NOTE: This Incident Position Description (IPD) is under development. Learn more about IPDs and other NWCG improvement efforts on our Systems Improvement Page. Please contribute to this effort by providing feedback via the Comment button on this page. The Firing Boss leads ground and/or aerial ignition operations and coordinates with holding resources on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FIRB supervises assigned firing resources and reports to a Strike Team/Task Force Leader, Burn Boss or other assigned supervisor. The FIRB works in the Operations functional area.
 Prepare and Mobilize- Ensure individual readiness.
- Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
- Travel to and check in at assignment.
- Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and/or Burn Plan, and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
Build the Team- Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability. Confirm that IAP or relevant plan has all assigned resources listed. Report any missing resources up chain of command.
- 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 supervisors and subordinates.
- Participate in operational briefings as directed.
- Obtain and distribute IAPs, other relevant plans, maps, and local area information.
- Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or IRPG briefing checklist.
Lead, Supervise, Direct- Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.
- 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 IAP objectives and performance standards are met.
- Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.
Perform Firing Boss-Specific Duties- Planning and preparation:
- Review the burn plan (Prescribed fire).
- Build the firing plan.
- Calculate/estimate ability to achieve:
- Overall objectives of firing operation
- Control objectives
- Desired fire effects
- Consult with supervisor on resource needs.
- Use firing platforms and devices specific to terrain, fuel type, access, and other factors (e.g., Terra-torch, Heli-torch, Drip Torch)
- Identify and utilize appropriate combinations of resources to conduct firing operations.
- Ensure assigned firing resources are equipped and capable of carrying out the ignition plan.
- Coordinate ignition operations with holding forces.
- Firing Operations:
- Use established risk management process during operation (considering evolving situational awareness and tactical adjustments).
- Complete test fire according to ignition plan.
- Initiate firing activities and make appropriate notifications.
- Adjust firing techniques and patterns based on fuels, weather, topography and observed fire behavior.
- Adjust firing techniques to mitigate smoke exposure to personnel.
- Limit smoke impacts to smoke receptors identified in the burn plan (Prescribed fire).
- Use aviation capability to direct firing sequences and observe firing operation as necessary.
Perform Fireline Duties- Recon area of responsibility and assess feasibility of assigned objectives. Consult with supervisor on resource needs and suggest adjustments as necessary.
- Develop and implement tactics based on incident objectives, fire behavior, risk assessment and leader's intent.
- Organize and deploy assigned resources based on established objectives and resource capabilities.
- Coordinate travel to and from fireline (e.g., travel routes, communication procedures, accountability). Ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures. Identify ingress and egress routes. Consider bridge and road limits, equipment weight and length, and weather effects.
- 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, with the protection of natural, cultural and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.
- Establish accurate logistical needs for assigned resources and use established ordering procedures.
- Use maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS) and other tools and applications to gather information and navigate on incident.
- Assign personnel to collect, document and report weather observations.
- Provide situation update and accomplishments to supervisor and/or relief forces at end of shift.
- Contribute to the planning process by providing accurate information and recommendations through established chain of command.
Perform Wildland Urban Interface 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.
- Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
- Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
- Support resources
- Adjacent resources
- Supervisor
- Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
- Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).
Manage Risk- Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the IRPG:
- 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 IRPG
- Use Look Up, Down and Around in IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly. Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points.
- Utilize Safety Officers to assist with risk management process and provide input into safety of operations.
- 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 the medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, the IRPG Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
- 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.
Document- Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
- Crew Time Report (SF-261)
- Incident Performance Evaluation (ICS 225 WF)
- General Message (ICS 213)
- Activity Log (ICS 214)
- SAFECOM
- SAFENET
- Agency-specific forms
Demobilize- Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
- Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit.
- Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
- Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or ETA to home unit.
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