functional area to 

ensure the shift log has been updated to reflect all significant shift activity. This should include the 

following information. Any movement of national resources such as: 

Complex Incident Management Teams Leadplanes/ASMs 

NIICD Telecommunications Supplies Air Tankers 

National Shower Facilities Infrared Aircraft 

National Mobile Food Units Type 1 Helicopters 

Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews Type 2 Helicopters 

Smokejumpers Smokejumper Aircraft 

(See National Mobilization Guide, Chapter 10 for complete list.)

2. List how issues or items from previous shift brief were resolved. 

3. Any significant incident activity (i.e., “The Magdelena fire blew up; there is a rumor that they will 

order an incident management team.”) 

4. Any departure from established standard operating procedures (i.e., “The geographic area has put 

a stop to the ‘Neighborhood Policy’ and all orders must go through the Geographic Area 

Coordination Center) 

5. Any schedule changes (i.e., “Demobilization is scheduled to start two days from now, we’re altering 

the shifts to accommodate incident base.”) 

6. Any messages relating to injury notification or emergency releases. 

7. Any significant resource shortages (i.e., “All Type 1 crews are committed and there are no more 

caterers available nationally.) Planned logistical aircraft movement (i.e., “The NIFC 737 will be 

moved to Moses Lake after a trip tomorrow for our scheduled demobilization two days from now.”). 

8. Brief summary of shift activities (i.e., “Some reassignments and a few outstanding requests remain 

unfilled.”) 

9. Any follow-up or interaction with other sections (i.e., “The crew desk should be letting the supply 

desk know how many lunches will be needed for incoming crews since the equipment desk just 

advised the EDSP that the caterer was going to be late.”) 

 
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CHANGE OF SHIFT BRIEFING FORM 

Date: ________

Time: ________

NAME: off-going shift 

NAME: on-coming shift 

FUNCTIONAL DISPATCH POSITION:

Aircraft______ Overhead______ 

Crews______ Supply______ 

Equipment______ Intelligence______ 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

1. Discuss pending requests. 

2. Discuss orders and requests that have problems/situations that the next shift dispatchers are 

likely to encounter. 

3. What level of activity can the next shift dispatcher expect in this function? 

4. Is there any technical information to be passed on? (equipment, supply, etc.). 

5. Review pertinent notes with next shift dispatcher. 

6. If you remember something after you leave, please call back with information (ensure EDSP 

has your local contact information). 

7. Comments/Notes: 
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FLIGHT REQUEST INFORMATION 

1. Name and phone number of person requesting a charter and/or name of person requesting a 

charter for 5 or more crew mobilization or demobilization. 

2. Reason for charter and urgency of flight. 

3. Date of requested flight and financial code. 

At least 48-hour notice is needed for demobilization of a large number of crews. 

4. Flight route/itinerary. 

▪ Which airport to which airport. 

▪ Not more than two drop-offs, preferred. 

5. Time - When can the crews be at designated airport, ready-to-load (RTL)? 

▪ Consider time of day: mornings preferable over mid-afternoon. 

▪ Crews need to be at the airport 2 hours prior to loading. 

▪ Do they need lunches or water? 

6. Location – Any needs at the airport? 

▪ You also need to establish alternate airports if weather is a factor. 

7. Passenger Flight needs: 

▪ Roster/Manifest 

▪ Body weights (actual not estimated) 

▪ Luggage weights (actual not estimated) 

▪ Location of boarding (FS ramp etc.) 

8. Cargo Flight needs: 

▪ Type 

▪ Weight 

▪ Volume 

▪ Any conflicts with passengers or crew? 

9. Establish if there is a Crew Representative or Liaison, if so, get a phone number. 

10. Fill out the necessary portions of the flight request/schedule. 

11. Relay information to EDSP and Unit Aircraft Dispatcher. 

 
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Blocks 1, 2 and 3 should be filled in by expanded dispatch before passing on to Unit Aircraft 

Dispatcher. 

 

1

2

3
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SUPERVISORY DISPATCHER’S BRIEFING WITH THE HOST AGENCY 

AND DISPATCH CENTER CHECKLIST

Use the following checklist for pre/post arrival. Once travel arrangements are made contact the Host Dispatch 

Center to notify of arrival information. 

PRE-INTELLIGENCE GATHERING

Number of fires Existing Expanded Operation IROC Access

Complexity Expanded Dispatch Plan Firenet Access

Jurisdictions Location Contact Information

AT THE INCIDENT

Expectations Incident Information Documentation Logistics

Briefings

▪ Daily

▪ End-of-Shift

Updated info 

Map for ICP

Expected Duration

Firenet access 

File Structure

Desk Logs

Pre-Order 

NERV

Transportation/Drivers

Shift Length General Area Map Paper/Electronic Equipment Inspections

Conference Calls

▪ Time

▪ Numbers

Weather Forecast Final Package Maps

▪ Spike camps

▪ Helibase

▪ Drop Points

Aviation Contacts Medical & Hazmat Demobilization

Resource Ordering IMT Aircraft Incidents Demob Plan

▪ Crew Swaps GACC Spills Travel Agency

▪ Tactical Aviation Cache Medical Emergencies Transportation

▪ Logistical IBA Serious Injuries Travel Log

▪ Support PAO Fatalities

Tracking Agency Administrator Shelter Deployments

Information flow BUYT Any other “incident

between expanded and Local Dispatch within and incident”

local dispatch. Neighbor Dispatch(s)

GATR Who is responsible for

FBO what in each situation?

Ordering Local Resource Ordering Procedure

Ordering Chain

Service and Supply Plan 

Priority Trainee Procedures

Local agency personnel

▪ Can expanded go direct or involve the Host Dispatch? 

Local Cooperator Procedures

Not-to-Exceed Times

▪ Cache Requests

▪ Resources Orders

▪ Special needs/concerns? 

Contract Resources

▪ Fallers, drivers

VIPR/Best Value Procedures ▪ Engines

Neighborhood Policy ▪ Dozers

Local resource availability ▪ Crews

Local AD Hire/Paperwork ▪ Water tenders

Jetport ▪ Miscellaneous local EERAs i.e., copiers, computers

Special Needs ▪ How will pre-inspections be done?

AIMS Process ▪ Are equipment inspectors available?
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OTHER BRIEFINGS

Buying Team (BUYT) Agency 

Administrator (AA)

Finance/Purchasing Geographic Area 

Coordination Center

▪ Information flow 

and interaction 

between expanded 

and the BUYT

▪ Where will the 

BUYT be located?

▪ How will orders for 

the BUYT be

▪ Who is the day-today point of contact 

between the EDSP 

and the AA for the 

fire?

▪ When/how often will 

the AA(s) be 

briefed?

▪ What are the local 

procurement 

procedures?

▪ Is a local purchasing 

agent going to be 

assigned to 

expanded?

▪ Is a buying team in

▪ How are supply 

orders handled?

▪ How do they handle 

charter and 

agency/owned 

aircraft?

▪ What information is 

needed for resource

separated from 

orders filled 

through expanded 

dispatch?

▪What should these 

briefings contain?

▪ General 

Coordination with

the AA

in place or on order?

▪ What is their ETA?

▪ Who is the Incident 

Business Advisor?

▪ Ask for the agency’s

reassignments?

▪ Any special 

needs/concerns?

▪ Priority Trainees

▪ Name Requests

List of Prohibited 

Items

SUPERVISORY DISPATCHER’S BRIEFING WITH THE INCIDENT 

MANAGEMENT TEAM CHECKLIST 

When you receive the resource order, contact the dispatch office, to determine what time/place the 

team briefing/transition is scheduled. Attempt to attend that meeting. 

If you are unable to make the team briefing, arrange a trip to the incident base to talk with the Logistics 

Section Chief and Planning Section Chief. As a minimum, brief with the Supply Unit and Resource Unit 

Leaders face-to-face. 

Communications 

▪ How many phone/fax lines, where are they located at the ICP? 

▪ Is there internet access for ICP? 

▪ What is the best method/time to get a hold of key players? (LSC, PSC, etc.) 

Establish how local purchase supply orders will be handled. 

▪ Will the Ordering Unit go directly to the Buying Team with all local purchases? 

Or, will they send the orders to Expanded first? 

▪ Clarify which S#’s need to go through Expanded – i.e. radio kits, radio items. 

Establish agreement on consolidation of orders. 

▪ Outline a schedule for consolidation of ordering for twice a day with placement to the national 

cache. 

▪ Concurrence with the Logistics Section Chief, Supply Unit and the cache with the exception of 

emergency and critical needs. 

▪ Daily resource reconciliation on placed orders between Support Dispatcher and Supply Unit:

o Orders that are open and have not been placed. 

o Orders that are placed and have no delivery information. 
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o When orders that have been placed may have to be “killed” or an alternative developed to 

meet the needed date and time. 

Agree on procedures for ordering: 

▪ Airtankers. 

▪ Helicopters and modules. 

▪ Medivacs. 

▪ Emergency releases. 

Establish not-to-exceed times for certain types of orders. 

High priority requests that need immediate action. 

 

Discuss incident priorities and who initiates order request numbers. 

Reach agreement on “special situations.” Local procedures for handling: 

▪ Aircraft Incidents. 

▪ Spills. 

▪ Medical emergencies, serious injuries, deaths, shelter deployments. 

▪ Who is responsible for what in each situation? 

Discuss daily Expanded Dispatch/IMT briefing and exchange of information. 

▪ Emphasize that you want daily copies of the Incident Action Plan. Will they send a driver; should 

you arrange to pick it up? Or fax it? Will it be posted on the internet? 

▪ Request that you also receive notification of any changes in suppression objectives or tactics 

that may impact ordering. 

▪ Emphasize the importance of the Logistics Section Chief briefing the Expanded Dispatch 

Supervisor on any problems or special needs. 

▪ Discuss the time frames Situation Unit Leader should brief Dispatch. Request that the Planning 

Section Chief brief the Expanded Dispatch Supervisor after each planning meeting and verify 

that orders have been placed for “Critical Needs” listed on the 209. 

Discuss expectations for developing the demobilization plan. 

▪ When will a Demobilization Unit Leader be ordered/in place? 

▪ Emphasize to the Planning Section Chief that you will keep them posted on geographic/national 

shortages and priority release resources. 

▪ Ensure a written Demobilization Plan is prepared and agreed to by Expanded Dispatch and IMT. 

 
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DEVELOPING AN ORGANIZATION 

Major items to consider when developing an organization to meet present and future needs. 

Receive your briefing with the agency administrators/Center Manager: 

▪ Determine the complexity of the situation. 

o Current and expected workload

o Interface with IA dispatch and separation of duties

o Types and number of Management Teams 

o Any sensitive local issues, protocols or procedures 

▪ Determine the availability of resources. 

o Critical resource needs

o Local and neighboring availability 

o GACC and National shortages 

▪ Determine limitations presented by briefing.

o Agency Administrator, Center Manager, IBA 

DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS 

Staffing

▪ How many functional areas? 

o Traditional vs. non-traditional, build in flexibility 

o Consider IROC skill level within expanded 

o Who will accomplish IROC administrative duties? 

o Will expanded have any Intelligence or Aircraft responsibility? 

o How will Equipment and Supply be handled? (Buying Team, ICP Cache orders, 

local/geographic/national procurement procedures, etc.) 

o Is there a need for 24/hour coverage?

o Specialized functions? (Buying Unit, Demob, timekeepers, reception, ground 

support/equipment inspection, staging areas?) 

Office Space

▪ Each functional area 

o Specialized function locations: Ground Support, Cache, Buying Team

o Shipping/receiving for supplies o Break Room o Restrooms o Personnel o Parking

o Is security and access adequate? 

▪ Communications

o What type of communication is available at the expanded/incident? 

▪ Telephones/Cell phone: Enough lines for each functional area?

o IT Equipment and Support

▪ Computers/Laptops: Is the hardware and Software adequate?

▪ Internet connectivity and support: Is there adequate internet bandwidth?

▪ COOP—where is the plan, how do you activate? 

o Fax machines/copy machines

o FIRENET email capability

o Forms, reference materials, supporting office supplies 
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SET GROUND RULES 

Shift Schedules

▪ Shift lengths and breaks

▪ Shift briefing procedures 

▪ Meals and accommodations (proximity to expanded, time period allowed, etc) 

▪ Resource order system (IROC)

▪ Other logs, local procedures and/or protocols? 

▪ Where are documents stored – Firenet/hard drive/hard copy? 

▪ When to notify the Supervisory Dispatcher 

o Accidents/injuries 

o Calls from the press 

o Unusual requests on resource orders 

o Problems dealing with another office/individual 

o Morale or fatigue issues 

FOLLOW UP

▪ Review your briefings

▪ Constantly re-evaluate your needs and adjust organization as necessary

▪ Review your ground rules. 

▪ Review critical resource requests. 

▪ Evaluate your expanded operation: Are customer needs being met? 

 

INCIDENT SUPPORT CHECKLIST 

Camp crews Radio systems (NIICD) 

Cache vans (if available) Buses (crew transport from airport) 

Tractor ordered to move cache van Fuel tender- gas/diesel 

Catering Service (and support: potable water, 

refrigeration truck, etc.) 

Chainsaw support- Bar/2-cycle oil 

Traffic control (local sheriff’s department) 

Showers Logistical shuttle 

Chemical toilets and pumping service Local hotel information 

Phones for incident base and staging areas Local restaurant information 

Power to incident base Cell on Wheels - COW 

Water tenders from private industry for roads and 

water hauling 

Mobile office support trailer 

GIS Support trailer 

Dumpsters Refrigerator truck/trailer- Ice 

Tents for IMT- HVAC/Heat 

 
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PREPARATION

Find WHERE the emergency plans and guides are located. 

▪ Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) 

▪ Search and Rescue Guide 

▪ Medical Plans o Burn Centers o Medivac 

▪ Hazardous Materials Plan 

▪ Aviation Mishap Guide 

▪ Local Office/Building Evacuation Plan 

▪ Procedures for initiating Critical Incident Stress Debriefing 

Find out WHAT role the local dispatch center will play. 

Find out WHO is responsible to activate the necessary procedures. 

Find out WHAT contacts need to be made and WHO will be making those 

DEMOBILIZATION CHECKLIST 

Demobilization Guidelines Process / Procedures for Expanded Dispatch 

Note: This is a guideline that an EDSP might consider using whenever an incident has over 200 

miscellaneous personnel or there is more than one IMT assigned to a Dispatch Center. Forms needed 

to use this process would be the “DEMOB WORKSHEET” and “RELEASE SCHEDULE”. 

Preparation: 

▪ Set up the following three ring binders: 

o Air Travel 

o “GONE” Incident Name 

o “HERE” Incident Name 

o “Release Schedule” 

▪ Make out a “DEMOB WORKSHEET” for every O#, C# and tactical E# resource and file in the 

“HERE” binder. Suggestion: Use colored paper for these sheets so that the original is clearly 

identifiable. If there is more than one incident, use different colors for each incident. 

BEFORE Demobilization Begins: 

▪ Meet with the Planning Section Chief to go over demob plan and coordinate how Expanded will 

facilitate releasing of resources. Review the “RELEASE SCHEDULE” with them. If the IMT 

wants to use their own form that is fine as long as all of the information you need is covered. For 

example: does traveler have a gov’t credit card, have they rented a car and from where, do they 

need a flight, etc. 

▪ Contact the local GACC and find out how they want to be notified of available resources that 

want to be reassigned.
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Demobilization Process: 

When the “RELEASE SCHEDULE” arrives from ICP. 

▪ Make enough copies of the Release Schedule to ensure each desk has a copy. 

▪ Deliver a copy of schedule to appropriate desk. 

▪ File original in the “Release Schedule” book. 

Crews/Overhead Desk 

▪ Using the copy of the “RELEASE SCHEDULE”, determine who is available for reassignment. 

▪ If reassignments are wanted, go into IROC, and add to documentation that the person is 

waiting/ available for reassignment. Make another copy of the schedule and highlight the person 

waiting for reassignment. Put in a “Reassignment Folder”. 

▪ If air travel is needed, make a copy of the “RELEASE SCHEDULE” and highlight the people who 

need air reservations and give to Air Travel Desk. 

Air Travel Desk 

BEFORE demob begins, ensure you know how the local office does air travel. 

▪ Contact the travel agent before and let them know that there could be an increased number of 

reservations needed. Verify with them how best to make numerous ticket purchases. 

▪ Contact travel agent and make air travel from nearest jetport. 

▪ Make sure to document the ticket price and locator code on the worksheet. 

▪ Ensure travelers reach their home unit prior to 2200 hours. Keep in mind that many will be 

driving after they reach their jet port. 

▪ Pull up itinerary on www.virtuallythere.com. Print itinerary and relay to ICP or relay the travel 

itinerary from the travel agency to the demob unit. 

▪ Document on the travel worksheet the time the travel information was sent to ICP and your 

initials. 

Complete IROC Travel Itineraries. 

▪ Put the itinerary received from the Travel Agent and a copy of the “DEMOB WORKSHEET” in 

the Air Book binder. Highlight the name, O# and price of the ticket for local agency procurement 

reconciliation. 

▪ Give the original “DEMOB WORKSHEET” to the Overhead/Crew Desk. 

If no air travel is needed, and no reassignment is wanted, go into IROC, “Incident Resources” and set 

the person’s status to “Released”. Then make sure to “Set Travel (Will have Itinerary)”. Go to the Travel 

section in IROC. 

If the home unit is not listed, use IROC to determine the home unit and estimate driving times. 

Input all travel legs and make sure to set last leg or complete itinerary (CI) when complete. If the 

resource is a local agency resource, contact the Duty Officer and let them know their personnel are 

being released and pass on the ETA. 

After IROC is completed, print the resource order for the O# file in the “Gone” binder. 
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FIRE TRAVEL DEMOB WORKSHEET 

Dispatcher Making Travel: ___________________________

Phone: Email: ______________

Travelers NAME: __________________________________

COST OF TICKET: RECORD LOCATOR: ________________

COMMERCIAL CHARTER POV/AOV/RENTAL ______________

TRAVEL ITINERARY 

CITY DATE TIME 

CARRIER OR 

AIRCRAFT TYPE 

FLIGHT OR 

N# 

ETD: 

ETA: 

ETD: 

ETA: 

ETD: 

ETA: 

NOTIFICATION CHECKLIST 

Relayed to ICP Initials Date/Time 

IROC Initials Date/Time 

Travel Notebook Initials Date/Time 

Gone Notebook Initials Date/Time 

Order/Req. O- __________

Incident # ________________ 

Incident Name: 

Agency Charge Code: 

CBA/Zone Code: 

Purpose Code: Critical Mission

Date/Time Available to Travel: ____________________________________

Nearest Jet Port: ________________________________________________

Home Jet Port:__________________________________________________

Final Destination: __________________________________________ 
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Expanded Dispatch 

INSTRUCTIONS: The immediate job supervisor will 

prepare this form for each subordinate overhead. It will 

be delivered to the coordinator before the rating official 

leaves the assignment. Rating will be reviewed with the 

employee, who will sign at the bottom. 

Overhead Performance Rating 

1. Name 2. Fire Name and Number 

3.Home Unit Name / Address: 4. Location of Assignment 

5. Position 6. Dates of Assignment 7. Complexity 8. Level of Activity 

Single Multi Light Moderate Heavy 

9. Evaluation 

Enter X under the appropriate rating number and under the proper heading for each category listed Definition for each 

rating number follows: 

O – Deficient. Does not meet minimum requirements of the individual element. 

DEFICIENCIES MUST BE IDENTIFIED IN REMARKS. 

1 – Needs to Improve. Meets some or most of the requirements of the individual element. 

IDENTIFY IMPROVEMENT NEEDED IN REMARKS. 

2 – Satisfactory. Employee meets all requirements of the individual element. 

3 – Superior. Employee consistently exceeds the performance requirements. 

Rating Factors 

EDRC 

Dispatch Recorder 

EDSD 

Support 

Dispatcher 

EDSP 

Supervisory 

Dispatcher 

CORD 

Coordinator 

0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 

Knowledge of the job 

Following of procedures 

Completion of work in a timely manner 

Work completed properly 

Attitude 

Initiative 

Communications 

Working with others 

Adaptability to task 

10. Remarks: : 

11. Signature of person being evaluated (This rating has been discussed with me.) 12. Date 

13. Signature of rating individual 

/s/ 

14. Home Unit 15. Position 16. Date 

 
24

Appendix A: Internet Reference Source List

ADMIN 

AD (Administratively Determined) for each Department: 

USDA Forest Service AD Pay Plan

DOI AD Pay Plan

Albuquerque Service Center Intranet (FS only) 

Pay Period Calendar

AIRCRAFT 

Airport Location http://www.airnav.com/ or worldwide at http://www.landings.com/ 

SAFECOMS: https://www.safecom.gov/

REFERENCE GUIDES: 

Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations. - Redbook

National Interagency Mobilization Guide

Interagency Standards for Resource Ordering Guide (ISROG)

National Interagency Dispatch Standard Operating Guide for Contract Resources

Interagency Incident Business Management Hand Book

Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide

Field Operations Guide ICS 420-1

Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation: 

DOI Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Handbook

NPS Post Wildland Fire Program

USFS Burned Area Emergency Response - BAER

FOREST SERVICE 

Customer Help Desk 1-866-945-1354 

Forest Service Hand Book

Forest Service HB Health & Safety HB

FORMS 

Forms, Reports and Templates: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/coord_forms.htm

DISPATCH 

Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR)

Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC)

Geographic Area Coordination Centers

Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) 

Position Codes

Position Task Books

Unit Identifiers

e-Isuite

WFDSS

Firecode

Firenet
25

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 

NERV Rental Vehicles

National Interagency Incident Communications Division

NFES Catalog, Part 1

NFES Catalog, Part 2, Publications

Forest Service Contracting Website

VIPR Virtual Incident Procurement

MAPS 

Map-Rand McNally: http://www.randmcnally.com/

Map: http://mapquest.com/ or http://www.mapblast.com/

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps

OTHER AGENCIES 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. National Park Service

Department of Homeland Security

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

WEATHER 

Earth Networks

National Fire Weather Page

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration 

Storm Prediction Center

GOES Geostationary Satellite Server 

National Climatic Data Center NEXRAD Weather Radar

Meso West
26

Appendix B: Manual Resource Order Form Instructions

RESOURCE ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL GUIDELINES:

A. RESOURCE ORDER NUMBER AND REQUEST NUMBERS 

1. Only the originating unit’s order and request number will be relayed to the other dispatching 

units. 

2. Do not relay your office reference number (if one is used). 

3. Generally, when an order is placed from the incident, the expanded dispatch organization will 

assign the request number and pass that number back to the incident. 

There are times when the incident will assign the request numbers and pass them to the expanded 

dispatch organization. 

B. MOBILIZATION 

1. When the resource departs the home unit and travel information is relayed, the resource 

becomes the responsibility of the receiving unit. 

2. Confirmation of arrival for resource is not required, except for aircraft. 

3. The receiving unit, at the final destination, shall initiate follow-up action if the arrival schedule 

has not been met. 

4. All these activities should be documented on the Resource Order documentation sheet. 

C. TRAVEL TIME 

1. Each dispatch/coordination center will use the local time of the location the resource is 

departing. 

2. Use the local time for the destination of the resource when passing the estimated time of 

arrival (ETA). 

3. All times will be referred to in military time. 

D. CLOSING THE RESOURCE ORDER. 

1. The resource order will be kept open until all the resources are released or reassigned to 

another order except supplies. 

2. Resource orders may be closed and filed according to local office procedures after all 

resources have been released or reassigned. 
27

BLOCK # INSTRUCTIONS 

 Header - Initiate Order 

1 Enter DATE/TIME the order was initiated or received 

2 Enter name of incident or project. 

3 A national resource order numbering system, which allows for identification of a 

particular resource order throughout the coordination system is assigned by the host 

unit. XX-YYY(Y)-AAAAAA 

XX represents the two letter STATE designator where the unit headquarters is 

located. 

YYY(Y) is the pre-assigned three (or four) letter UNIT identifier. (See NWCG Unit 

Identifier System of Record) https://www.nwcg.gov/positions

XX-YYY(Y) should accurately reflect the host unit Agency. 

AAAAAA is the individual incident NUMBER assigned. 

ONLY ONE INCIDENT/PROJECT ORDER NUMBER IS ASSIGNED FOR EACH 

INCIDENT. 

4 Cost coding data - At the minimum, a standard fire incident code generated by the 

USDA/DOI FireCode System must be assigned and passed. If the order is for 

preparedness, severity, or non-fire activity, the appropriate management codes must 

be assigned and passed. Office reference number is optional and for internal use only 

5 Enter unit, airport, dispatch office, etc, where need is or where incident is located. It 

may be used for a geographical location or general area. It may also be used for 

giving specific directions for resources to use to get to the incident, for a shipping 

address for some supplies, and/or for a billing address if different from the incident 

address. Equipment and accountable supply orders require this block be used for the 

billing address. If items are sent directly to the incident base, a detailed physical 

location is needed. If the ship to address is different than the billing address and not 

the incident base, a street address is needed. If more space is needed, use the 

documentation sheet. 

6 Section, Township, Range, Base Meridian. 

7 Optional location method using standard map references (atlas, topo, etc.). 

8 All orders require a phone number. If no incident phone exists, the administrative 

unit’s or expanded dispatch’s phone number can be used. 

9 Agency with primary jurisdiction. The agency responsible for the fire protection on the 

land in question. Normally the agency is the same as Block #3. Use USFS, BLM, BIA, 

NPS, FWS, or State. For FEMA, use FEMA. 

10 Office or location giving you the order (incident, forest, ranger unit, dispatch center, 

geographic area coordination center, NICC). 
28

11 

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The latitude and longitude of the incident by degrees, 

minutes, and seconds. Required for all Aircraft orders and Equipment orders for 

radios. Bearing - Azimuth from the VOR nearest the incident. (VOR: Very high 

frequency Omni directional Range is a compass bearing off a specific point. Distance -

In nautical miles, straight line distance from the VOR indicated. Base or OMNI – FAA 

identifier for the VOR. Air Contact - Call sign or name of air contact. (Air Attack 02, 

Lead 21). Frequency - Radio frequency and tone, if applicable, for air contact. Ground 

Contact - Call sign or name of ground contact. (Incident Commander, dispatch center). 

Reload Base - The air tanker base to be used for reloading. This is usually the closest 

air tanker base to the incident. Other Aircraft/Hazards - Other aircraft in the area and 

any known hazards. (Smokejumpers, helicopters, lead planes, towers, wires, heavy 

smoke, thunderstorms, etc.) 

Block 12 (left 

side) Receive Request 

12 (left half) 

Enter the request number. Requests for each resource category will be numbered 

sequentially, beginning with "1", preceded by the resource function letter. Each single 

resource will be assigned a request number. A single request number will be assigned 

for strike teams. Individual overhead positions will be given separate request number. 

All request numbers must be prefaced by the letter designating the kind of resource 

ordered. 

A - Aircraft, including: 

Airtankers 

Helicopters 

dedicated AM and FM frequencies 

infrared mapping C - Crews, including: 

hand crew, specify type 

camp crew 

O - Overhead, including: 

incident management teams 

specialty teams 

individual overhead positions 

E - Equipment - Major firefighting and support items, including: 

engines, specify type 

dozers 

caterer and specialized items, including: 

radio systems 

retardant plants S - Supply, including: 

NFES cache items 

local purchase 

12 (left half) Enter date and time when that request is received by you. 

12 (left half) The requestor’s name and their office identification plus initials. 

12 (left half) Quantity is always one, EXCEPT SUPPLIES. When ordering supplies, list the unit of 

issue from the NFES catalog (kt, ea, cs, pk, etc.) 
29

12 (left half) Be sure more than one line is allowed for each resource ordered. For some items it is 

desirable to leave extra lines between requests. Anticipate the number of lines needed 

to identify major resource components, i.e., an engine strike team will need at least six 

lines before entering the next request number. Certain resource requests require 

additional information, e.g., Food Service Request form, Flight Request/Schedule 

form. Be sure to use the required form and attach it to the Resource Order. Supply 

requests and some equipment requests MUST start with the NFES number followed 

by the appropriate description. Crew orders must state type of crew, configuration, tool 

requirements, meal needs, time frames, transportation and/or unusual needs for 

assignment. 

12 (left half) Enter the date and time resource(s) are to be at location shown in DELIVER TO block. 

ASAP is not acceptable. 

12 (left half) Enter location resource(s) are to be delivered. If an airport, enter its 3_character FAA 

airport identifier. Otherwise, enter full name of the location. An asterisk may be entered, 

and information put in REMARKS. If delivery point is described in Block 5, enter “BLK 

5". Additional information may be entered in REMARKS. 

12 (right half) Place Request 

12 (right half) Who the request is placed with (office and individual’s name) and who is placing the 

request (your name or initials). 

12 (right half) Time the order was placed. 

12 (right half) Assign Resources and Relay Information 

12 (right half) When the order is filled, enter the unit identification of the resource filling the request. 

Use the two-letter state identification and the three-letter unit identification. 

12 (right half) Enter name of resource or the resource’s identification. For instance, engine call sign, 

crew name with last name of unit supervisor and number of people, aircraft “N” 

number, vehicle number, etc. For locally purchased supplies, write the vendor's name. 

12 (right half) In the Release To block, enter the closest commercial jetport the sending unit prefers 

as a demobilization point. 

12 (right half) Enter actual time of departure and estimated time of arrival. When this information has 

been passed to the ordering office, the small box is blackened in. 

12 (right half) Release Resource 

12 (right half) Enter the actual date the resource is released. For consumable supplies, there will be 

no release. 

12 (right half) Who or where resource is released to 

12 (right half) Enter ETD/ETA, date(s) may also be needed for travel extending over two or more days 

12 (right half) If a resource is being reassigned to a new incident, use the "RELEASED" column on 

the ORIGINAL Resource Order to tell you which order they were REASSIGNED TO. 

On the new Resource Order under the Resource Assigned, put the ORIGINAL 

Resource Order number & Request number above the resource's name. Document 

what happened on both orders in the Action Taken section and in the Released and 

Resource Assigned sections. Officially, their sending unit thinks they are still on the 

original incident, so you need to know what order they came on so you can release 

them off of it to the sending unit. If the resource is reassigned outside of the unit 

originally ordered for, use the "Action Taken" on the original Resource Order to 

document where it is sent, date released, time of departure, and estimated time of 

arrival. When the resource is released from your zone of control, you will release them 

off of the ORIGINAL order that you received them on, so you need to keep good 

documentation on what they do so you know what order they came off of originally. 
30

 Documentation 

13 Be sure the request number from item 12 is referenced for each action that is 

documented. 

13 Date any information is relayed. 

13 Time any information is relayed 

13 To whom the order is being placed or received from and who you are. Use initials, or 

names and what unit they are on, e.g., Kass_MCD/RT. 

13 Enter what action has taken place concerning each resource. Notes, travel itinerary, 

etc. will be documented in this block. This is extremely important. Document 

EVERYTHING. These are legal documents and may be needed to back you or the 

agency up sometime. It's also important to leave tracks, so that anyone working on the 

order will know exactly what has been done. Do NOT use sticky notes and think that is 

all you need. It is NOT acceptable procedure. If the unit cannot fill the order, (in Block 

13) write out the DATE/TIME and who it was that could not fill the order. Then drop to 

the next available line in Block 13 and place the request with another unit. Avoid using 

the back of the resource order card for documentation. When all blocks are filled on the 

front of the card attach a DOCUMENTATION SHEET. DO NOT write on the back of the 

resource orders. 

 Closing the Order 

 

The order is ready to close when all the items in Block 12 are released or if all supplies 

have been shipped. Review the order to confirm documentation is complete and 

resources have been released. 
31

 

Figure 1: 
32

COMMON TERMINOLOGY 

4390 Starter Kit 

4390 is the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) Catalog number assigned to a communications kit 

that gives all the basic items in order to provide an incident with a complete communications package. 

These items include VHF radios, UHF radios, repeaters and all the accompanying hardware. 

Administrative Payment Team (APT) 

A team that supports incident agencies by processing payments for resources. Resources may include 

emergency equipment, casuals, local vendors for supplies, etc. 

Air Contact 

Specific aviation resource for air to air or air to ground contacts on an incident. 

Air Tanker 

Fixed-wing aircraft certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as being capable of transport and 

delivery of fire-retardant solutions. 

Aircraft Call Number 

Radio call sign of aircraft. This may be the FAA assigned tail number. 

Aircraft Flight Request/Schedule 

Form that documents route of travel and times for aircraft missions, as well as information needed to 

request air transportation. 

Airport Designator 

Three or four-letter code for airports that designates a location that is assigned by the FAA. 

Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) 

Agreement set up for purchase of goods and/or services by a local unit. 

Buying Team 

A team that supports incident procurement through the local administrative staff and is authorized to 

procure a wide range of services, supplies, and land and equipment rentals. In addition, the Buying 

Team Leader has the responsibility of coordinating property accountability with the supply unit leader. 

Cache 

A pre-determined complement of tools, equipment and/or supplies stored in a designated location, 

available for incident use. 

Cache Van (Mobile Cache Support Van) 

A trailer or van containing commonly used fire equipment and supplies. Often sent to an incident or 

staged near a potentially active area. 

Camp Crew 

An organized group of camp personnel under the leadership of a supervisor. 

 
33

Closest Forces 

Closest equivalent resources which could be assigned regardless of agency affiliation. 

Command Staff 

The command staff consists of the information officer, safety officer and liaison officer. They report 

directly to the incident commander and may have an assistant or assistants, as needed. 

Compact 

A formal working agreement among agencies to obtain mutual aid. 

Demobilization 

Release of resources from an incident in strict accordance with a detailed plan approved by the incident 

commander. 

Dispatch Log 

Form which documents the shift activities of dispatchers. 

Dispatch Office Operating Guide 

Guide which describes local office policy and procedures. 

Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement (EERA) 

An agreement to rent equipment from a private vendor which includes a description of the equipment 

and the price. 

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 

A pre-designated facility established by an agency or jurisdiction to coordinate the overall agency or 

jurisdictional response and support to an emergency. 

Expanded Dispatch 

Organization created to handle increased workload of normal dispatch operations. Expanded dispatch 

relieves the normal dispatch organization by focusing exclusively on large or complex incidents. 

Flight Leg 

One segment of a flight. 

Food Service Request 

A required form used to document supplemental information needed to mobilize national caterers. 

Geographic Area 

A boundary designated by governmental agencies (wildland fire protection agencies) within which they 

work together for the interagency, intergovernmental planning, coordination, and operations leadership 

for the effective utilization of emergency management resources within their area. There are ten 

geographic areas. 

Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) 

The physical location of an interagency, regional operation center for the effective coordination, 

mobilization, and demobilization of emergency management resources. There are 10 geographic area 

coordination centers. 
34

 

Ground Contact 

Specific ground resource for air to ground contact on an incident. 

Hand Crew 

A number of individuals that have been organized and trained and are supervised principally for 

operational assignments on an incident. 

Incident 

An occurrence either human-caused or natural phenomenon, that requires action or support by 

emergency service personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property and/or natural 

resources. 

Incident Action Plan (IAP) 

Contains objectives reflecting the overall incident strategy and specific tactical actions and supporting 

information for the next operational period. The plan may be oral or written. When written, the plan may 

have a number of attachments, including incident objectives, organization assignment list, division 

assignment, incident radio communication plan, medical plan, traffic plan, safety plan, and incident 

map. 

Incident Base 

Location at the incident where the primary logistics functions are coordinated and administered. 

(Incident name or other designator will be added to the term Base.) The incident command post may be 

collocated with the base. There is usually only one Base per incident. 

Incident Command Post (ICP) 

Location at which primary command functions are executed. The ICP may be collocated with the 

incident base or other incident facilities. 

Incident Management Team (IMT) 

The incident commander and appropriate general and command staff personnel assigned to an 

incident. 

Incident Qualification Card 

A card issued to persons showing their incident management and trainee qualifications to fill specified 

incident management positions in an incident management organization. 

Initial Attack A planned response to a wildfire given the wildfire’s potential fire behavior. The objective 

of initial attack is to stop the spread of the fire and put it out at least cost. An aggressive suppression 

action consistent with firefighter and public safety and values to be protected. 

Large Transport Aircraft (NICC jet) 

A large commercial size aircraft used to transport incident personnel and cargo. 

Manifest 

List of cargo and/or passengers. 
35

Military Time 

The 24-hour clock system where midnight is 2400, one minute after midnight is 0001 and progresses to 

2400 daily. 

Mobilization Center 

An off-incident location at which emergency service personnel and equipment are temporarily located 

pending assignment, release, or reassignment. 

Mobilization Guide 

A written description of procedures used by federal, state, and local organizations for activating, 

assembling, and transporting resources that have been requested to respond to or support an incident. 

Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) 

A generalized term which describes the functions and activities of representatives of involved agencies 

and/or jurisdictions who come together to make decisions regarding the prioritizing of incidents, and the 

sharing and use of critical resources. The MAC organization is not a part of the on-scene ICS and is not 

involved in developing incident strategy or tactics. 

National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) 

Coordinates allocation of resources to one or more coordination centers or major incidents within the 

nation. Located in Boise, Idaho. 

National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) 

A facility located at Boise, Idaho, jointly operated by several federal agencies, dedicated to 

coordination, logistical support, and improved weather services in support of fire management 

operations throughout the United States. 

National Interagency Radio Support Cache (NIRSC) 

Located at the National Interagency Fire Center, this cache stores, maintains, manages, and issues 

national cache radios and other communications equipment. 

National Resource 

A National resource are those that have national utilization, high demand, limited availability, and 

unique status reporting requirements identified by NICC. 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) 

A group formed under the direction of the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to improve the 

coordination and effectiveness of wildland fire activities and provide a forum to discuss, recommend 

appropriate action, or resolve issues and problems of substantive nature. 

Ordering Channels 

The paths that orders follow from one organizational level to another. 

 

Per Diem 

Per diem is the allowance for lodging (excluding taxes), meals and incidental expenses. The General 

Services Administration (GSA) establishes per diem rates for destinations within the Continental United 

States (CONUS). 
36

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

That equipment and clothing required to mitigate the risk of injury from or exposure to hazardous 

conditions encountered during the performance of duty. PPE includes but is not limited to fire resistant 

clothing, hard hat, flight helmets, shroud, goggles, gloves, respirators, hearing protection, chain saw 

chaps, and shelter. 

Position Code 

The four-letter code for each position in the Incident Command System. 

Position Task Book (PTB) 

Position Task Books have been developed for designated positions within the National Interagency 

Incident Management System. Each PTB lists the performance requirements (tasks) for the specific 

position in a format that allows a trainee to be evaluated against written guidelines. Successful 

performance of all tasks, as observed and recorded by an evaluator, will result in a recommendation to 

the agency that the trainee be certified in that position. 

Predictive Services (Intelligence)

Those Geographic Area and National-level fire weather or fire danger services and products produced 

by wildland fire agency meteorologists and intelligence staffs in support of resource allocation and 

prioritization. 

Preparedness Level 

Increments of planning and organization readiness commensurate with increasing fire danger. 

Resource 

Personnel, equipment, services and supplies available, or potentially available, for assignment to 

incidents. Personnel and equipment are described by kind and type. 

Resource Order Form 

The form used by dispatchers, service personnel, and logistics coordinators to document the request, 

ordering or release of resources, and the tracking of those resources on an incident. 

Resource Request 

A request for a particular resource identified by a unique number on an incident. Each request begins 

with the letter of the corresponding function. For example, O=Overhead, C=Crews, etc. 

Situation Report 

A daily report that outlines incident activity and provides an overview of weather, anticipated activity, 

and resource availability. 

 

Staging Area 

Locations set up at an incident where resources can be placed while awaiting a tactical assignment. 

Tail Number 

FAA identification of an aircraft - usually located on tail of aircraft. 

Unit Identifier 

A unique code that includes a two-letter state identifier, followed by a preassigned three- or four-letter 

identifier where typically the last letter identifies a specific agency. 
37

Vendor 

A contractor of goods and/or services. 

Zulu Time (Z) 

The time in Greenwich, England - the 24 worldwide zones begin and end there. Also known as 

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). 
38

COMMON ACRONYMS

A/C Aircraft

ATA Actual Time of Arrival 

ATD Actual Time of Departure 

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

CAD Computer Aided Dispatch 

CIMT Complex Incident Management Team

EERA Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement 

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival 

ETD Estimated Time of Departure 

ETE Estimated Time En Route 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

FBO Fixed Base Operator 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

IA Initial Attack 

ICP Incident Command Post 

IROC Incident Resource Ordering Capability 

IQCS Incident Qualification and Certification System 

IQS Incident Qualification System 

IR Infrared 

IRSS Incident Resource Status System 

MAC Multi Agency Coordinating Group 

NFES National Fire Equipment System 

NICC National Interagency Coordination Center 

NIFC National Interagency Fire Center at Boise 

NPS National Park Service 

NTE Not to Exceed 

NWS National Weather Service 

PAX Passengers 

PTB Position Task Book 

RON Remain Overnight 

R & R Rest and Recuperation 

SOP Standard Operating Procedures 

TFR Temporary Flight Restriction 

USFS United States Forest Service 

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

UTF Unable to Fill
COMMON ABBREVIATIONS

i/s or I/S In Service 

o/s or O/S Out of Service 

e/r or > Enroute 

ops Operations 

IR Infrared flight 

w/ With 

w/o Without 

+ And 

@ At 

a/c Aircraft 

pax Passenger 

SOB Souls on Board 

FOB Fuel on Board 

UTL Unable to Locate 

AOV Agency Owned Vehicle 

GOV Government Owned Vehicle 

POV Privately Owned Vehicle 

cx Cancelled 

wx Weather 

Re: Regarding 

Info Information 

(t) or (T) Trainee