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Transfer of Command

 

The Incident Command System (ICS) relies on interagency communications between firefighting resources for collaborative fire suppression. This Standard Firefighting Order shows a variety of firefighting resources working together to effectively suppress a wildland fire.

7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces. A bulldozer is on one side of a fire burning in palmetto, and a fire engine and water tender are on the other. A supervisory firefighter is in the middle talking into the radio and gesturing to the bulldozer.

7. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor, and adjoining forces.
 

Read about all 10 Standard Firefighting Orders.

Risks to fireline personnel increase significantly during transfer of command periods regardless of the size or complexity of the incident. There is a high potential for fatalities, serious injuries, or incidents during transfer of command. Be proactive in mitigating the risks by proper implementation of LCES – Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones.

Factors for increased risks to fireline personnel during transition periods include:

  • No or poor briefing of incoming personnel.
  • Lack of fire weather and behavior information, both forecast and observed.
  • Communications: face-to-face briefings may not be possible and radio frequencies may be overextended and/or changing due to the increased demands on the system.
  • Initial attack resources may not have checked in and the Incident Commander (IC) may not be aware of the number, type, and location of all resources.
  • Location of safety zones and escape routes may not be known and communicated to all resources.
  • Not all resources know who is in command.

Mitigation actions to take:

  • Lookouts: post and maintain your own lookouts.
  • Communications: maintain existing communications with your own and adjacent resources, as well as your original supervisor, while you are developing communications with incoming adjacent resources and your new supervisor.
  • Escape routes and safety zones: identify escape routes and ensure incoming resources are aware of their locations; be aware that your original escape routes and safety zones may no longer be accessible due to changing fire behavior or your increased distance from them.
  • Plan for transitions to occur at the morning briefing.
  • Utilize the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Briefing Checklist (inside back cover).

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Briefing Checklist (inside back…

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage