Skip to main content

Engine Boss, Single Resource

ENGB Incident Position Description

The Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) leads and supervises an engine crew, manages associated vehicles, and is responsible for the crew's safety on wildland fire, prescribed fire, and all-risk incidents. The ENGB works in the Operations functional area, reporting to a Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN), Task Force Leader (TFLD), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. 

Have a comment? Submit it here.

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 readiness.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of crew, equipment, and vehicles.
  • Ensure the Incident Action Plan (IAP) or relevant plan lists correct personnel status.   
  • Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.   
  • Brief assigned personnel on situation, mission/execution, communications, service/support, and risk management.

Perform Engine Boss, Single Resource-Specific Duties

  • Develop, implement, and adjust tactics based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment, and leader’s intent.
  • Scout line in critical areas and patrol fireline.
  • Ensure proper water delivery system design and implementation.
  • Supervise, direct, and lead direct attack operations.
  • Supervise, direct, and lead indirect attack operations.
  • Supervise and participate in firing operations.
  • Ensure proper refurbishing and resupply of vehicles, equipment, and supplies.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Ensure personnel can effectively use multichannel radios.
  • Ensure effective communication with adjacent resources and supervisors within the established chain of command.
  • Participate in operational briefings.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points.
  • Plan for and manage medical emergencies.

Document

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

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.

Return to top

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Please Provide Feedback

Indicates required field

NWCG values your constructive input and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Although contact information is optional, we hope that you provide a way for us to contact you in case we need clarification on your comment. If you would like to be contacted regarding your feedback, you must provide contact information. 

Would you like a response?
If you would like a response, you must provide contact information (name and email) below.
CAPTCHA
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page