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Firefighter Type 2 (Crewmember)

FFT2 Incident Position Description

The Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) serves on a hand crew, engine crew, or helitack crew, performing fire suppression and fuels management duties in adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions. The FFT2 has no supervisory responsibilities and is supervised by the Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or a Single Resource Boss [Crew Boss (CRWB), Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Felling Boss (FELB), Firing Boss (FIRB), or Helicopter Manager (HMGB)]. The FFT2 works in the Operations functional area.

The FFT2 performs position duties commensurate with Type 2 incident complexity and characteristics stated in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book).

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.
  • Obtain briefing from supervisor.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Acquire, 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. Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.

Perform Firefighter Type 2-Specific Duties

  • Establish and maintain the physical fitness level necessary to effectively perform hard physical labor for extended periods under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
  • Perform wildland fire and prescribed fire duties including suppression, preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up. Use standard firefighting tools such as pulaskis, shovels, McLeods, chainsaws, drip torches, and fusees to do this work.
  • Perform hand crew duties including packing heavy loads of fuel, food, water, and tools for miles over rough terrain in hot and smoky conditions to get to the work site.
  • Perform engine operations duties including running the pump, deploying hoselays, completing preventative engine maintenance checks, and effectively using water and additives.
  • Perform portable pump operator duties such as pump site selection, set up, and operation.
  • Support chainsaw operations.
  • Apply knowledge of fuels, terrain, weather, and fire behavior to decisions and actions.
  • Use Incident Command System (ICS) terminology, organization, and command structure.
  • Use and maintain personal protection equipment (PPE).
  • Follow crew standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ensure proper refurbishing and resupply of tools, vehicles, food, water and supplies.

Perform Fireline Duties

  • Use NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, to guide actions.
  • Look, listen, and learn. Ask questions when appropriate and ensure you understand instructions when they are given.
  • Ensure that instructions are clear and understood.
  • Be a student of fire. Observe interactions and operations to expand experience level.

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.
  • Ensure basic understanding of multichannel radio operation. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Operate within your skill level and limitations.
  • 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.
  • Report all accidents or injuries to supervisor.
  • Establish Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) before they are needed, according to IRPG guidance.​
  • 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.
  • Identify health and safety hazards from smoke and mitigate exposure as necessary (Smoke: Know the Risks module)
  • Comply with all safety practices and procedures.
  • Provide for health, safety, and welfare for self and those around you.

Document

Demobilize

  • Receive and follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page