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Strategic Operational Planner

SOPL Incident Position Description

The Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) is responsible for developing the course of action on long-term wildfire events. The SOPL may be ordered by and work for the host unit, the Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC), or an Incident Management Team (IMT). The SOPL may work in the Planning, Operations, or Command functional areas, or separate from the IMT with the Agency Administrator (AA), Fire Management Officer (FMO), local fire management organization, or entity that orders the SOPL.

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.
  • Review agency procedures, policies, and regulations for managing wildland fire to achieve land use objectives as related to the position.
  • Obtain complete information from dispatch upon assignment.
  • Obtain roles and permissions in the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) necessary to review relevant decision components for a wildfire incident as requested by the host unit.

Perform Strategic Operational Planner-Specific Duties

  • Obtain information from supervisor, duty officer, AA, dispatch, or Incident Commander (IC) about the incident and WFDSS document.
  • Establish the organizational role of the SOPL in relation to assigned personnel, local fire management organization, IC, and/or AA.
  • Adhere to local policies for ordering, use, and release of resources.
  • Identify jurisdictional boundaries and which authorities/agencies should be involved, including strategic objectives and management requirements for relevant Fire Management Units within the planning area.
  • Evaluate short- and long-term fire behavior predictions, fire weather, and fire behavior assessments, and interpret results to support decision-making.  Brief appropriate approving officials.
  • Develop the Course of Action for a long-term wildfire incident.
  • Coordinate with local Resource Advisor (READ) or other designated agency representative and identify issues regarding regulatory environmental compliance and mitigation to ensure concerns are adequately addressed in the Course of Action.
  • Evaluate consistency between strategic objectives and management requirements as stated in the WFDSS and objectives for the incident.
  • Evaluate existing Course of Action to determine if identified resource and protection objectives can be met through plan implementation.
  • Recommend modifications as needed to the Course of Action as conditions warrant/change.
  • Develop recommended management actions consistent with the wilderness, natural and cultural resource values, agency policy, and local land management plans.
  • Develop cost estimates for individual Management Action Points within the proposed Course of Action.
  • Utilize risk assessments for the incident based on values, hazards, and probability.
  • Utilize risk assessment information in developing Course of Action.
  • Consider and document hazards and mitigations in the development of Course of Action.
  • Follow the Risk Management Process in the development of the Management Actions within the Course of Action.
  • Identify special areas of concern and describe management actions to address concerns.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Participate in briefings as necessary.
  • Participate in incident closeout.
  • Establish and maintain on-going communication on the incident as necessary.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

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
  • Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are established and known to all firefighters before they are needed. Refer to guidelines stated in IRPG.
  • Use Look Up, Down and Around in IRPG to help maintain situation awareness. Adjust actions accordingly. Develop and communicate contingency plans and trigger points.

Document

Demobilize

  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of position duties:
    • Ensure continuity of operations
    • Exchange critical safety information
    • Communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command
  • Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report your status to your home unit, including a reassignment or the estimated time of arrival (ETA) to your 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