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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

CHAPTER 20

OVERHEAD AND TEAMS

OVERHEAD AND TEAMS OVERVIEW

Personnel must be requested by the description found in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire 

Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1or other agency approved qualifications guides. 

Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications

Overhead positions are listed in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, 

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 listed at: https://www.nwcg.gov/positions

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. For further 

information on Flight Managers refer to Chapter 50. 

Supplemental Fire Department Resources

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). 

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

must be able to procure food, lodging, and local transportation. 
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Name Requesting Single Resource Overhead

Name requests for Overhead resources will be honored regardless of the type of order. The 

ordering unit must confirm availability for the individual being requested prior to placing the 

request. All name requests must include the individuals current dispatch location.

Trainee Requests

Name request for geographic area priority trainee positions will be justified withing the special 

needs as being approved by the GATR and will be processed without delay.

Technical Specialist

Use of THSP position code is appropriate when no other position code exists and requires 

additional information describing the specialty or work to be included in the assignment. Example: 

THSP – Duty Officer or THSP Center Manager.

Remote Employee

Remote employees who are detached from their home unit (e.g., USFS Washington Office, NIFC, 

etc.) should typically be dispatched from the dispatch area where they physically reside. Incident 

qualifications and training administration will remain with the resource's home unit.

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; WFMI - Module, Wildland Fire, Type 1 or 

WFM2 – Module, Wildland Fire, Type 2 configured according to the NWCG Standards for 

Wildfire Module Operations, PMS 430.

For minimum module standards for national mobilization, see:

• Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724):

https://www.nifc.gov/standards/guides/red-book

• NWCG Standards for Wildfire Module Operations, PMS 430:

https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms430.pdf

As an interagency resource, the Wildland Fire Modules are available nationally throughout the fire 

season. Standard WFM configuration includes:

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

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

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

negotiated configurations must be identified within the original request.
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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.

Helicopter Module

Refer to Chapter 50 for specific information on helicopter ordering, capabilities, use, and type.

For minimum module standards for national mobilization for helicopter modules, see Interagency 

Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724)

Units requesting helicopter modules for CWN 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.

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.

If the intended use is for initial attack, the HMGB request must specify that a fitness level of 

arduous is required. Any other qualification requirements (ICT4, etc.) must also be specified.

If helicopter personnel/modules are required to arrive with special needed items (flight helmets, 

radios, etc.), it must be specified at the time of request.

Helicopter Rappellers

Prefer to Chapter 50 for specific information on helicopter rappeller initial attack ordering, 

capabilities, and rappeller aircraft.

The USDA Forest Service operates 12 rappel bases nationally located in the following Geographic 

Areas: Northern Rockies, Great Basin, California, and Northwest. 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 “RPIA – Load, Rappeller, Initial Attack” on an 

Aircraft request. All initial attack orders will be honored, regardless of Geographic Area boundary, 

when rappellers are available. 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.

Smokejumpers

Refer to Chapter 50 for specific information on smokejumper initial attack ordering, capabilities, 

and smokejumper aircraft.
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Smokejumpers primary mission is initial attack. All initial attack orders will be honored when 

smokejumpers are available. There are two primary methods for ordering smokejumpers, initial 

attack load or booster load/individual smokejumper. 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 square parachutes). 

Smokejumper aircraft must be ordered separately if the aircraft is needed beyond delivery of the 

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

and potential sending smokejumper base(s) before the order(s) are placed and filled.

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.

Non-Standard Overhead Groups

The generic overhead catalog items “FUMD – Module, Fuels” or “SMOD – 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.

Communications Coordinator (COMC)

A COMC 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 COMC 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). Rental vehicle, lap top computer and cellular phone should be authorized when 

placing the request.

NIICD Communications Duty Officer: (208) 387-5644

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 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.
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• Manage the frequency resources for all incidents under assigned jurisdiction. This includes 

all frequencies for ground tactical, command, logistics, and air operations.

NOTE: During complex or multiple fire situations, the COMC will request additional qualified 

personnel to be assigned as field COMCs. Any situation involving complex air operations will 

require that a COMC be requested specifically for air operations.

Field COMC Duties and Responsibilities:

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

under their control.

• Keep current on the availability of communications resources for future Geographic Area 

and National requirements. The COMC should be current with procedures needed to obtain 

such resources.

• Provide problem-solving recommendations and advice on communications issues to the 

respective Geographic Area Coordinators, the Area Command Teams, and/or to Incident 

Management Teams within a complex or single incident. National, as well as Geographic 

Area priorities will be considered when making recommendations and/or providing advice.

• Assist incidents with communication system design and in obtaining specialized 

communications equipment.

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 or project, the request 

will be placed up to the GACC. When ordering, specify whether the request is for wildfire response 

or prescribed fire; if prescribed fire, provide number of days IMET is expected to be deployed. 

The GACC will contact the NWS National Fire Weather Operations Coordinator (NFWOC) by 

calling the NWS Incident Response Desk.

NWS Incident Response Desk: (877) 323-IMET

For prescribed fire requests, the NFWOC will coordinate with the appropriate agency program 

manager to confirm funds in the agreement are sufficient to support the request. (Note: this step is 

not required for wildfires as NWS can incur expenses in response to wildfires and bill the agencies 

for reimbursement afterwards). 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 or project 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 NICC as a name request using

established procedures. NICC will place the IMET request to the appropriate Geographic Area to 

be filled.

For mobilization to a wildfire incident, the ordering unit provides the appropriate financial code(s). 

For prescribed fire mobilization, the NFWOC will provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) financial code.

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 
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incident. The host agency is responsible for arranging and providing demobilization needed for 

the release of the IMET and required equipment back to the home unit.

The IMET is a single resource covered under a reimbursable agreement between the Wildland Fire 

Agencies and the Department of Commerce, NOAA-NWS. Standard NWS equipment that is 

essential to on-site meteorological support is mobilized with each IMET, no additional resource 

order requests are necessary. Standard NWS equipment does not require additional ordering by 

the incident. Basic standard NWS equipment includes:

• Laptop computer

• Printer

• Mobile satellite setup and setup tools

• Cellular telephone

• Agency or rental vehicle appropriate for off-pavement use

• Miscellaneous office 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, truck, or similar rental 

vehicle to travel to incident locations with their equipment (including remote locations) is 

authorized under the INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT FOR METEOROLOGICAL AND OTHER TECHNICAL 

SERVICES, SECTION V., PART B ITEM 4. Damages, failure, and daily wear incurred to standard 

equipment during an assignment are also eligible for reimbursement.

Air Resource Advisors

Air Resource Advisors (ARA) will be ordered as THSP-ARA. Air Resource Advisors should be 

assigned on Type 1 fires to the extent practicable and should be considered for Type 2 fires.

When a THSP-ARA is needed for a wildfire incident to address public and fire personnel smoke 

impacts, the request will be placed up to the GACC.

The GACC will contact the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program (IWFAQRP).

IWFAQRP: (661) GET-1ARA or (661) 438-1272.

The IWFAQRP Coordinator will identify the name, agency, and location of the available ARA to 

fill the THSP-ARA request. The THSP-ARA will be ordered by name request and mobilized 

using established procedures. THSP-ARA orders for prescribed fire will be coordinated on a 

case-by-case basis with direct discussion with the IWFAQRP Coordinator.

The ARA is a single resource covered under a reimbursable agreement between the Wildland 

Fire Agencies and the USFS. Standard ARA equipment (sampling equipment, computers, 

appropriate size vehicle, etc.) that is essential to on-site air quality support is authorized. 

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.
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• CASC – Cache Supply Clerk 

• CAST – Cache Supply Supervisory Clerk 

• CDSP – Cache Demobilization Specialist

• FLOP – Forklift Operator

• WHHR – Warehouse Materials Handler

• WHLR – Warehouse Materials Handler Leader

• ACMR – Assistant Cache Manager

• FCMG – Fire Cache Manager

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAMS (IMTS) 

Incident Management Teams will be ordered by type using an Overhead Group Request in 

IROC.

NMAC Management of IMTs

NMAC is delegated authority to prioritize and direct the use of all team assignments for Complex 

Incident Management Teams (CIMTs), National Incident Management Organization (NIMO), and 

Area Command Teams as necessary to achieve team experience objectives, ensure proficiency, 

manage fatigue, or for other reasons. NMAC engagement in IMT management will occur 

according to direction contained herein. 

When situations warrant (determined by NMAC), rationale is required by NMAC for assignment 

of Complex, NIMO, and Area Command Teams prior to mobilization. 

To manage fatigue, promote mental health and well-being, and provide opportunities for CIMT 

members to attend to work and personal responsibilities, all IMTs will have 7 days of unavailability 

upon return from any assignment geographically or nationally (including preposition) of 7 days or 

more (exclusive of travel). (This applies to the IMT; individuals may have differing agency 

requirements.) During periods of elevated need, there may be a request by NMAC for earlier 

availability. This will be determined and communicated as early as practicable and prior to the 

start of the team’s unavailability period. A GA may extend a team’s unavailability period for 

additional rest.

Interagency Incident Management Teams (IMTs)

Each GA is responsible for annual selection and rostering of CIMTs, developing an internal 

rotation schedule, and maintaining team availability commensurate with fire activity and 

mobilization guides as well as supporting national response needs. GAs will manage their CIMTs 

in accordance with the National Interagency Standards for Resource Mobilization and 

communicate with their NMAC liaison regularly on any changes or concerns. 

Within their GA, CIMTs will be mobilized according to GA guidance, with the following 

exception: CIMTs ordered through NICC or prepositioned by NICC from the national rotation for 

staging within a GA will be prioritized for assignment to any new federal incident within that area 

or when a replacement team is needed within that area.

CIMTs will be requested through established ordering channels. When a GA cannot fill an CIMT 

order internally, the national rotation will be utilized. NMAC manages the national rotation and 

will direct changes to the management of geographic rotations based on preparedness levels and/or 
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resource scarcity. NMAC, at any time, can direct a GA to utilize an out-of-area IMT. CIMTs will 

be mobilized nationally according to the call-out procedures from the national rotation managed 

by NICC.

The intent of CIM is to strive for continuous improvement. This includes leadership development 

and mentorship opportunities unique to each incident. Individual teams are expected to seek to 

improve their capacity and to request and provide assistance as needed.

The assignment length and unavailability period for IMTs is determined based on the Incident 

Commander’s (IC) travel. Refer to Chapter 10 for specific information on IMT length of 

assignment and mandatory unavailability.

IMT Configurations - All

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

• Procurement Unit Leader

• Comp/Claims Unit Leader

Unless notified, trainees will be mobilized for incidents on federal lands.

Complex IMT Configuration

CIMTs are expected to be fully rostered when available. CIMTs will be considered unavailable 

for assignment if the IC or more than one Command & General (C&G) position is vacant.

All CIMT rosters shall follow the standard CIMT configuration:

• Master CIMT roster will consist of 44 qualified personnel and 6 team trainees, for a total 

of 50.

o The following 7 positions must be filled with Complex or Type 1 qualified C&G 

responders: Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, 

Finance/Administration Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, Operations Section 

Chief, and Planning Section Chief.

o The remaining 37 qualified positions and 6 trainee positions may be filled at the 

IC’s discretion.

o A 50-position CIMT roster will be used when a CIMT is made available for 

assignment in IROC.

CIMT Mobilization Roster

Upon receiving an order, the mobilization roster will be finalized based upon incident complexity 

and will consist of the 50-position master roster, up to 26 additional qualified personnel, and up to 

an additional 14 trainee positions for up to 90 personnel.

The IC shall negotiate the mobilization roster configuration through communications with the 

ordering Agency Administrators (AA). This communication should include an overview of fire 

activity and resource availability geographically and nationally, to inform overhead and resource 

allocation, provided by a representative from the hosting GA. This representative may be one of 

the following:
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• GA coordinating group or operations group representative.

• State/regional/equivalent-level Fire Management Officer (FMO) for the host agency.

• Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC) CIMT Coordinator, if in place.

GA NMAC liaisons are encouraged to participate in roster discussions for awareness on challenges 

such as personnel availability and/or resource scarcity and to augment situational awareness from 

a national perspective.

CIMT Roster Negotiation

AAs will utilize the NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment (RCA), PMS 236, to 

guide the negotiation discussion, specifically Part D: Functional Complexity.

• The RCA will inform complexity by functional area and assist in identifying additional 

Incident Command System (ICS) position needs. Based on this discussion, the AA and IC 

may negotiate up to an additional 26 qualified and 14 trainee CIMT positions necessary to 

manage the incident.

• Continued use of Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) is equally important 

for those agencies who do so.

• Document the agreed upon mobilization roster in the delegation of authority, with guidance 

for how further scaling will be communicated and accomplished during the team’s 

assignment.

• The additional negotiated positions will be immediately added to the roster for 

mobilization. ICs may provide names of qualified available personnel to fill these 

additional negotiated positions; these name requests will be honored.

• Hosting GA representative will notify the receiving GA of any position shortages.

• When a CIMT is ordered to preposition, ICs will negotiate any positions in addition to the 

master roster with the ordering GA coordinating group chair to determine the mobilization 

roster.

o Rosters for NICC preposition orders will be negotiated between the IC and NICC 

CIMT Coordinator based on direction from NMAC.

• To support incident workforce development and succession, assignment of trainees is 

strongly encouraged. Up to 20 trainees may be initially mobilized with a CIMT, 6 on the 

master roster and an additional 14 through negotiations based on incident complexity.

o AAs and ICs should negotiate the number and types of trainees; consideration 

should be given to trainees critical to CIMT succession and to trainees in positions 

that are chronically difficult to fill nationally.

o ICs should utilize trainees in their trainee position, not in a position in which the 

individual is already qualified.

o Assignment of regular agency employees (including full time state and local agency 

personnel) deploying as trainees should be given priority over all other 

Administratively Determined (AD) trainees.
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CIMT Qualified Trainees Total

Master Roster

(Calendar Year) 44 6 50 

Mobilization Negotiation 

(Incident Specific Needs) Up to 26 Up to 14 Up to 40 

Incident Total Up to 70 Up to 20 Up to 90

Mobilization rosters in IROC will be closed at either 90 total positions or at the time of in-briefing. 

While it is recognized there may be incidents that require large numbers of overhead personnel for 

safe and effective management, additional personnel should be ordered based upon the specific 

incident needs rather than by increasing the CIMT roster beyond the approved configuration of 90 

total personnel. 

CIMT National Rotation Process 

For 2024, all interagency CIMTs are included in the national rotation. Additional teams (such as 

state or local teams) may choose to participate and will be integrated appropriately with NMAC 

coordination. 

• GACCs will ensure their respective CIMTs available for the national rotation are rostered 

in IROC.

• The national rotation list rotates every seven (7) days.

• The list will identify availability based on the GA, which will determine which of their 

teams fills the order based on availability and internal rotations. Each GA will receive a 

number of places in the national rotation based on the number of CIMTs they host (i.e., a 

GA with 3 teams receives 3 places in the national rotation).

• Between January and April and October and December, the national rotation list will 

include two (2) available CIMTs each week, identified by the GA for a 7-day period. 

SAMPLE 1st Out 2nd Out

January 1 – 7 GA 1 GA 2

January 8 – 14 GA 3 GA 4

o IMT rosters may differ from peak season rosters; ad hoc CIMT rosters are 

acceptable.

o If additional teams are needed beyond the two in rotation, the requesting GA will 

follow established ordering channels by placing an order to NICC. The NICC will

coordinate with the Geographic Areas to fill based on closest forces. 

• Between May and September, the national rotation list will include a minimum of four 

(4) available CIMTs each week, identified by the GA for a 7-day period. 

SAMPLE 1st Out 2nd Out 3rd Out 4th Out

April 29 – May 5 GA 1 GA 2 GA 3 GA 4

May 6 – 12 GA 5 GA 6 GA 1 GA 3
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o If all four teams are mobilized, the next four GAs will be notified and asked to 

begin their 7-day availability period immediately.

• GAs are responsible for managing their CIMT rotations and assignments to equitably 

spread assignments across teams.

o Historical data suggests a median of 3 assignments per calendar year per CIMT is 

an optimal goal for NMAC and GAs to manage towards.

• At any time, NMAC may adjust the number of available CIMTs in the national rotation to 

meet demands.

• Teams will be requested in order of the national rotation, provided they can meet the date 

and time needed. GAs must return a resource order as Unable to Fill (UTF) if no eligible 

CIMT can meet the date and time needed.

• CIMTs remain on-call for the national rotation for a maximum of 7 days.

• GAs unable to provide an CIMT when ordered for assignment from the national rotation 

list will be listed as unavailable on the national rotation.

• If the IC determines that the CIMT is underprepared for the incident due to experience or 

comfort levels of the C&G due to incident complexity, they may maintain their place in 

the national rotation without penalty and the next available CIMT will be requested.

• Prepositioned/staged CIMTs will be considered part of the rotation and will be the first 

utilized.

o CIMTs on GACC preposition will be first within the GACC.

o CIMTs on NICC preposition will be first nationally.

o Hosting units will not hold prepositioned/staged CIMTs longer than 7 days.

o Preposition will count as an assignment when assigned 96 hours or longer from the 

date and time needed.

• A CIMT’s first assignment, either internally or from the national rotation, will move them 

to Round 2 of the national rotation. Their second assignment will move them to Round 3.

o Reassignment of a committed CIMT prior to demobilization will be counted as a 

single assignment within the round they were mobilized.

o 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.

o If a CIMT is ordered but canceled, unassigned, or released within 72 hours, it will 

return to its position on the national rotation.

• A rotation round ends when all available CIMTs have been exercised or are unavailable.

• The GA will coordinate with NICC before reassigning an out-of-area CIMT to another 

incident.

• CIMT extensions can be requested through existing approval processes.

• The CIMT current national rotation list and assignment history is maintained throughout 

the calendar year at: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/overhead. 

Regardless of Preparedness Level, NMAC retains the authority to manage all team assignments 

as necessary to achieve team experience objectives, ensure proficiency, manage fatigue, or for 

other reasons. This also includes the authority to amend the national rotation or proceeding to the 

next round, as necessary.
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NICC CIMT Coordinator

The NICC CIMT Coordinator will manage the national rotation list and serve as the NMAC 

CIMT Coordinator when this NMAC support function is activated. The CIMT Coordinator is 

responsible for communications with the GAs and ICs to ensure transparency in the process and 

clarity of guidelines.

NICC CIMT Coordinator: (208) 207-2859

NMAC CIMT Coordination Support

When there is increased fire activity in multiple GAs and high demand and limited availability of 

IMTs, it is necessary to manage assignment of these critical resources nationally. NMAC will 

activate the NMAC CIMT Coordinator who will gather intelligence and make recommendations 

to NMAC on the allocation of these critical resources. The follow standard practices will apply 

when this role is activated:

• All requests (including extension requests) for CIMTs and NIMO IMTs must be approved 

by the NMAC. This applies to all assignments, internal and external to the GA.

• For emerging incidents posing an imminent threat, internal IMTs (including those on 

preposition) can be mobilized immediately if the following criteria are met:

o The incident is new, emerging, and/or the situation has changed dramatically.

o The consequences of any delay in mobilization are clearly articulable and include 

a likelihood of life-threatening situations and/or real property damage.

o An internal CIMT is available to be mobilized immediately. An internal resource 

would include resources on GA preposition but not those on a national preposition.

o Notification to the NMAC liaison for the geographic area and the NICC is required 

at the time an immediate threat mobilization is proposed. NMAC will provide a 

decision as soon as possible regardless of time of day or NMAC meeting schedule. 

This decision will be promptly communicated through the GA’s NMAC liaison and 

the coordination system.

CIMT Assignment to All-Hazard Incidents

The primary mission of CIMTs is wildfire incident management. IMTs may respond to all-hazard 

incidents under the following guidelines:

• Planned events should be managed internally by the respective agency.

• The planned length of assignment should not exceed fourteen (14) days without negotiated 

approval from the sending geographic area and NICC. A FEMA mobilization under the 

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 IC, Regional ESF #4 Coordinator 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.
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NIMO Teams

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

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. NIMO rosters will be held by NICC. Timely communication about availability will be 

provided to NICC by the NIMO Coordinator.

Area Command Team

Orders for Area Command Teams will be placed through established ordering channels using an 

Overhead Group Request to NICC. Area Command Teams are comprised of six (6) positions: four 

(4) specific and two (2) trainees, which are the following:

• Area Commander (ACDR)

• Assistant Area Commander, Planning (ACPC)

• Assistant Area Commander, Logistics (ACLC)

• Area Command Aviation Coordinator (ACAC)

• Area Command trainees (2 each)

The Area Commander position may only be filled by a current agency employee.

Depending on the complexity of the interface between the incidents, specialists in other areas such 

as aviation, safety, information, long-term fire planning, or risk planning may also be assigned.

All-Hazard Incident Management Teams

Many States, local jurisdictions, and federal agencies have developed All-Hazard IMTs. These 

IMTs are often sponsored or administered by a state or local emergency management agency and 

may be qualified at the Type 2 or Type 3 level (based on the FEMA National Qualification System 

or other recognized qualification system). Many All-Hazard IMTs are comprised of a combination 

of wildland fire and other response personnel. Several All-Hazard IMTs are capable of interstate 

response; others are limited to their State or local area.

All-Hazard IMTs which are available through a Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement can be 

mobilized through the wildland fire mobilization system. Some of these IMTs can be ordered 

directly through IROC as an Overhead Group Request; “AHMT – Team, All-Hazard,” while others 

will need to have team or individual member information entered at the time of mobilization. 

Forest Service Regional ESF #4 Coordinators are the primary wildland fire point of contact for 

State and local All-Hazard IMTs.

Incident Support Teams

Teams will be ordered using an Overhead Group Request in IROC. Overhead requests for 

specialized team members of non-standard teams, such as After-Action-Review teams, will be 

placed as Technical Specialist (THSP).
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

INTERAGENCY BUYING TEAMS (BUYT)

The primary mission of a BUYT is to support the local administrative staff with incident 

acquisition. BUYTs are ordered by the incident host agency and report to the Agency 

Administrator or other designated incident agency personnel. 

Additional information on BUYT, including responsibilities and coordination, can be found in the 

following: 

• NWCG Standards for Incident Business Management, PMS 902:

https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pms902.pdf

• National Interagency Buying Team Guide: 

https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/incident-business-committee

BUYT Configuration 

National Interagency BUYTs are comprised of a leader and six (6) team members. One (1) of the 

six (6) members may be assigned as an assistant or deputy leader. In addition to the seven (7) 

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.

Geographic Interagency BUYT’s can range in personnel from three (3) to five (5) members, one 

member shall have delegated procurement authority, i.e., warrant.

• One (1) qualified procurement personnel. 

• Two to three (2-3) personnel support positions. 

• One (1) trainee.

BUYT Mobilization

Interagency BUYTs will be mobilized according to the national call-out procedures from the 

Interagency BUYT Rotation managed by NICC. Orders for BUYTs will be placed through 

established ordering channels using an Overhead Group Request; “BUYT – Team, Buying.” 

To the extent possible, each Geographic Area should train and make available a minimum of one 

BUYT that is available for national dispatch.

Geographic Areas will internally mobilize their National or Geographic Area Buying Teams, or 

ad hoc Buying Teams before requesting a National or Geographic Area Interagency Buying Team 

from NICC. Requests for Buying Teams will specify National or Geographic Area team in the 

“Special Needs” of the request. National and Geographic Area BUYTs are mobilized according to 

national call-out procedures.
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

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. 

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: 

https://www.nifc.gov/nicc/logistics/overhead 

PAYMENT TEAMS

National Park Service Payment Teams are no longer ordered on a rotational basis. 

Before a Payment Team is ordered to audit and process DOI incident invoices, the ordering unit 

should contact one of the individuals listed below: 

Julie Bennett (775) 315-0465 julie_bennett@nps.gov

Stephanie Auten (806) 275-0538 stephanie_auten@nps.gov

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

through established ordering channels using an Overhead Group Request; “PAYT – Team, 

Payment.” Payment team leaders and members will be ordered by the jurisdictional unit as THSPs.

REMOTE INCIDENT SUPPORT TEAM (RIST) 

The Remote Incident Support Team uses remote and virtual ICS qualified personnel to supplement 

incident management teams, local units, dispatch centers, multi-agency coordination groups, 

and/or coordination centers when onsite personnel are limited. Support priority is provided to Type 

3 IMTs but assistance to higher complexity incidents, units, or organizations will be provided 

based on need and capacity of the RIST. Incident support is focused on Planning, Situation, 

Finance, Public Information, and Expanded Dispatch functional areas. RIST support is limited to 

wildland fire only; All hazard and non-wildland fire situations are currently not supported. 

As fire activity increases, virtual or remote RIST support personnel are placed onto a National or 

Geographic Area resource order in a call-when-needed status. Resources charge time worked to 

incident codes but may occasionally utilize a national/geographic support code depending on 

arrangements established with each geographic area. Personnel may transition to a full-time work 
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27

schedule and may be supporting multiple incidents. Support is available year-round with increased 

capacity during the months of May through October. In-season incident support begins 

immediately upon request while out-season support may have increased mobilization time 

depending on resource availability. 

Program Management 

The RIST is overseen by a permanent Remote Incident Support Organization comprised of a 

Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager. This organization works closely with the NICC, 

Geographic Areas, Incident Management Teams, and local units to develop and refine RIST 

Operations. 

RIST Configuration 

The RIST is a flexible organization that expands, and contracts based on fire activity and resource 

need nationally. The following leadership and support positions are mobilized during periods of 

increased activity: 

RIST Coordinator (RISC) – The RISC position is typically filled by a member of the permanent 

RIS Organization. This individual directs RIST Operations, ensuring that RIST personnel have 

what they need to be successful. They are often the initial point of contact for IMTs, Local Units 

and Coordination Centers requesting RIST Support. As fire activity increases, a deputy RISC may 

be utilized to assist with internal RIST Operations and communication. 

RIST Leaders (RISLs): RISLs work closely with remote/virtual support specialists to implement 

incident support within their functional area. RISLs also provide supervision to support staff. 

RISLs will be brought onto the RIST resource order as incident needs arise. Current RISL positions 

include: 

• Planning RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: PSCC, PSC1, PSC2, PSC3, or RESL 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions:

• PSC, RESL, SCKN, DMOB, DOCL, TNSP, HRSP 

• Situation RISL 

o Recommended RISL Quals: PSCC, PSC1, PSC2, PSC3, SITL, or GISS

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions:

• SITL, GISS

• Finance RISL

o Recommended RISL Quals: FSCC, FSC1, FSC2, FSC3, TIME, or PROC 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions:

• PTRC, EQTR, COMP, PROC, COST 

• Information RISL

o Recommended RISL Quals: PIOC, PIO1, PIO2, or PIO3 

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions: 

• PIOF, THSP-ASL, THSP-CART 

• Expanded Dispatch RISL

o Recommended RISL Quals: CORD, or EDSP

o Supervises the following Remote/Virtual Support Positions:
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

• EDSP, EDSD, EDRC, ORDM 

Functional Area Support Positions (As Needed) – Any ICS qualification can mobilize into the 

RIST provided the position falls within the RIST scope of work and can effectively provide support 

in a remote or virtual capacity. 

Requesting RIST Support 

To request support from the RIST, call the RIST Coordinator number to discuss the incident 

support type, duration, and contact information. Resources are encouraged not to place an order 

through a dispatch center, as RIST personnel are already on resource orders. RIST Coordinators 

will communicate with the local dispatch center to ensure all are informed.

RIST Coordinator: (480) 608-2175 

Additional support information and communication products are found at: https://linktr.ee/ristinfo. 

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. BAER teams are an integral part of wildfire incidents.

Department of Interior (DOI) BAER

The DOI maintains one National BAER Team to assist field units plans for complex post-fire 

emergency stabilization. The National BAER Team is scalable in long and short configurations. 

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/or multiple jurisdictions are the dispatch 

prioritization criteria factored into the mobilization decision. Less complex incidents will use local, 

regional, interagency, and contracted ad hoc BAER teams. Bureau coordinators maintain rosters 

of BAER personnel for less complex incidents. 

DOI National BAER Team Configuration 

The initial call-out 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
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

• BAER Cultural Resource Specialist

• BAER Botanist

DOI Burned Area Emergency Response Team Mobilization Process

The ordering unit must contact 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 the National Interagency BAER Team Leader, after contacting

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 NMAC, after 

contacting 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): 

FWS Lou Ballard (208) 387-5584 lou_ballard@fws.gov 

NPS Jennifer Gibson (458) 231-4342 jennifer_gibson@npd.gov

BIA Cameron Paulk (406) 672-0112 cameron.paulk@bia.gov 

BLM Jake Ferguson (208) 373-4084 jferguson@blm.gov

National Interagency BAER Team resources are mobilized through established ordering channels 

in IROC using an Overhead Group Request, “BAER – Team, Burned Area Emergency Response.”

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. 

USDA Forest Service BAER

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. 

Teams are available to support units on-site as well as virtually. Depending on the needs of the 

ordering unit, some team members may work virtually in support of the team that is on-site. 
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

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 (3) 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; “FPET – Team, Fire 

Prevention/Education.” 

The NFPET Geographic Area Coordinators listed below will work with Geographic Area 

Coordination Centers to fill team orders. 

NFPET Coordinators 

Geographic Area Geographic Area Coordinator Alternate

Great Basin

Dennis Fiore

Phone: (971) 420-7050 

dennis.fiore@usda.gov

Jennifer Hansen

Phone: (435) 289-8966 

jehansen@blm.gov

Eastern

Raymond Parrish 

Cell: (414) 323-0859 

raymond.j.parrish@usda.gov

N/A

Northern Rockies 

Chris Johnson

Phone: (406) 529-7751 

christopher.johnson5@usda.gov

N/A

Northwest and Alaska 

Jacob Gear

Phone: (541) 589-4669 

jacob.gear@usda.gov

Stacy Long

Phone: (541) 410-5311 

stacy.lacey@usda.gov

California

Joe Labak

Phone: (951) 202-0627 

joseph.labak@usda.gov

Barbara Geringer-Frazier

Phone: 202-577-4827 

Barbara.geringer-frazier@usda.gov

Rocky Mountain 

James White

Phone: (970) 420-2726 

james.a.white@usda.gov

Sam Strain

Phone:: (224) 622-1492 

samuel.strain@usda.gov
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

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 long – 

term wildfire risk challenges and integrates community fire adaption and resilient landscapes 

concepts outlined in the National Cohesive Wildfire Management Strategy found at: 

https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/thestrategy.shtml

CMAT Configuration 

• Teams number 3 to 8 people depending on community need and deployment training 

opportunities. 

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

Additional support positions 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 THSP - CMAT through established ordering 

channels.

Requesting a CMAT

To request a CMAT, complete the request form found on the USDA Forest Service, Community 

Mitigation Assistance Team website located at:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/cmat

FIRE AND AVIATION SAFETY TEAM (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: 

• Guidance to ensure fire and aviation programs are conducted safely. 

Southern 

E.J. Bunzendahl

Phone: (859) 556-2347 

elizabeth.bunzendahl@usda.gov

N/A

Southwest 

Matthew Engbring 

Phone: (928) 326-3753 

matthew.engbring@usda.gov

Francisco Salazar

Phone: (505) 842-3897 

Alternate: (505) 239-2668 

francisco.Salazar@usda.gov

National

Zach Ellinger

Phone: (503) 798-5499 

zellinger@blm.gov

Stacey Grimes 

Phone: 503-307-2256 

stacey.grimes@usda.gov
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

• 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. 

FASTs 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 

NICC.

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 days. 

FAST Configuration 

FASTs include a Team Leader, who is either an Agency Administrator or Fire Program Lead 

with previous experience as a FAST member; a Safety and Health Manager; and other 

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; “FAST – Team, Fire and Aviation Safety.” 

AVIATION SAFETY AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TEAM (ASTAT)

ASTATs 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 decreasing 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. 

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. 

If an ASTAT cannot be filled internally, the request may be placed with NICC through 

established ordering channels using individual overhead requests. 
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2024 NATIONAL INTERAGENCY STANDARDS FOR RESOURCE MOBILIZATION 27 

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)

SERIOUS ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAMS (SAIT)

SAITs are mobilized to investigate serious wildland fire accidents. Serious wildland fire 

accidents are defined in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 

2724)

Team members ordered through established channels will be mobilized as THSPs. Requests for 

SAIT members will be placed using individual overhead requests. 

Normal SAIT Configuration is as follows: 

• THSP – Team Leader

• THSP – Chief Investigator 

• THSP – Advisor/Safety Manager 

• THSP – Interagency Representative

• THSP – Subject Matter Expert (experienced in specialized occupation)

• THSP– Public Affairs Officer