National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss)

FTT1 decorative banner: Four photos depicting firefighter type 1 position, firefighter carrying branches, firefighter with drip torch, firefighter walking with drip torch, group of firefighters working with hand tools. FFT1 Position Description: The Firefighter Type 1 leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the FFT2 level and reports to a Single Resource Crew Boss or other assigned supervisor. The FFT1 works in the Operations functional area.

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FFT1 Incident Position Description

The Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) level and reports to a Single Resource Crew Boss [Crew Boss (CRWB), Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Felling Boss (FELB), Firing Boss (FIRB), or Helicopter Manager (HMGB)].or other assigned supervisor. The FFT1 works in the Operations functional area.

The FFT1 performs position duties commensurate with Type 1 incident complexity and characteristics stated in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book).
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Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisor and subordinates.
  • Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, briefing checklist.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Firefighter Type 1-Specific Duties

  • Mentor and train assigned resources in safe firefighting practices (e.g., tool maintenance, fireline construction techniques).
  • Adhere to the chain of command as it applies to crew configuration.
  • Locate fireline and implement appropriate fireline construction methods (e.g., mineral soil scrape, cup trenching, removal of ladder fuels) necessary to stop fire spread and ensure completion to acceptable standards.
  • Utilize appropriate fireline tactics, including indirect and direct attack strategies.
  • Verify driver/operator qualifications and ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures when transporting personnel and equipment.
  • Use firing devices under supervision on a firing operation according to the ignition/firing plan (verbal or written).
  • Maintain and inspect tools, equipment, and supplies required to complete assigned task for amount, serviceability, and safety. Notify supervisor if corrective action is needed.

Fireline Duties

  • Carry IRPG at all times and use it to guide actions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Use maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS) and other tools and applications to gather information and navigate on incident.
  • Collect, document, and report weather observations utilizing the Belt Weather Kit or electronic weather meter.
  • Contribute to the planning process by providing accurate information and recommendations through established chain of command.

Perform Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Duties

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

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Report any changes in fire behavior or hazardous conditions to supervisor.
  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards.
    • Assess Hazards.
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions.
    • Implement Controls.
    • Supervise and Evaluate.
  • Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are established and known to all firefighters before they are needed. Refer to guidelines stated in the IRPG.
  • Apply the Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations to your assignment, as stated in the IRPG.
  • Use Look Up, Down and Around in the IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for assigned personnel.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.

Document

Demobilize

  • Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
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Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
2023-02-01

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