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Safety Officer, Field

SOFF Incident Position Description

The Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) is responsible for monitoring operations on an incident from a risk management perspective to provide for the welfare of incident resources and the public. The SOFF can be assigned to incidents of any complexity level; may serve as the primary or only safety officer on initial and extended attack incidents reporting to the Incident Commander (IC); or function as a subordinate safety officer on complex incidents, assigned to a geographic area within the incident. The SOFF works in the Command functional area.  

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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.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position, as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Interact with all incident personnel to build trust and develop positive interpersonal relationships.

Perform Safety Officer, Field-Specific Duties

Identify Risk

  • Obtain computer analytics and modeling of the incident.
  • Attend briefings and review the operational plan to understand overall tactics and strategy.
  • Compare analytic and briefing information to incident reality (ground truth).
  • Work with operational resources to verify location and description of values at risk.
  • Monitor incident operations to identify risks and hazards.
  • Monitor overall health and well-being of incident personnel.
  • Monitor high-risk activities and common denominator mechanisms of injury.
  • Serve as a consultant for the Division/Group Supervisors (DIVS).

Assess Risk

  • Evaluate the likelihood (probability) of identified hazards impacting incident personnel and the public.
  • Evaluate the severity of the potential consequences/risks to incident personnel and the public.
  • Prioritize hazards.
  • Gauge the level of responder risk.
  • Evaluate strategies and tactics to determine if they are still commensurate with the risk involved.
  • Regularly report observed field information back to the Incident Management Team (IMT) Safety Officer/Incident Commander (IC) so they can complete their initial and ongoing risk assessments.

Mitigate Risk

  • Recommend mitigations to influence severity/probability of hazards.    
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of mitigations and adjust accordingly.
  • Assist Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) with safety-related needs.
  • Monitor and engage with the public as needed.
  • Coordinate with medical resources.
  • Present safety message at division/group breakout briefing.
  • Stop and correct unsafe acts or conditions.
  • Evaluate adequacy of resources to manage an Incident Within an Incident (IWI).
  • Review and evaluate the process for an Incident Within an Incident (IWI).
  • Support the Incident Within an Incident (IWI) response.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Attend, participate in, and/or conduct briefings.
  • Provide and receive Incident Command Post (ICP) feedback and updates.
  • Actively engage with field resources.
  • Manage conflict and facilitate difficult conversations regarding safety. 

Document

  • Complete all administrative tasks and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

Demobilize

  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of duties and outline any issue or unresolved items.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003