Fire Effects Monitor

FEMO Incident Position Description

The Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO) is responsible for collecting incident status information from personal observations at the incident, and providing this information to the module leader, crew boss, and other fireline supervisor as directed. The information may include but is not limited to fire perimeter location, onsite weather, fire behavior, fuel conditions, smoke, and fire effects information needed to assess firefighter safety and whether the fire is achieving established incident objectives and requirements. The FEMO reports to their crew supervisor on a wildfire or the Firing Boss (FIRB) or Burn Boss (RXB1/2) on a prescribed fire.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Obtain appropriate work materials, supplies, and equipment to complete assignment.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) or Prescribed Fire Burn Plan.
• Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build The Team

• Review the monitoring plan prior to implementation.
• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
• Establish a common operating picture with supervisor.
• Participate in operational briefings as directed.
• Review agency wildland fire procedures, policies, and regulations related to position.
• Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.

Perform Fire Effects Monitor-Specific Duties

• Collect appropriate fuel, soil, and vegetation samples for moisture analysis.
• Monitor, obtain, and record weather data.
• Recognize and report atmospheric characteristics that influence fire behavior.
• Monitor and record fire behavior data throughout the fire management operation.
• Plot fire progression on a map and record estimates of rates of spread, flame length, and general fire behavior.
• Monitor and map ongoing ignitions including burnout or backfire operations and note fire behavior characteristics.
• Monitor and record smoke dispersion and air quality information.
• Assist in preparing maps.
• Review the project objectives, monitoring plan, or management objectives as appropriate. Communicate concerns to supervisor.
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.
• Determine location of assignment, types of information required, priorities, time limits for completion, methods of communication and documentation, and method of transportation.
• Recon the ignition unit or assigned area.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
• Communicate effectively with supervisor, fire operations staff, crew members, and adjoining resources.
• Maintain communication with immediate supervisor while moving around the incident area.
• 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
• Conduct monitoring and observation operations according to the 10 Standard Fire Orders, 18 Watch Out Situations, and Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones (LCES).
• Immediately report any condition that may cause danger or be a safety hazard to personnel. 

Document

• Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)
• Document first order fire effects related to fire treatment or management objectives and constraints.
• Provide completed observation logs or forms for weather, fire behavior, fuel conditions, and fire effects as assigned. Summarize observations as requested by supervisor.

Demobilize

• Demobilize and check out.
• Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.

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