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Logistics Section Chief Type 3

LSC3 Incident Position Description

The Logistics Section Chief Type 3 (LSC3) is responsible for managing, organizing, and supervising the Logistics section on wildland fire incidents. The LSC3 supervises the Communications (COML), Medical (MEDL), Food (FDUL), Supply (SPUL), Facilities (FACL), and Ground Support (GSUL) Unit Leaders when those positions are filled. When unit leader positions are not filled, the LSC3 performs tasks assigned to that unit as needed. The LSC3 reports to the Incident Commander (IC) and works in the Logistics functional area.

The LSC3 performs position duties commensurate with Type 3 incident complexity and characteristics stated in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book).

Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 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 Logistics Section Chief Type 3-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, 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 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.
  • In the absence of any unit leader, assume that role and responsibility.
  • 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 Communication Plan (ICS 205), and any special instruction inserts.
  • Apply agency policy, legal and fiscal constraints, and political considerations.
  • 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.
  • 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 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
  • 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

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

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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

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

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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

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal