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Instructions and Assignments Not Clear

 

The Incident Command System (ICS) is used to provide uniform chain of command on all incidents. This Watch Out shows an engine crew working in a counterproductive manner, without clear instructions towards an expected outcome.

6. Instructions and assignments not clear. One firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite grasses on the right side of the image. Two firefighters spray water from a yellow fire engine onto burning grass on the left side of the image.

6. Instructions and assignments not clear.
 

Read about all 18 Watch Out Situations.

Every firefighter will give and receive briefings at some point on the job. Briefings are an effective way to disseminate information that can make the firefighter’s job safer and easier. When giving a briefing, it is important to keep the following questions in mind and remain perceptive to how the audience is receiving the information:

  • Did you use the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, standards briefing checklist?
  • Did they ask questions? Do you get empty stares? What feedback are you looking for to ensure they understand you?
  • Talk with coworkers about what it is like giving a briefing.
  • Did they take notes? What kind of information would you like to see people write down?
  • Did they repeat information back? What other ways can you identify that your briefing is understood?
  • Did you give all the necessary information? How will you ensure that you covered everything necessary?
    • Task
    • Location
    • Communications
    • Hazards
    • Who, when, etc.

It is also important for the firefighter who is receiving instructions to be mindful of the following during the briefing:

  • Did you really listen? What do you do to make yourself pay attention to everything being said?
  • Did you understand the assignment, location, and the nature and location of hazards? Do you expect to figure it out for yourself when you get out there or do you step forward and ask questions?
  • You must know the location of the assignment and:
    • What is to be done.
    • Who you are to report to and how often to report.
    • Expectations for completing the assignment.
    • Hazards.
    • Communication plan frequencies.
    • Weather and fire behavior.
    • Status of adjoining forces.

 

Category
Fire Communication
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, standards briefing checklist.

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2