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Burned Area Emergency Response Team Leader

Position Description

Introduction

The purpose of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) assessment is to quickly assess the additional risks to people and resources triggered by a fire to determine if emergency preventative or mitigative measures are needed.  The BAER Assessment Team Leader has overall responsibility for the collection, assessment, dissemination and use of information about the post-fire emergency situation and treatment alternatives.  The BAER Assessment Team Leader works directly for the Agency Administrator and supervises an interdisciplinary assessment team consisting of 3 to 30+ people, depending on complexity of the situation.

Duties

  • Obtains briefing from agency administrator.
  • Determines strategy for conducting the assessment and establish action priorities.
  • Develops an Incident Action Plan which includes job hazard analyzes and safety plan, organization, equipment needs, communications, and plans for demobilization.
  • Establishes appropriate organization to efficiently and effectively conduct BAER assessment.
  • Obtains personnel and support resources (work space, vehicles, communication equipment, computer hardware, food & lodging for incumbents, maps, imagery (BARC map) etc).
  • Conducts daily planning meetings.
  • Maintains open communication with agency administrator and fire suppression IC organization.
  • Leads assessment team in identifying BAER critical values, evaluating risk and developing potential treatment measures.
  • Briefs agency administrator on recommended treatment measures and secure approval.
  • Prepares and submits an acceptable Emergency Stabilization Plan and Burned Area Report within seven-day timeframe.  This includes description of emergency situation(s), prescribed treatment measures and specifications, and proposed effectiveness monitoring plan.
  • Keeps an accurate accounting of all costs associated with burned area survey.
  • Provides detailed records of burned area survey to those responsible for implementing proposed treatments.
  • Coordinates with adjacent landowners and other agency officials regarding post-fire emergency response.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Interpersonal skills to communicate verbally and in writing with local and state officials.
  • Knowledge of emergency stabilization program policy and objectives, completion of FS of Interagency BAER team leader course and/or prior experience as a BAER assessment team leader.
  • When fire is uncontained – work capacity fitness level of light, annual fire line safety refresher, S-190, S-130, communications and radio training.
  • IS-700 NIMS:  An Introduction.
  • IS-800 National Response Plan.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page