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Logistics Section Chief Complex

LSCC Incident Position Description

The Logistics Section Chief Complex (LSCC) is responsible for managing, organizing, and supervising the Logistics section on wildland fire incidents and serves as a member of the Command and General Staff (C&G) for the Incident Management Team (IMT). The LSCC supervises the Service (Communications, Medical, and Food) (SVBD) and Support (Supply, Facilities, and Ground Support) Branch Directors (SUBD) of the Logistics functional area and reports to the Incident Commander (IC). The LSCC works in the Logistics functional area.
 

Leadership Level 5, Leader of Organizations (Create Vision)

  • For additional information review Level 5 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.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position as necessary, including the status of the incident and assigned resources, the status of existing Logistics section and the status of agreements (land use, cost share, blanket purchase, water, etc.).

Build the Team

  • 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.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • 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 assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Complex Logistics Section Chief-Specific Duties

  • Coordinate with Agency Administrator (AA) or designee, and IC to identify location for incident facilities, including the Incident Command Post (ICP), base/camp(s), helibase, staging areas, and contingency/expansion sites.
  • Evaluate needs of the section.
  • Provide service and support for assigned resources.
  • Communicate changes in logistical support to incident resources.
  • Coordinate with other section chiefs to complete required documentation, objectives, and assignments.
  • Plan for potential changes in incident based on current and forecasted information, such as weather, incident escalation/de-escalation, political considerations, and Incident-within-Incident (IWI).
  • Monitor restrictions/work requirements for each resource to maximize safe and efficient assignments and demobilization.
  • Establish and maintain positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.
  • Assess and order needed unit leader positions.
  • Brief unit leaders on current and anticipated activity.
  • Provide internal operating instructions to section personnel.
  • Participate in the Strategic Planning Process.
  • Participate in AA closeout/After Action Review (AAR).
  • Evaluate and monitor current situation to determine if present plan of action will meet incident objectives.
  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties when mobilizing/demobilizing.
  • Assume role and responsibility of any absent unit leader.
  • Document all complaints and suspicious occurrences.
  • Participate in the preparation of the IAP or relevant plan.
    • Review tactical plans for operational periods.
    • Advise on current capabilities and limitations for service and support.
    • Discuss long range plans and identify potential or future requirements.
  • Ensure completion of IAP parts, including the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF), Incident Radio Communications Plan (ICS 205), and any special instruction inserts.
  • Apply agency policy, legal and fiscal constraints, and political considerations to all decisions.
  • Develop long range plans based on current and forecasted information to ensure efficient logistical support for the incident.
  • Ensure incident documentation is completed as required by the IC.
    • Activity Log (ICS 214)
    • Personnel and equipment time records
    • Incident reports and Logistics section narrative
    • Transition plan

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Ensure personnel know radio operating procedures.
  • Coordinate with other individuals and organizations to meet section needs (e.g., law enforcement, health department, Resource Advisors [READs], and city, county, and state officials).
  • Coordinate with the Liaison Officer and Law Enforcement Partners in development of a comprehensive security plan for all incident facilities.
  • Coordinate with Safety Officer to ensure ICP, Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), remote camps, and other facilities are safe for incident personnel.
  • Update IC on current accomplishments and/or concerns.
  • Ensure Logistics expectations are communicated to other functional areas during meetings and briefings.
  • Coordinate with Assistant Area Commander for Logistics (ACLC) when incident is operating under Area Command structure.
  • 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
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Conduct and/or participate in AARs.

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls
    • Supervise and Evaluate
  • 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, Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
  • Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.

Document

Demobilize

  • Assist in the development and implementation of the incident demobilization plan.
  • Ensure release priorities address contractual requirements.
  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with operations to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Plan for demobilization. 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 estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
  • During transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.

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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