Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2

RXB2 Incident Position Description

The Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2) ensures that all prescribed fire plan specifications are met before, during, and after a low or moderate complexity prescribed fire. The RXB2 is responsible to the Agency Administrator, prescribed fire manager, Fire Management Officer (FMO), or local fire management organization for implementing the prescribed fire plan. The RXB2 works in the Prescribed Fire functional area.

All prescribed fire operations shall be conducted in accordance with the NWCG Standards for Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation, PMS 484, and applicable federal, state, and tribal policies.

The RXB2 performs position duties commensurate with Type 2 incident complexity and characteristics stated in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book).

Prescribed Fire Planning Duties

• Prepare and/or ensure the prescribed fire plan is in accordance with the PMS 484, agency policy and direction, and land/resource management plan.
  • Prepare and/or ensure the prescribed fire plan is in accordance with the PMS 484, agency policy and direction, and land/resource management plan.   
  • Ensure necessary agreements are in place.
  • Define and map the project location and boundary and describe the on-site and adjacent conditions.
  • Ensure the complexity analysis is complete and signed.
  • Develop resource and prescribed fire objectives. Confirm with the appropriate resource management specialists that the plan meets land/resource management and operational objectives.
  • Identify and address the smoke management policies and protocols and smoke receptors in the planning area.     
  • Develop a prescription or verify that the prescription will meet prescribed fire and resource objectives.
  • Establish environmental, fire behavior, and fire effects monitoring plans in conjunction with existing agency requirements.
  • Develop a primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency plan or verify that the existing plan is adequate.
  • Consult with a technical reviewer to ensure all prescribed fire plan elements are adequately addressed. 
  • Perform a technical review of a low or moderate complexity prescribed fire plan.
  • Make any necessary amendments to the prescribed fire plan.

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness. Demonstrate understanding and adherence to all current agency prescribed fire policy.
• Review the prescribed fire plan prior to implementation, ensure the plan is signed and all required elements are addressed and have a good understanding of the complexity determination.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.

Build The Team

• Assemble and validate the readiness, availability, and qualifications of required and contingency prescribed fire plan personnel and equipment.
• Establish, maintain, and document communication with the Agency Administrator, dispatch, prescribed fire manager, FMO, or local fire management organization.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.
• 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.
• Ensure objectives and performance standards are met.
• Ensure all operations are conducted safely and in accordance with the approved plan and established standards and guidelines, maintaining the safety and welfare of all assigned personnel and the public.

Implement a Prescribed Fire

• Ensure a signed Agency Administrator Ignition Authorization is in the prescribed fire plan.
• Obtain a spot forecast, smoke management forecasts, and/or local area forecast on any days the fire is actively spreading, and use the forecasts to determine holding, mop up, or patrol staffing needs.    
• Ensure pre-burn considerations have been addressed and pre-burn monitoring has been completed.
• Ensure fuels and weather conditions are conducive to achieving prescribed fire objectives as outlined in the plan.
• Allocate resources to meet objectives and control limitations.
• Scout the area to reassess critical holding points and values.
• Conduct organizational briefing at the beginning of each operational period.
• Complete and sign the Prescribed Fire Go/No-Go Checklist in the prescribed fire plan.
• Conduct the test fire and document the results.
• Evaluate and document fire behavior and fire effects.      
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situational awareness. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisors.
• Ensure the completion of mop up and patrol unless otherwise assigned to other qualified personnel. 
• Determine and document if the prescribed fire is outside prescription parameters or is not meeting prescribed fire plan objectives.
• Implement contingency plan as appropriate.
• Declare the prescribed fire out, or formally transition responsibility to another Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, prescribed fire manager, or other designated personnel within the local fire management organization.
• Declare a prescribed fire or portion of a prescribed fire a wildfire. Manage or delegate responsibility, as identified in the plan, for the management of any declared wildfire.
• Manage or delegate responsibility for the management of any incident-within-an-incident including medical.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Follow established communication protocols.
• Establish, maintain, and document communication with adjacent landowners, cooperators, and permit holders as designated in the prescribed fire plan.
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
  • Coordinate the monitoring of smoke impacts and adjust accordingly.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.

Document

• Ensure the completion and timeliness of, and route as required all documentation.
• Following a wildfire declaration, document the incident, including all actions prior to and after the declaration.

Demobilize

• Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
• During transfer of command ensure continuity of operations, exchange critical safety information, communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.
• Return equipment and supplies as appropriate.