The Role of an Incident Commander in Wildland Firefighting

An Incident Commander (IC) in wildland firefighting is the individual responsible for all aspects of incident management, including developing strategies and tactics, ordering and releasing resources, and ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. The IC oversees the incident response from start to finish, making critical decisions that influence the outcome of the firefighting efforts. Here’s a detailed look at what an Incident Commander does in wildland firefighting:

Key Responsibilities

  1. Incident Assessment and Strategy Development:
    • Initial Assessment: The IC conducts an initial assessment of the wildfire, evaluating factors such as fire behavior, weather conditions, terrain, and available resources.
    • Strategic Planning: They develop an incident action plan (IAP) that outlines the strategies and tactics for managing the fire. This plan is updated regularly as conditions change.
  2. Resource Management:
    • Resource Allocation: The IC is responsible for ordering, deploying, and managing resources, including personnel, equipment, and aircraft. They ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
    • Logistics Coordination: They coordinate logistics, such as food, water, shelter, and medical supplies, to support firefighting operations.
  3. Safety and Risk Management:
    • Safety Oversight: Ensuring the safety of all personnel is a top priority. The IC implements safety protocols and conducts risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards.
    • Evacuation and Emergency Procedures: They manage evacuation procedures for affected communities and ensure that emergency medical services are available.
  4. Communication and Coordination:
    • Interagency Coordination: The IC facilitates communication and coordination between various agencies and stakeholders involved in the incident, including local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private landowners and community organizations.
    • Briefings and Updates: They conduct regular briefings with firefighting crews, command staff, and other stakeholders to provide updates on the incident status and action plans.
  5. Incident Documentation:
    • Record Keeping: The IC ensures that all aspects of the incident are documented, including decisions made, resources used, and outcomes achieved. This documentation is critical for post-incident analysis and reporting.
    • Data Management: They manage data related to the incident, such as fire behavior reports, weather data, and resource tracking information.
  6. After-Action Review and Recovery:
    • Debriefing: After the incident, the IC conducts debriefings with all personnel to review the response, identify successes, and discuss areas for improvement.
    • Recovery Planning: They develop recovery plans to restore affected areas and support community recovery efforts.

Qualifications for Incident Commanders

The qualifications for Incident Commanders vary depending on the complexity and size of the incident. Incident Commanders are classified into different types based on their experience, training, and the scale of incidents they manage. Here’s an overview of the qualifications for Type 1, Type 2, and other Incident Commanders:

Type 1 Incident Commander (IC Type 1):

  • Experience: Extensive experience in managing large, complex incidents. Typically has several years of experience as a Type 2 IC or in other leadership roles within incident management.
  • Training: Completion of advanced incident management training courses, such as the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses S-520 (Advanced Incident Management) and S-620 (Area Command).
  • Certification: Certified by relevant authorities, such as the NWCG or other federal, state, or local agencies.
  • Skills: Expertise in strategic planning, resource management, interagency coordination, and safety oversight. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Type 2 Incident Commander (IC Type 2):

  • Experience: Significant experience in managing moderately complex incidents. Typically has several years of experience as a Type 3 IC or in other leadership roles within incident management.
  • Training: Completion of intermediate incident management training courses, such as NWCG courses S-420 (Command and General Staff) and S-339 (Division/Group Supervisor).
  • Certification: Certified by relevant authorities, such as the NWCG or other federal, state, or local agencies.
  • Skills: Proficiency in strategic planning, resource management, and interagency coordination. Strong leadership and communication skills are important.

Type 3 Incident Commander (IC Type 3):

  • Experience: Experience in managing smaller, less complex incidents. Typically has several years of experience in various roles within incident management.
  • Training: Completion of basic incident management training courses, such as NWCG courses S-300 (Extended Attack Incident Commander) and L-380 (Fireline Leadership).
  • Certification: Certified by relevant authorities, such as the NWCG or other federal, state, or local agencies.
  • Skills: Competence in tactical planning, resource management, and safety oversight. Strong leadership and communication skills are necessary.

Type 4 Incident Commander (IC Type 4):

  • Experience: Experience in managing small, routine incidents. Typically has several years of experience in various roles within incident management.
  • Training: Completion of foundational incident management training courses, such as NWCG courses S-200 (Initial Attack Incident Commander) and I-200 (Basic Incident Command System).
  • Certification: Certified by relevant authorities, such as the NWCG or other federal, state, or local agencies.
  • Skills: Ability to handle tactical planning and resource management for smaller incidents. Good leadership and communication skills are required.

Type 5 Incident Commander (IC Type 5):

  • Experience: Experience in managing very small, simple incidents. Typically has foundational experience in incident management.
  • Training: Completion of introductory incident management training courses, such as NWCG courses S-130 (Firefighter Training) and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior).
  • Certification: Certified by relevant authorities, such as the NWCG or other federal, state, or local agencies.
  • Skills: Basic skills in incident assessment and resource management. Fundamental leadership and communication skills are needed.

Common Employers

Incident Commanders are employed by various agencies and organizations involved in wildfire management and emergency response. Some common employers include:

  1. U.S. Forest Service:
    • The U.S. Forest Service employs Incident Commanders to manage wildfires on national forests and grasslands. These ICs play a crucial role in coordinating large-scale wildfire response efforts.
  2. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire):
    • CalFire employs Incident Commanders to oversee wildfire response and management in California’s state forests and privately-owned wildlands. They handle some of the most complex and high-risk incidents.
  3. Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
    • The BLM employs Incident Commanders to manage wildfires on public lands across the United States. These ICs coordinate efforts to protect vast tracts of land from wildfire damage.
  4. National Park Service (NPS):
    • The NPS employs Incident Commanders to manage wildfires in national parks and monuments, ensuring the protection of these valuable natural and cultural resources.
  5. State and Local Fire Departments:
    • Many state and local fire departments employ Incident Commanders to manage wildfire incidents within their jurisdictions. These ICs play a critical role in protecting communities and natural areas from wildfire threats.
  6. Private Land Management Companies:
    • Companies that manage large tracts of private land, such as timber companies and ranches, employ Incident Commanders to develop and implement wildfire response strategies on their properties.
  7. Nonprofit Organizations:
    • Nonprofits focused on conservation and wildfire management, such as The Nature Conservancy, hire Incident Commanders to oversee wildfire incidents and coordinate with other agencies.

Conclusion

Incident Commanders are the leaders in the field of wildland firefighting, responsible for all aspects of incident management, from strategy development to resource allocation and safety oversight. Their role is critical in ensuring the effective and efficient response to wildfires, protecting lives, property, and natural resources. As the threat of wildfires continues to grow, the expertise and leadership of Incident Commanders become increasingly vital in managing these complex and dangerous incidents.