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Structural Firefighter Type 1

Position Description

Introduction

The purpose of this position is to serve as a Structural Fire Fighter, and firefighting crew member.

Duties

  • Serves as a firefighting crew member protecting life and property.
  • Utilizes a variety of firefighting tools and equipment to attack and extinguish fires requiring the full performance level of firefighting skills, including hazard material awareness techniques.
  • Unreels and connects hose, lays hose lines, operates charged lines, and places and raises ladders.
  • Makes forced entries, ventilates structures, and performs or assists in rescue operations.
  • Operates portable and stationary firefighting apparatus such as hydrants, pumps, and other related equipment.
  • Utilizes all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • Provides emergency medical care within the scope of training and certification.
  • Performs cleanup, salvage, overhaul, and scene preservation.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Basic knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Knowledge of firefighting operations and procedures gained through direct experience and/or completion of the requirement to meet minimum standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1001) or equivalent.
  • Ability to locate and remove victims trapped in a structure.
  • Ability to provide basic emergency medical care such as first aid for minor injuries, and CPR.
  • Knowledge of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and its appropriate use in firefighting operations.
  • Knowledge of situational awareness fundamentals including personal equipment, essential firefighting equipment, hazardous material operations, and general all-risk hazards.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.

Supervisory Control

Work direction is provided by a Supervisory Firefighter or other designated supervisor who makes assignments and procedures to be followed.  Most firefighting duties are performed independently with instructions provided for unfamiliar or unusual situations.  Closer supervision or oversight is provided when performing rescue operations.  Completed work is reviewed for operational effectiveness and compliance with instructions.

Guidelines

Procedures for doing the work have been established and a number of specific guidelines or standard orders are available such as oral instructions, manuals, health and safety codes, and on-the-job (OJT) or formal training.  Some problems encountered may not be specifically covered by guidelines.

The incumbent works in accordance with the guidelines, references and procedures.  Deviations or questions are referred to the supervisor or higher graded firefighter for resolution.

Complexity

The incumbent performs a variety of firefighting assignments which require full performance firefighting skills, such as defensive and offensive firefighting, structure entry and ventilation, rescue operations, and assisting with emergency medical situations.  Emergency responses often involve action in extremely adverse physical and emotional conditions and ability to function effectively in sensitive situations.

Work requires application of established firefighting practices in areas of assignment.  Individual discretion and judgment is expected in emergency situations.

Scope and Effect

The purpose of this position is to act as a full performance team member in implementing firefighting objectives for a safe operation while effectively performing fire suppression operations.  The effectiveness and timeliness of the decisions and actions taken impacts the efficiency of assignments and the safety of operations performed.

Personal Contacts

Personal contacts are with local agency firefighting personnel or incident management team personnel during the duration of the incident.  The incumbent may also interact with media operations, family members, special interest groups, and others with interests in the incident.

Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to obtain briefings and orders, as well as to relay incident information to and from the incident management team and other fire team members, and to provide general and specific information and assistance.

Physical Demands

Firefighting work routinely involves physically rigorous assignments and strenuous activity.  Incumbent must maintain excellent physical condition to carry out responsibilities including the ability to pass an arduous duty physical, and handle a variety of heavy and cumbersome firefighting equipment.  Emergency firefighting situations often require clear reasoning and decisive action under conditions of extreme mental and physical stress.

Work Environment

Work environment is predominately outdoors in all types of weather, night or day, for extended periods of time.  The incumbent is subject to cold, hot, windy, wet, or snowy conditions, and subject to extreme heat, burns, falling objects, exposure to smoke and noxious fumes.  Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in firefighting operations is mandatory.

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
  • Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
  • Do you need help building capacity?
  • What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides