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Receiving/Distribution Manager

RCDM Incident Position Description

The Receiving and Distribution Manager (RCDM) is responsible for coordinating operations related to the Logistics Supply area at wildland fire incidents. RCDMs receive incoming deliveries, package and document shipments leaving the incident, maintain and report inventories, track accountable property, and initiate the delivery of supplies to incident personnel while maintaining a safe, secure, and functional supply storage area. The RCDM may supervise Camp Crews and works for the Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) or the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) and works in the Logistics functional area.

Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for kit.
  • 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 Lead RCDM or SPUL.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment RCDM as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.
  • Brief and organize assigned personnel to meet the needs of the incident.
  • 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.

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 Receiving Distribution Manager-Specific Duties

  • Organize the physical layout of a safe and secure supply area.
  • Coordinate with the SPUL to identify any possible shortages or upcoming critical needs and to release any identified excess supplies.
  • Maintain communications with the Ordering Manager (ORDM) and SPUL regarding receipt of ordered supplies and equipment.
  • Reconcile inventory received and shipped.
  • Provide for proper shipping, handling, and storage of supplies, equipment, and materials.
  • Ensure orders for materials and supplies are filled and prepared for delivery in a timely manner.
  • Maintain safety by properly labeling any flammable or hazardous substances and designating a safe area for the storage and collection of those supplies.
  • Designate a safe location for the loading and off-loading of heavy trucks.
  • Create a procedure for the collection and storage of damaged/used items for salvage and/or rehabilitation.
  • Set up and maintain a system for tracking the distribution of consumable, durable, and accountable supplies.
  • Clearly identify ordering authority for different levels of supplies and keep subordinates briefed if any changes occur.
  • Provide and label a point of issue that is safe, secure, and organized; allow for a clear and organized traffic pattern.
  • Maintain and provide daily inventory and any other reports as requested by the SPUL.
  • Monitor all activities within the supply yard to ensure for safe operations.
  • Coordinate with the Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL) for transport of supplies to line personnel or drop point locations.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Maintain working communications with SPUL and ORDM to maintain situational awareness with the Supply Unit.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources (Camp Crew)
    • Adjacent resources (ORDM)
    • Supervisor (SPUL)
    • Other ICS functional areas (GSUL)
  • Conduct and/or participate in functional briefings and daily After Action Reviews (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
  • Utilize Safety Officers (SOFs) to assist with risk management process and provide input into safety of operations.
  • 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, the Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Monitor for safe and qualified operation of machinery (i.e., forklifts and loaders).
  • Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.
  • Comply with applicable health and safety regulations.
  • Follow transport guidelines for hazardous material shipping.
  • Maintain security of supply area to prevent theft, and to mitigate non-supply personnel traveling into the path of heavy trucks or machinery involved in loading, off-loading, or movement within the supply yard.

Document

  • Maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment.
  • Prepare and submit reports as required by immediate supervisor.
  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:

Demobilize

  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
  • Coordinate the efficient transfer of position duties/responsibilities to incoming personnel.
  • 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 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.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2