 |
National
Wildfire Coordinating Group & Geographic Area Coordinating Group |
| NWCG Members: | Don Artley,
Chair, Montana Division of Forestry |
| GACG Members: | Cal Gale, Southern Area |
| Guests: | Jerry Williams, Forest Service, Missoula |
Capability to staff wildland fires in the future
Broad base demographic study funded by the Forest Service and National Park Service to get an idea of where we are today in our capability for wildland fire staffing. From this information we can better determine where we need to go. We hope to start on this study during the fall and from the demographic information we will be able to determine where we need to go next.
National Mobilization Issues:
· Resource availability - Volunteer fire departments are being used more often on wildland fires. Many of the volunteers are ill equipped to accomplish this mission because of lack of training, PPE, and general equipment that is primarily designed for structural use. 28-30% of overhead orders not filled by NICC because of availability.
· National needs for Type I and II Incident Management Teams - There is a shortage of qualified personnel to fill teams in the geographic areas.
· Use of AD’s and retirees - There is a need to ensure the qualifications and physical fitness standards are maintained. There is a restriction against using AD's/retirees for Area Commanders or Incident Comanders, but no other restrictions exist. Probably a GACG responsibility.
· Use of Type I teams on non-fire incidents - Teams are not being used to the fullest advantage by FEMA. Is there another resource that could better fill the FEMA needs. Forest Service will continue working with FEMA to explore the use of Logistics Modules to support some FEMA Declarations.
Billing between agencies for assisting on prescribed fires - The intent of the policy is that agencies will not bill each other for work on prescribed fire.
FIREWISE Workshops - Nine Workshops planned during the next two year in several sites throughout the United States. The workshop is designed for all shareholders who are work or participate in the interface area throughout the United States.
Allocating resources between wildland and prescribed fires - An NWCG document is in place and has been distributed to the GACG’s and agencies.
Procedures for S-520 - Nominations for the 2001 course will be due to NARTC by November 1999. This will provide sufficient opportunity for selected participants to meet pre-requisites. A handout was provided to the GACG representatives for their guidance in the selection process.
Relationships between GACG’s and NWCG - Core functions established at the last joint GACG/NWCG meeting still appear to be valid. Include GACG Chairs in mailing list for NWCG and WT membership updates.
Status of NWCG 310-1 - Provides minimum standards for national mobilization for fire positions only. It is up to each agency to determine whether or not the 310-1 standards apply to local assignments.
SUBJECT: National availability for personnel and teams
DISPOSITION: The IOSWT has been charged with reviewing and recommending the configuration of Type I and II Incident Management Teams. NICC needs to maintain availability status.
SUBJECT: Hotshot Crew guidelines and GACG role
DISPOSITION: NICC will not provide hotshot crews on a rotational list until written certification is received from the GACG. Receiving units should be expected to pay for the hotshot crew. No follow up is needed.
SUBJECT: Training assignments on large incidents
DISPOSITION: Working between east and west geographic areas to attempt to optimize training opportunities. Use of a Training Specialist on incidents will maximize the use of trainees. Communicate among the GACG’s to make sure trainee use is optimized.
SUBJECT: Fire Weather Working Team
DISPOSITION: Gerry Day presented status of weather service working relationships. In addition, he proposed a possible Fire Weather Program Manager position in geographical areas. Comments should be sent back to Gerry Day by August 1, 1999.
SUBJECT: Contracting Associations
DISPOSITION: Use of contract crews and equipment is continuing to expand annually. All agencies and geographic areas need to work with these personnel. A contractor signed up in one Region (area) can be used in any other area without an additional contract. Develop an Ad Hoc Group (Ed Shepard, BLM will organize) to study the issues of contract use to determine how to take advantage and expand the use of contract resources.
SUBJECT: Type II team standards
DISPOSITION: These standards (minimum) are listed in the National Mobilization Guide. The standards are not always met but they exist. The IOSWT has been tasked with a review of the team standards.
SUBJECT: EEO/Civil Rights problems
DISPOSITION: GACG’s need to know about EEO/Civil Rights violations if they occur for follow up on actions.