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Incident Business Committee Prescribed Fire Positions

Prescribed Fire (DOI Pay Plan Only)

RXB1

RX Burn Boss Type 1, AD I

RXB2

RX Burn Boss Type 2, AD H

RXB3

RX Burn Boss Type 3, AD F

RXM1

RX Fire Manager Type 1, AD J

RXM2

RX Fire Manager, Type 2, AD I

 

 

RXB1 - RX Burn Boss Type 1, AD I

Duties:

  • The Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is responsible to the agency administrator or Prescribed Fire Manager for implementing the Prescribed Fire Plan.
  • Review prescribed Fire Plans prior to implementation and ensure that plan requirements are met.
  • Perform a reconnaissance of the site to validate burn plan elements, including areas of special concern and that holding/contingency plans adequately address the expected fire behavior outside of the unit.
  • Maintain communication with the FMO and/or Agency Administrator
  • Obtain weather forecasts, updates and advisories from a meteorologist
  • Ensure that the Agency Administrator Go/No-Go decision and checklist is still valid
  • Coordinate with resource advisor and or land owners and permittees when buring on or adjacent to private lands
  • Make the go/no-go decision, complete and sign the implementation go/no-go checklist
  • Conduct the personnel/safety briefing to ensure a safe operation
  • Conduct the test burn
  • Supervise assigned personnel
  • Direct the ignition, holding and monitoring operations
  • Ensure that a log records all activities during each operational period
  • Determine when the prescribed fire is not within prescription parameters or isnot meeting project objectives
  • Manage the incident or oversee the transition to another Incident Commander if an escape occurs
  • Evaluate and document objective accomplishments, operational procedures, assigned personnel and costs
  • Declare the prescribed fire out unless the project is formally passed to another burn boss, prescribed fire manager or the local fire management organization
  • Ensure that reports are completed

Position Needs

  • Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (S-490)
  • Satisfactory performance as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 AND
  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 3 AND
  • Satisfactory position performance as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 in representative fuel group(s)
  • Recommended training includes: Smoke Management Techniques (RX-410), Applied Fire Effects (RX-510), Fire in Ecosystem Management (M-580), Fire Program Management (M-581)
  • RX300 and RX341

 

RXB2 - RX Burn Boss Type 2, AD H

Duties:

  • The Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is responsible to the agency administrator/ Prescribed Fire Manager and coordinates with the FMO on implementing the Prescribed Fire Plan.
  • Review prescribed Fire Plans prior to implementation and ensure that plan requirements are met
  • Confirm pre-burn notifications are done
  • Perform a reconnaissance of the site prior to implementation to validate burn plan elements, including areas of special concern and that holding/contingency plans adequately address the expected fire behavior outside of the unit
  • Maintain communication with the FMO and/or Agency Administrator
  • Obtain area/zone weather forecasts, spot weather, updates and advisories from a meteorologist
  • Coordinate required/qualified personnel and equipment
  • Ensure that the Agency Administrator Go/No-Go decision and checklist is still valid
  • Coordinate with resource advisor and or land owners and permittees when burning on or adjacent to private lands
  • Make the go/no-go decision, complete and sign the implementation go/no-go checklist
  • Conduct the personnel/safety briefing to ensure a safe operation
  • Conduct the test burn
  • Supervise assigned personnel
  • Oversee the ignition, holding and monitoring operations
  • Ensure that a log records all activities during each operational period
  • Continuously monitor the prescribed fire to determine if it is not within prescription parameters or is not meeting project objectives
  • Make the decision to declare the prescribed fire a wildfire and manage the incident or oversee the transition to another Incident Commander if an escape occurs
  • Evaluate and document objective accomplishments, operational procedures, assigned personnel and costs
  • Implement the contingency section until the prescribed fire is out
  • Declare the prescribed fire out unless the project is formally passed to another burn boss, prescribed fire manager or the local fire management organization
  • Ensure that reports are completed

Position Needs:

  • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (S-390)
  • Satisfactory performance as an Ignition Specialist Type 2 AND
  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 4 AND
  • Satisfactory position performance as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 in representative fuel group(s)
  • Recommended training includes: Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RX-300), Leadership and Organizational Development (S-381), Introduction to fire Effects (RX-310)
  • RX300 and RX341

 

RXB3 - RX Burn Boss Type 3, AD F

Duties

  • The Prescribed Fire Burn Boss is responsible to the agency administrator or Prescribed Fire Manager for implementing the Prescribed Fire Plan. The BLM has established an additional level of Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, the RXB3, to qualify a person to supervise some prescribed fire operations. These types of operations typically would have few personnel assigned, a very low threat of escape and present a minimal risk to personnel involved in the operation. The use of the RXB3 is limited to the burning of piled slash, landings, ditches, and debris.
  • Review prescribed Fire Plans prior to implementation and ensure that plan requirements are met
  • Review specific agency prescribed fire policy
  • Ensure that all phases of the prescribed fire operation, stress the safety of all personnel.
  • Perform a reconnaissance of the burn unit.
  • Obtain and interpret current fire environment conditions, such as weather, fuel moisture, and soil moisture.
  • Interpret cumulative effects of weather and drought on fire behavior
  • Coordinate with the unit Line Officer to make the go/no-go decision.
  • Conduct operations according to agency-specific policies and standards, emphasizing safety and meeting plan objectives.
  • Direct specific resources to complete operational assignments.
  • Provide for monitoring of smoke emissions for health, safety, vista impairment, and fire behavior effects.
  • Remain in communication with crew members, assigned supervisor, and adjoining forces.
  • Ensure pre-burn coordination and communication is maintained between the burn organization and other offices, agencies, air quality authorities, news media, transportation agencies, safety officials, and interested public.
  • Evaluate and document the accomplishment of fire objectives, operational procedures, and assigned personnel.
  • Ensure the post-burn narrative, time and equipment records, reports, cost summaries, and unit logs are completed as necessary.
  • Monitor implementation costs and make the appropriate notifications.
  • Conduct After Action Review at the end of the burn
  • Conduct a briefing to all participants of the burn

Position Needs

  • Unable to locate pre-requisites for this position; items listed below pertain to the RXB2:
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (S-390)
  • Satisfactory performance as an Ignition Specialist Type 2 AND
  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 4 AND
  • Satisfactory position performance as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 in representative fuel group(s)
  • Recommended training includes: Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RX-300), Leadership and Organizational Development (S-381), Introduction to fire Effects (RX-310) 

 

RXM1 RX Fire Manager Type 1, AD J

Duties:

  • The Prescribed fire Manager is responsible to the Agency Administrator for implementing and coordinating assigned prescribed fire activities. A Prescribed Fire Manager may be assigned during periods when multiple, simultaneous complex and or multiple simultaneous moderate complex prescribed fires are being conducted, multiple prescribed fires will be conducted within a short timeframe or where there is a complex interagency involvement.
  • Obtain briefings from ordering officials and/or the prior Prescribed Fire Manager
  • Review Prescribed Fire Plans prior to implementation or assess the current active prescribed fire plans
  • Act as liaison/coordinator for the Prescribed Fire burn Boss, local dispatch offices, other offices and agencies, air quality authorities, news media, transportation agencies and safety officials and interested public groups
  • Obtain and interpret long-term weather information
  • Conduct strategy meetings and/or briefings as needed
  • Set priorities for allocation of resources
  • Brief Prescribe Fire Burn Bosses and direct operational assignments according to interagency policies, agency-specific policies, priorities and standards
  • Monitor overall prescribed fire operations
  • Ensure that all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with the Prescribed Fire Plans
  • Ensure completion of all required documentation, including the evaluation and documentation of accomplishments, immediate fire behavior and fire effects, operational procedures and costs summaries

Position Needs

  • Satisfactory performance as Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1, AND
  • Satisfactory position performance as a Prescribed Fire Manager Type 1
  • Recommended Training includes Intermediate ICS (I-300) and Fire Program Management (M-581)

 

RXM2 RX Fire Manager, Type 2, AD I

Duties:

  • The Prescribed fire Manager is responsible to the Agency Administrator for implementing and coordinating assigned prescribed fire activities. The RXM1 may be assigned during periods when multiple, simultaneous prescribed fires are being conducted, multiple prescribed fires will be conducted within a short timeframe or where there is a complex interagency involvement.
  • Obtain briefings from ordering officials and/or the prior Prescribed Fire Manager
  • Review Prescribed Fire Plans prior to implementation or assess the current complex situation
  • Act as liaison/coordinator for the Prescribed Fire burn Boss, local dispatch offices, other offices and agencies, air quality authorities, news media, transportation agencies and safety officials, and interested public groups
  • Obtain and interpret long-term weather information
  • Conduct strategy meetings and/or briefings as needed
  • Set priorities for allocation of resources
  • Brief Prescribe Fire Burn Bosses and direct operational assignments according to interagency policies, agency-specific policies, priorities and standards
  • Monitor overall prescribed fire operations
  • Ensure that all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with the Prescribed Fire Plans
  • Ensure completion of all required documentation, including the evaluation and documentation of accomplishments, immediate fire behavior and fire effects, operational procedures and costs summaries

Position Needs:

  • Satisfactory performance as Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2, AND
  • Satisfactory position performance as a Prescribed Fire Manager Type 2
  • Recommended Training includes Intermediate ICS (I-300) and Fire Program Management (M-581)

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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