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Crew Boss, Single Resource

CRWB Incident Position Description

The Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB) leads a hand crew and is responsible for its safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The CRWB supervises assigned crew members and reports to a Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR), Task Force Leader (TFLD), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The CRWB works in the Operations functional area.​

Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual and crew readiness.
  • Prepare crew for readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Prior to mobilization, confirm crew meets English language/crew language requirements.    
  • Travel to and check-in at assignment.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of crew, equipment, and vehicles.
  • Ensure that IAP or relevant plan lists correct crew status. Report any corrections up chain of command.
  • Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Briefing Checklist.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate performance expectations.
  • Ensure incident objectives and leader’s intent (task, purpose, end state) are met.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Base actions on evolving situational awareness and communicate changes to appropriate personnel.
  • Monitor personnel's daily performance and provide feedback.
  • Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.

Perform Crew Boss-Specific Duties

  • Effectively lead crew operations: Determine appropriate fireline tactics, including indirect and direct attack strategies.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Properly locate fireline and determine appropriate fireline construction methods necessary to stop fire spread. Ensure completion to acceptable standards.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise water handling logistics and operations for crew (e.g., portable pumps, hoses, fold-a-tanks).
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise felling operations, including appropriate snag mitigation.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Prepare control lines for burnout operations.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Plan, direct, and supervise firing operations.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Scout line in critical areas and patrol fireline for spot fires and slopovers. Coordinate and communicate issues with fireline supervisor and adjoining resources.
  • Effectively lead crew operations: Supervise mop up and suppression repair efforts on assigned portion of line.
  • Ensure proper refurbishing and resupply of tools, vehicles, food, water, and supplies.
  • Verify driver/operator qualifications and ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures when transporting personnel, fuel, and equipment.
  • Coordinate safe travel to and from the fireline.
  • Assess work area to meet assigned objectives.
  • Develop and implement tactics based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment, and leader's intent.
  • Organize and deploy crew based on current objectives and resource capabilities.
  • Request, direct, and provide feedback to aerial resources through established chain of command.
  • Provide status updates on conditions affecting operations, hazardous conditions, unresolved conflicts, air operations, etc., to supervisor.
  • Report special occurrences (e.g., structure/improved property loss or damage, accidents, sickness) to supervisor.
  • Through established chain of command, assist the responsible land management agency and/or assigned Resource Advisor (READ), with the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.
  • Equip crew with appropriate short and long-term logistical needs for assignment and utilize correct procedures to obtain additional supplies.
  • Gather and/or disseminate information using maps, compass, Global Position System (GPS), and other tools and applications.
  • Assign personnel to collect, document, and report weather observations.
  • Provide timely updates of accurate information and recommendations using the chain of command to assist with the planning process.

Perform Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Duties

  • Conduct WUI operations according to guidelines stated in the IRPG, incident-specific objectives and guidelines, and agency-specific guidance.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.    
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following: support resources, adjacent resources, and supervisor.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Use Look Up, Down, and Around in IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly.
  • Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points.
  • Provide input into the risk management process to ensure safety of operations.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.
  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the IRPG.
  • Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are in place.
  • Plan for medical emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan.
  • Manage a medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, IRPG, Medical Incident Report, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire First Aid, PMS 560, or other relevant guidelines.

Document

  • Complete all administrative tasks and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.
  • Depart from incident.

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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

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Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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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 

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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