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Infrared Interpreter

IRIN Incident Position Description

An Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) is responsible for interpreting infrared (IR) imagery from National Infrared Operations (NIROPS) sensors to determine the heat perimeter of fires. They produce GIS-ready files, GIS layers, geo-referenced PDF maps, KMZs, and logs. The IRIN works remotely and often independently but reports to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL). If no SITL is assigned, the IRIN reports to the Plans Section Chief (PSC) for a Type 1, 2, or 3 fire. For a Type 4 fire, the IRIN reports to the Fire Management Officer (FMO) or Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO). The IRIN works in the Planning functional area.

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 including computer, required software, and user accounts.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Obtain initial briefing from SITL or supervisor, including priority areas, management action points, methods and timing of communications, products, and method of product delivery.
  • Obtain briefing from previous IRIN for incident(s), if possible.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make 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 flight crew and SITL/supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met within needed timeframes.
  • Manage support to multiple incidents and prioritize accordingly.

Perform Infrared Interpreter-Specific Duties

  • Submit infrared requests to NIROPS per the direction of supervisor.
  • Confirm infrared scan request status and approximate time of scheduled flight and notify incident.
  • Identify and obtain scale-appropriate, background digital data from online or other data sources.
  • Access infrared imagery from current distribution site, secure website, or other.
  • Review infrared imagery for issues, including incomplete file transfer, ortho-rectification, false positives, coverage, and image quality. Report issues to flight crew.
  • Accurately interpret infrared imagery, determine acreage, and create all applicable infrared geospatial data layers.
  • Identify heat perimeter of fire(s), as well as areas of intense, scattered, and isolated heat.
  • Create digital infrared heat map within established guidelines and timeframe, using recommended IR map symbology, depicting all applicable IR geospatial data layers, and conforming to recommended map elements.
  • Deliver all products (GIS layers, geo-referenced PDF maps, KMZs, and logs) to incident via secure website, email, or other means.
  • Utilize recommended file structure and naming convention.
  • When supporting multiple incidents, prioritize work according to values at risk, incident type, fire activity, availability of infrared data, and requested delivery times, unless otherwise directed by National Infrared Coordinator (IRCN).

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Follow established processes and chain of command for downloading, producing, and distributing IR data and products.
  • Maintain direct communication with IRCN and/or flight crew.
  • Prepare for and give morning briefing to SITL or incident supervisor as required by the incident.
  • Advise incident on trade-offs and issues with NIROPS systems versus other infrared systems and products.
  • Advise IRCN of any issues that require follow up during the day.
  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties when mobilizing, demobilizing, or re-assigning to another incident.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR) if requested.

Manage Risk

  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Ensure nighttime access to work location. Inform building manager of work hours. Maintain awareness entering and leaving work location after hours.
  • Ensure access to internet. Plan for alternative internet source in the event of an outage.
  • Change computer and application passwords in a timely manner to ensure completion before work shift and/or to ensure access to Helpdesk if needed.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Upload interpreted infrared maps and digital geospatial data to relevant secure website or other accessible location.
  • Complete interpreter’s daily log for each night’s mission and submit to SITL. Include calculated acreage, imagery issues, and location of heat, especially in relation to management action points or other areas of concern.

Demobilize

  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit or to local dispatch office.
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NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

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