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Engine Boss

Position Description

Duties

  • Identifies tactical capability and limitations of engine.
  • Identifies capability and limitations of assigned personnel.
  • Compares engine attack method alternatives to type of assignment.
  • Applies different types of indirect and direct engine tactics.
  • Knows the capabilities, characteristics, and application techniques of the various fire suppressant agents used, (e.g., wet water, foam, gel, blankets, etc.) in engine operations.
  • Makes specific tactical assignments for engine.
    • Makes assignments based on specific instructions from supervisor.
  • Develops alternatives to primary plan based on the possibility of engine/equipment breakdown or failure.
  • Makes specific assignments to protect structures (residences, barns, garages, outbuildings).
    • Placement of engine, personnel, hose
    • Evaluates and triages structures.
    • Identifies special hazards (propane tanks, power lines, hazardous materials).
    • Structures preparation.
    • Application of chemical agents (foam, gel).
    • Defensible space.
    • Escape/emergency evacuation (cut and run).
    • Refuge/shelter considerations (fire shelter, vehicle, structure).
    • Entrapment avoidance.
    • Water source availability.
  • Checks engine communications systems. Ensure compatibility and operation.
  • Locates water sources and check for volume, cleanliness, and permission from owner to use water source in engine resupply.
  • Sustains water and chemical agent supply for engine assignment.
  • Maintains a supply of water to the fire, particularly on critical areas of the line.
    • Static supply (lakes, hydrants, creeks, folda- tanks, etc.)
    • Mobile supply (water tender shuttle)
    • Obtain engine maintenance schedule and ensure engine is maintained.
  • Coordinates and communicates with various fireline and support personnel required for engine assignment.
  • Identifies and corrects performance deficiencies regarding equipment maintenance, mopup, driving, retardant operations, water source, and supply system.
    • Completes assignment within time frame established by incident action plan.
  • Directs engine operations in accordance with agency/unit standard operating procedures.
  • Attends operational briefings.
  • Receives briefing from supervisor.
  • Develops plan to protect structures.
  • Coordinates and communicates with adjacent forces.
  • Locates and maps water sources.
  • Identifies and corrects performance deficiencies.
  • Ensures engine is maintained.
  • Confirms demobilization instructions with supervisor and brief subordinates.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • S-230, Crew Boss
  • S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
  • Qualified as an FFT1

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

Date: August 27, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32, NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32, and Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for SCKN includes the Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Book, and job aid were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Status/Check-In Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Status/Check-In Recorder, PMS 350-32

NWCG Position Task Book for Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN), PMS 311-32

Checking In Resources Customer Service Job Aid, J-111

The Next Generation Position Task Book and Incident Position Standards are now available for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF)

Date: July 26, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee 

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81 and NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81 are now available.

The Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) is responsible for monitoring operations on an incident from a risk management perspective to provide for the welfare of incident resources and the public. The new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort.

References:

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Safety Officer, Field, PMS 350-81

NWCG Position Task Book for Safety Officer, Field (SOFF), PMS 311-81

Updated NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

Date: July 25, 2024
Contact: Incident Planning Subcommittee 

The Incident Planning Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277.

The NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc) establishes the standards for collection and retention of records on wildland fires. This July 2024 update will provide incident management teams the most current standards required to maintain incident records and submit them to host units at the close of an incident.

References:

NWCG Standards for Electronic Documentation (eDoc), PMS 277

eDoc Box Directory (zip file)

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standard Request for Comment

Date: July 24, 2024
Contact: Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee has released Equipment Bulletin 24-002 NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment. This bulletin outlines the proposed NWCG OHV typing standard, as well as the business need for establishing the standard. Comments on the proposed standard will be accepted through August 15th using the comment form linked below.

References:

ETC-EB-2024-02: NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard - Request for Comment

NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard Comment Form