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Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss)

FFT1 Incident Position Description

The Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) leads a small group (usually no more than seven individuals) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the Firefighter Type 2 Crewmember (FFT2) level and reports to a Single Resource 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 all incident complexities 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 leader’s intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of crew, equipment, and vehicles.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information/situation.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback.

Perform Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss)-Specific Duties

  • Locate and scout the fireline.
  • Act as a lookout.
  • Implement appropriate line construction tactics and methods.
  • Mentor and train assigned resources in safe firefighting practices.

Perform Fireline Duties

  • Coordinate and provide feedback to aerial resources.
  • Identify spot fires and slopovers.
  • Provide status updates on conditions affecting operations, hazardous conditions, air operations, etc. to supervisor.
  • Follow protocols as directed for the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources.
  • With limited supervision, execute tasks assigned by the supervisor.
  • Participate in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations according to guidelines stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461; incident-specific objectives and guidelines; and agency-specific guidance.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively.
  • Use multichannel radios correctly.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process.
  • Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are established and known.
  • Ensure own and others’ safety and welfare in all aspects of the job.

Document

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

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal