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Resources Unit Leader

RESL Incident Position Description

The Resources Unit Leader (RESL) establishes incident check-in and resource tracking activities, including preparing and processing resource status information on an incident. The RESL works in a team environment to coordinate with other sections to achieve incident goals and objectives and meet reporting requirements. The RESL is responsible for compiling, printing, distributing, and filing the final corrected Incident Action Plan (IAP). The RESL is also responsible for maintaining a master list of operational resources assigned to the incident and may also be responsible for non-operational resources. The RESL may supervise the Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN). The RESL works in the Planning functional area and reports to the Planning Section Chief (PSC). 

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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.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate the readiness of personnel and equipment.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and consistent feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Resources Unit Leader-Specific Duties

  • Gather and verify information on resource status.
  • Order and track incoming resources.
  • Maintain a resource status system to reflect the function, organization, status, and location of resources on the incident.
  • Prepare and manage the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
  • Provide current information on the status of resources to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
  • Assist with coordinating the demobilization of operational resources.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Attend incident briefings and meetings.
  • Maintain continuity of daily operations with other sections and units.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Maintain physical and mental safety of self and assigned resources.
  • Adhere to established guidelines for work/rest, personal protective equipment (PPE), and communication.
  • Monitor length of assignment for operational resources.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate as appropriate. 

Document

  • File required documents as appropriate for each operational period.

Demobilize

  • Plan for transition.
  • Plan for demobilization. 

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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

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

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

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

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

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

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