NATIONAL WILDFIRE COORDINATING GROUP 69th
MEETING MINUTES MAY 1997
The 69th
meeting of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group was held in Seattle,
Washington May 28 to 30, 1997.
Members attending:
Don Artley, NASF, State of
Montana, Division of Forestry, Chair Rick Gale, National Park Service Roger Erb,
Fish and Wildlife Service Skip Scott, Bureau of Land
Management Mary Jo Lavin,
Forest Service Steve Haglund,
Bureau of Indian Affairs Tom Minnich,
U. S. Fire Administration Jim Hull, NASF, Texas Forest
Service Jim Stumpf,
Executive Secretary
Guests Attending:
May 28, 1997
John Gebhard,
IRMWT Dave Aldrich, SHWT, Forest Service Mike Funston, Forest Service,
Fire Information Systems Don Motanic,
Intertribal Tribal Timber Council Jim Smalley, NFPA Bruce Keene, National Park Service Denny Trusdale,
Forest Service Dick Adams, Forest Service Jerry Williams, Forest Service
May 29, 1997
Mike Funston, Forest Service, Fire
Information Systems John Gebhard,
IRMWT Don Motanic,
Intertribal Tribal Timber Council Dave Aldrich, SHWT, Forest Service
May 30, 1997
Mike Funston, Forest Service, Fire
Information Systems John Gebhard,
IRMWT Don Motanic,
Intertribal Tribal Timber Council
SUBJECT: NWCG Minutes.
DISCUSSION: The final minutes were mailed
after the 68th NWCG meeting after member review and acceptance. No changes
or concerns were expressed over the minutes.
MOTION: Approve the NWCG 68th meeting
minutes as sent out November 1996.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Meeting agenda
DISCUSSION: The agenda for the 69th meeting
was reviewed and modified to meet the needs of guests and participants in
the meeting. Several items submitted after the mailing
were added to the agenda. We had the agenda separated into both informational
as well as action items for NWCG. Future agendas will have the additional
category of deferred items from one meeting to the next.
SUBJECT: Great Lakes Forest Fire
Compact project on ICS Qualification and training working team.
DISCUSSION: The Information Resource Management
Working Team (IRMWT) provided a status report on this project. The project
has received funding and is progressing. The software should be developed
for the project within a year. It will provide a common data base for the
tracking of qualifications and certification nationally for predominant state
use. There are compatibilities built into the system for the federal partners
if use is desired by the federal sector. The Great Lakes group has requested
that IRMWT and the Training Working Team (TWT) endorse the charter for the
state project group. NWCG has no objections to this request.
SUBJECT: National Fire Incident
Reporting System.
DISCUSSION: The IRMWT has coordinated
their activities with the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) on the implementation
of the system. Both the IRMWT and the USFA have agreed to exchange data.
The NWCG consensus is that the IRMWT needs to continue monitoring the system
as it is developed. In addition, the IRMWT will be coordinating the NIFSIP
and INFERS Projects. The INFERS program will be released January 1, 1998.
SUBJECT: Publication Management
System (PMS) Streamlining.
DISCUSSION: The project on modifications
to streamline PMS will be continuing. There has been a slight price increase
in publications while the committee is developing all phases of the streamlining.
PMS needs to become more proactive in placing information on the Internet.
Use of electronic transfer of selected documents will aid in the streamlining.
SUBJECT: ICS Training and testing
materials on the Internet.
DISCUSSION: PMS recommends I-100 to I-400
training materials, unit tests and answers be posted on the Internet. One
of the major distribution items within PMS are these courses. The TWT has
objected to placing the ICS Courses with test questions and answers on the
Internet because of the potential of the test answers getting too wide spread
distribution and diluting the testing of the "I" courses. It is
the consensus that other testing material and answers are available and anyone
can order the tests with the answers through PMS anyway. The argument on
test answer integrity may not be valid.
MOTION: Add the ICS Training modules
for distribution on the Internet. PMS needs to determine a means to restrict
the availability of the tests and answers. A method of password protection
may work to restrict the distribution. PMS needs to coordinate alternatives
with the IRMWT. The action should be completed by our October 1997 meeting.
SECONDED AND CARRIED:
SUBJECT: Crew Typing
DISCUSSION: The Incident Operations Standards
Working Team (IOSWT) was unable to accomplish work on this project. Additionally,
the IOSWT solicited comment from the Geographic Area Coordinating Groups and
received five responses that did not provide a consistent recommendation.
There are numerous questions the team could not resolve. The IOSWT recommends
that a study of all crew qualifications and standards be reviewed. The addition
of another type of crew may not be the total solution. There is a need to
study all crews from the current Type 1, and Type 2 crews to determine just
what may be needed. A Crew Study needs to include all agencies, including
the states. There is a need to clarify what the qualifications of
Type 1 and 2 crew are.
MOTION: Accept the motion from the
IOSWT to do nothing now but an all inclusive crew study should take place.
The IOSWT will develop a study plan for NWCG review by our October 1997 meeting.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
SUBJECT: Division Supervisor
and Strike Team/Task Force Leader duties.
DISCUSSION: A Task Group of the IOSWT compared the problem of the Large
Fire Organization "Sector Boss" position with that of the current
Division Supervisor and Strike Team/Task Force Leader positions. The Task
Group makes the following findings: The following was identified by the "Sector
Boss" job: 1) Assign Line Scout on critical sectors, 2) Inspection and line location in advance of construction,
and 3) Explain the organization. The work group has four recommendations to
resolve the perceived problems.
Review the Position Task
Books for the DIVS/TFLD/STLD and strengthen those weaknesses identified
above. This should be the responsibility of the IOSWT.
Emphasize the implementation
of the segment concept from the Incident Command System Description (120-1).
It is suggested that Incident Management Teams visit the use of segments
for their applications. This information should be an agency responsibility
for implementation.
Review the training curriculum
to ensure the use of segments is presented an to
ensure the concept of delegating the management of personnel and a geographic
area is available to potential trainees. This should be accomplished by
the TWT.
Facilitate wide distribution
of information on DIVS/TFLD/STLD and that the use of segments receive a
wide distribution of this information.
MOTION: Accept the IOSWT recommendations.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Position Task Book (PTB)
review.
DISCUSSION: A review of performance-based
training and the qualification system, ICS 310-1, is scheduled to start in
Fiscal Year 1998. The IOSWT will provide the leadership and use subject matter
experts in the Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics
and Finance/Administration sections to review the existing document
and provide updates to the IOSWT. The IOSWT will finalize recommendations
to NWCG.
MOTION: Accept IOSWT recommendations
for revision of PTB's starting FY 1998.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Prerequisite for National
Type I qualification.
DISCUSSION: An error in a March
correspondence from the IOSWT on Type I qualification needs to be clarified.
The approved prerequisite from recommendations of the S-520 Steering Committee
and the IOSWT should read: "To become Type I qualified a person must
successfully complete the appropriate functional position task book and the
Type I complexity level AND successfully complete the S-520 course. However,
once a person has successfully completed the S-520
course, that person does not need to re-attend S-520 for the purpose of changing
functions on a Type I team - such a change will be governed by meeting the
requirements of the applicable functional position task book".
MOTION: Accept IOSWT recommendations
for Type I qualifications.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
TOPIC: Modify the selection process
for S-620 candidates.
DISCUSSION: The TWT has forwarded a recommendation
from the Advanced Incident Management (S-520/620) Steering Committee to change
the selection process for Area Command (S-620) candidates. Geographic areas
will continue to screen and prioritize candidates and submit nominations to
the National Advanced Resource Technology Center (NARTC). NARTC will prepare
a nomination package and forward the S-620 candidates to the National MAC
Group at the National Interagency Fire Center. The MAC Group will make the
final student selections. The rationale for this proposed change considers
that since Area Command teams are selected and managed by the National MAC
Group they should have the responsibility to manage the potential candidate
pool.
MOTION: Accept the TWT recommendation
for the selection of training candidates for S-620 Training.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Geographical Area Coordinating
Group (GACG) roles and communication protocol between NWCG and GACG.
DISCUSSION: Three issues have evolved
from a recent meeting between the GACGs and NWCG:
Training nominations
for the S and I course curriculum. The TWT has
recommended the GACG be tasked with trainee selection for S-520/620. Additionally,
the GACG should determine training to be provided in their area and who
should attend the training. Management courses and S-590 trainees should
continue to be nominated by agencies.
MOTION: Accept the recommendation of
the TWT. The Chair of NWCG will forward this information to the GACGs.
Core elements of the GACG
Charter. Official correspondence or action for the GACG will be signed
by the Chair of NWCG and sent directly to the GACG Chairs. Information
sharing minutes originating from the Working Teams will be sent by the WT
chairs to the Chairs of the GACG. GACG/NWCG meeting attendance is not a
requirement unless the meeting is within or close to GACG. The NWCG meetings
are held in different locations throughout the United States and could coincide
with a GACG meeting. GACG are always welcome to attend the NWCG meetings.
GACG meetings. GACG Chairs
should send their meeting schedule to the NWCG Executive Secretary or post
the meeting schedules on the Internet so NWCG
Members could determine meeting dates and locations and could attend if
time and location permitted.
If there is sufficient agenda needs NWCG
and the GACGs may meet annually. A bi-annual meeting
should be considered if there are agenda items tied to a meeting. GACG Chairs
need to submit items to the NWCG Chair in Fall each
year to determine if there is a need to have a meeting.
Working Teams, Advisory Groups, NWCG, GACG
Directory will be updated and sent to all group at least once annually.
Working Team nominations will continue to
be a NWCG Agency responsibility, not GACG Chair.
MOTION: NWCG Chair will send a letter
of response to GACGs on actions indicated above.
Great Basin Coordinating
Group raised a question about the continuing validity of NWCG/GACG Operational
Guidelines dated in 1989. Document of reference is not an official NWCG
document and may have some good comments that the GBCG may like to be adopt
into their charter. The GACG Charter agreed to in March 1997 will take
precedence to previous questions/documents.
MOTION: Chair of NWCG respond to the
GBCG on their questions regarding the 1989 correspondence.
All Motions made in reference to the GACG's
communication were SECONDED AND CARRIED.
TOPIC: GIS Internet Tools for
Use in Landscape Fire Analysis and Protection Assessments.
DISCUSSION: Bjorn Dahl, Jon Skeels,
Mike daLuz and others from the Forest Service Intermountain
Region and Jerry Shout from IBM presented a prototype program on GIS technology.
This technology is mixed with technology from the National Aeronautic Space
Administration (NASA) and IBM. The Missoula Technology Development Center
(MTDC) and NASA have been working on this project, called Image Navigation
for Emergency Response (INFER). This program is a prototype and may have
wildland applications for fire suppression tactics and strategies.
TOPIC: NWCG Vice-Chair position.
DISCUSSION: A Vice-Chair to NWCG
is needed should the Chair not be able to attend and conduct NWCG business
at scheduled meetings. The Vice-Chair and will assist the Chair in other activities
throughout the term if needed. Roger Erb, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), was nominated to fill
this position.
MOTION: Nominate Roger Erb as the NWCG Vice Chair.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Urban Interface Advisory
Group update
DISCUSSION: Tom Minnich,
NWCG Liaison, provided the group with the following update on the Advisory
Group's activity:
The Wildfire News
and Notes is published three times annually and reaches about 15,000
people from all agencies. The Advisory Group needs articles for future
publications.
Three new members have
been added to the Advisory Group. The members
are from the National Emergency Managers Association, State Fire Marshals,
and International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Several workshops are
proposed and planned by the group.
Several Fire-Wise videos
are planned. One deals with fire- wise concepts, one for homeowners and
the other for developers. A communication link is maintained between the
Urban Advisory Group and the Prevention, Education, Communication Working
Team (PECWT).
Distribution of Wildland/Urban
publications is not working well through the Publications Management System
(PMS). Some of the problem areas are with the publications designed for
homeowners who do not understand the PMS procedures. The U.S. Fire Administration
(USFA) is doing some of the distribution from its level, but that is not
working well. The Advisory Group will review problems and bring recommendations
back to NWCG, at its next meeting.
Hazard Assessment publication
should be formatted and available for distribution later this year.
Cooperative Approach
project is completed. The publications are available through PMS or on
Internet.
Fire-Wise Home Page (http://www.firewise.org)
will be a continuing project for the advisory group to share information.
TOPIC: Update on the Resource
Ordering/Status Project (ROSS).
DISCUSSION: The project, when completed,
should decrease the cost over current manual systems and improve operational
dispatch efficiencies. The group is in the process of reviewing other systems
that are being developed or are in use to evaluate potential uses and their
ability to interface.
There are six projects remaining that will
be completed by mid-October. The ROSS Project Group is currently seeking
input from various WTs for modifications or recommendations
to the system. WTs will provide input to ROSS group but changes that are
significant and may modify policy will be made through the WT to NWCG.
The ROSS Project will continue into fiscal
year 1998. The group has several issues to resolve. These include: 1) Failure
to maintain commitment of project personnel. This project is being done with
other jobs that people already have. The fear is that the commitment to the
project will not continue. 2) Failure in meeting time frames. 3) Inexperience
in the analysis process and modeling. 4) Project size and complexity with
the wide range of users in the project development. 5) Messaging and
moving from one system to another. Not all systems may be compatible. 6)
Business issue resolution, funding and focus.
A follow up report will be provided to NWCG
in Fall 1997. NWCG needs to be responsive to the
decision points needed within the ROSS Project. IRMWT Liaison will keep NWCG
posted on the requirements and project needs of
the group. A main decision point will be October 1997.
TOPIC: OSHA/NWCG
DISCUSSION: Considerable correspondence
between NWCG and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
has taken place regarding the development of standards for wildland
fire fighters. NWCG proposed using the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) standard development process. Some states are recommending that we
use the OSHA process for setting standards.
OSHA, in their response to NWCG, reinforced
the OSHA commitment to update its Fire Brigade
Standards using the OSHA rule making process. The OSHA rule making process
starts with a committee (25 people) to determine the content of and need for
standards. The first step of the committee is scoping to determine the magnitude
of the standards. The second step will be the reformulation of committees
to write the standards. OSHA was unable to tell us when the committee will
be formed, but the announcement of the committee formation will appear in
the Federal Register. Rick Gale will ensure that the Federal Register is
monitored so NWCG can be aware when the OSHA Fire Brigade Standards Committee
is to be formed. Agencies may want to consider the nomination of agency personnel
rather than a single NWCG Representative. All NWCG members agreed to nominate
a member to the OSHA Group. NWCG should also nominate a representative to
the Committee.
Jim Smalley, NFPA, will follow up and address
OSHA on those NFPA standards that exist. NFPA will explain its process and
outline those standards that exist within NFPA. This may help OSHA to improve
its understanding of existing standards.
TOPIC: NWCG Home Page
DISCUSSION: The Home Page is currently
hosted on the FWS computer site at the Fire Center. The page, when completed,
will provide an information system that will be available to the general public
and employees. We will not include Working Teams, Advisory Groups or NWCG
minutes on the Home Page. This is considered work-in-progress and will not
be well served by having open access. Names of WT/AG or NWCG Members will
not appear on the Home Page. The system will not be interactive, it will
only provide the information we currently have available and not provide a
discussion forum.
NWCG needs to develop a list of protocols
for use of the Web page. IRMWT will develop a list of questions that NWCG
needs to respond to prior to July 15. A NWCG conference call will be made
August 6, 1997, at 0900 MDT to respond to IRMWT questions.
MOTION: Discuss IRMWT proposals and
recommendations during the August 6, 1997 conference call.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Federal Fire Policy
DISCUSSION: Examine and reconcile the
implementation of the Federal Fire Policy among agencies. This policy signals
a significant move toward total, balanced fire management programs. Its principles
are geared toward fire fighter and public safety, cost efficiency, inter-governmental
coordination, and interagency cooperation. Existing and proposed fire policy
allows for the full range of fire protection needs and fire use options.
The Forest Service recommendations call for the modified wording in Forest
Service Manual, coordinate with Interagency partners, and a recommended rewrite of NIFC and
MAC Charters. There appears to be some terminology differences among agencies
that still need to be resolved before a total interagency policy can be established.
MOTION: Assemble an interagency group within
NWCG to provide consistent direction and terminology for the implementation
of the Federal Fire Policy. The work group is established to meet in Boise
June 11-12, 1997
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Fire shelter specifications
DISCUSSION: The purpose of the wildland fire shelter is to provide limited, last resort protection
for the entrapped fire fighter. Fire shelters are not intended to be tactical,
risk mitigation equipment for the firefighter. They should not be used to
extend the range of the attack zone.
Availability, ergonomics and performance
are the criteria and managerial expectations for the shelter. The Safety
and Health Working Team endorses a single size shelter that is designed for
one but would accommodate two in a dire emergency. The specification development
is progressing, but still requires some efforts.
MOTION: Purpose statement submitted for
the Fire shelter, as modified, is O.K. Follow-up on completion of specifications
will be accomplished by the SHWT at the October Meeting.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
TOPIC: Pack Test as an alternate
to the step test or 1˝ mile run.
DISCUSSION: No formal information has
been distributed on the Pack Test, but it appears the implementation date
of January 1998 is still valid. The Pack Test cannot be used to test physical
fitness this year, but agencies that want to experiment with the test this
year are welcome. However, the 1˝ mile run, or the step test, is required
for physical fitness testing for 1997.
TOPIC: Annual fire refresher
training for fireline personnel.
DISCUSSION: The Safety and Health, Training,
and Incident Operations Standards have recommended requirements for annual
minimum of 8 hours training requirement for fireline
personnel. There are no current NWCG standards for any annual refresher,
however some bureaus and agencies do have an annual afety
training requirement. The refresher training will be accomplished prior to
fire fighters being placed on the fire line. This will cause a delay in the
mobilization of resources from states and from some South West Fire Fighting
Crews.
The training would include the following:
A mandatory “hands on” fire shelter inspection and deployment practice: The
balance of the training time should include presentations pertinent to local
safety issues, as well as discussions of portions of the following: Standard
Fire Orders, Watchout Situations, Lookouts, Communication
Escape Routes, Safety Zones, Common Denominators of Fire Behavior, Standards
for Survival, Firefighter Survival Health Hazards of Smoke, Human Factors,
the TRI Data Safety Awareness Study and other pertinent safetyu
related topics.
MOTION: Adopt the recommendation of the
SHWT that requires agencies to adopt annual fire refresher training before
placing personnel on the fire line.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Finalize FY 1997 budget.
DISCUSSION: The May 12, 1997 copy of
the budget was reviewed for potential changes. The first two items (On the
Line...$5,000 and Establish a Working Team...$2,500) on the second page for
PEC are in error and should be deleted. Reduce the Education Initiative for
PFFEWT by $20,000. These funds are not needed. The TWT and IOSWT each had
excess funds ($25,000 and $6,000 respectively). These funds, $31,000, should
be transferred to the U.S. Fire Administration for work on Urban Interface
training. The Wildland Arson Reduction Project
should be increased to $15,000 and the funds transferred to FS, R-6 in Oregon.
We need to have a more efficient means for
transfering funds between agencies. The current
confusion has resulted in some agencies making deficient financing hoping
for the transfer. BLM will review transfer of funds within the NIFC Agreement.
MOTION: Approve the funding changes as
discussed. Carry over fund distribution to the October meeting.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Preliminary budget for
FY 1998.
DISCUSSION: Final budget ($1,002,300)
will be available for review at the October meeting. All activities submitted
were approved in concept and plans by the Working Teams/Advisory Groups should
be made accordingly.
TOPIC: IRMWT Strategy Project
and Infrastructure proposal.
DISCUSSION: Both of these topics
were handled together as one because of the inter-relations between both.
The Strategy Project has three findings and several recommendations that were
reviewed for potential approval.
The Infrastructure proposal was presented
and laid out the descriptions for the new positions
needed for the infrastructure project. The assumption is that NWCG will
want to continue with computer applications. Continued applications are applicable
to NWCG and other agencies who desire a common interagency electronic system.
The proposal does not provide a new layer of oversight, yet these positions
or duties with the positions could be additional duties to already existing
positions.
There appeared to be considerable confusion
and a lack of understanding with the entire project. It was recommended that
the IRMWT provide NWCG with additional information for their deliberation.
MOTION: Defer any decision on the Strategy
Project and the organization needed until the October meeting. John Gebhard
will provide background information that can be reviewed by NWCG members by
August 1, 1997.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Training Working Team
course development projects update.
DISCUSSION: A status of the course development
being accomplished by the TWT was provided. Following are the training courses
being developed by the Fiscal Year:
Fiscal Year 1996
Fiscal Year 1997
Fiscal Year 1998
S-371,
Helibase Mgr.
Incident Commander (Multi-Resource)
Air Support Super., J-375
Air tactical Super., S-378
Air Operations Director, S-470
Advanced
Firefighters, S-131
Display Processor
Field Observer
Status/Check-in Recorder
Ordering Mgr.
Rec. & Dist. Mgr.
Base/Camp Mgr.
Equip. Mgr.
Tool & Equip Spec.
Incident Comm Mgr.
Comm. Equip/Proced.
Security Mgr.
Fire Bus. Mgmt.
Finance Exercises
Situation
U.L.
Demob. U. L.
Resource U.L.
Facilities U.L.
Ground Support U.L.
Supply U.L.
Food U.L.
Communications U.L.
Medical U.L.
TOPIC: Department of Defense
participation in agency (NWCG) training.
DISCUSSION: The TWT feels there is a
concern that needs to be resolved from other agency participation in NWCG
training. These applicants are coming from the military and individual tribal
units. The TWT will be seeking more information on this concern. This will
be carried over to the October 1997 meeting.
TOPIC: Prevention, Education,
Communications Working Team Charter update
DISCUSSION: The PECWT has proposed a
charter modification to better reflect the actual work being done by the team.
This will include a name change. The new name is Wildland
Fire Education Working Team.
MOTION: Accept the charter update and
name change as submitted with minor changes.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Communication between
states with NWCG and Working Teams
DISCUSSION: Communication between WTs, member organizations and NWCG is at times confusing.
Clear communication is critical when states are asked for comments or recommendations.
The Chair of National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Fire Committee,
Earl Peterson, has agreed to provide this clearing house. He should be treated
as a Fire Director and receive correspondence that needs to be distributed
for information and/or comment. His address is, NASF, Fire Committee, Earl
Peterson, Director, Florida Division of Forestry, 3125 Conner Blvd., Suite
A, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650.
TOPIC: Replacement Working
Team Chairs
DISCUSSION: John Roberts, Chair, Fire
Equipment Working Team (FEWT)and Bill Wade, Chair
of the Incident Operations Standards Working Team have retired. Traditionally,
the FEWT Chair has been an added duty for the Forest Service Equipment Specialists
position. Alice Forbes, Forest Service, California, is Acting Chair. Defer
decision until the October 1997 meeting after the Forest Service incumbent
has been named.
Roger Vorce, BLM,
was nominated as the Chair to replace Bill Wade.
MOTION: Accept recommendations to defer
the FEWT Chair and accept the IOSWT Chair. The IOSWT has a vacancy on the
Team for an Agency Administrator. Rick Gale would like agency nominations
for this position by July 1, 1997.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Type 5 Incident Commander
(ICT5) position.
DISCUSSION: The proposal from the IOSWT
submitted includes the adoption of the position,
experience and suggestions for training. There will not be a separate PTB, rather the Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss FFT1 will meet
the needs for the ICT5.
MOTION: Accept the IOSWT recommendation.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: FEWT recommendations
for Engine Typing.
DISCUSSION: In response to the Federal
Fire Policy Review, action item 52d, A Task Group of FEWT provided recommendations
for defining various engine types as a national standard. We feel this now
needs to go to the agencies for review. FEWT should receive comments and
provide another recommendation that includes review recommendations. FEWT
should gather any agency comments and return a final document to NWCG for
approval at their October 1997 meeting.
MOTION: Accept the recommendation for
agency review and inclusion of agency comments into the final document in
October 1997.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Meeting scheduling for
NWCG.
DISCUSSION: Generally, we feel
that we are not accomplishing what we need to do with 2 meetings. We just
do not seem to be proactive enough to meet NWCG obligations. Six months’
delay in meetings is probably not meeting the needs of the WTs
actions and the Fire Management community at large. This is probably a false
savings of funds to meet each six months. Conference calls are a way to resolve
one item but will not be efficient to meet multiple tasks that are traditionally
on the agenda. We need to use stronger language in the agenda call letter
i.e. the "Cut-off" date for input. All WTs need to have there information sent to NWCG to allow review
of agenda items prior to the meeting.
MOTION: Meet three times annually.
Working Teams need to know they need to meet prior to NWCG so they have 3-4
weeks to meet the cut-off for input. Following are meeting dates established:
Conference call - 8/6, 0900, MDT.
October 0800 10/7 to 1700
10/8/97, Portland, Oregon.BIA to host.
February 3-5, 1998 Texas.
Texas Forest Service to host.
June 9-11, 1998, East Coast.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Fire Policy Education
Team work on FFP action items 9 and 10.
DISCUSSION: The fire role and use message
is action 9. This meets the needs of all agencies within the fire community.
Action 10 is the development of a strategic education plan. This plan is
programmed for accomplishment in FY 98.
MOTION: Accept the WT recommendations for
the actions and the work done by the group.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Fireline
Handbook revision.
DISCUSSION: The IOSWT recommends, that
based on Agency input, we do not need to re-write FLH; rather, a revision
would be in order. This revision will be available at PMS, 2/98. The plan
for the total re-write will commence in FY 99. It is estimated that a total
re-write will take about two years to accomplish.
MOTION: Accept the IOSWT recommendation
on the revision and re-write date.
SECONDED AND CARRIED
TOPIC: Incident Management System
Consortium.
DISCUSSION: We received an invitation
to become active members of this group. Does NWCG want to be a member of
the consortium or should the IOSWT be tasked with the membership on the Consortium?
It is questionable what the benefits in membership would be. We could request
that notes be sent to the Chair of the IOSWT. The IOSWT could send a representative
to the meetings to maintain a communication link. IOSWT needs to keep abreast
with the consortium’s activities.
MOTION: The IOSWT should appoint a member
from their group to keep current with and report the activities of the Incident
Management Consortium.
