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Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leader

INVL Incident Position Description

The Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leader (INVL) performs as the leader of a wildland fire investigation team. The INVL supervises one or more Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF) and reports to Incident Commander (IC) or Agency Administrator (AA) or their designee. The INVL works in the Prevention and Investigation functional area.

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.
  • Check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Obtain briefing from incident supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability. Confirm that Incident Action Plan (IAP) or relevant plan has all assigned resources listed. Report any missing resources up chain of command.
  • Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Identify and anticipate staffing needs and request additional resources and/or replacements as needed.
  • Assess experience level of assigned personnel and discuss performance capabilities and any limitations.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.
  • Develop standard investigation team organizational structure; relate team structure to investigation plan objectives.
  • Obtain and distribute IAPs, other relevant plans, maps, and local area information.
  • Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, briefing checklist.

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 Investigation Team Leader-Specific Responsibilities

  • Manage fire investigations and follow wildland fire investigation administrative and legal procedures.
  • Organize and deploy assigned investigators based on established objectives and capabilities.
  • Provide status updates on conditions affecting investigations, access, hazardous conditions, unresolved conflicts, air operations, etc., to supervisor.
  • Establish accurate logistical needs and use established ordering procedures.
  • Contribute to the planning process by providing accurate information and recommendations through established chain of command regarding scene access and security.
  • Perform INVF duties as necessary.
  • Apply laws, rules, and regulations applicable to agency/jurisdiction for wildland fire investigation.
  • Apply administrative, civil, and criminal process(es) to wildland fire investigation in agency/jurisdiction and state the authority for specific agency/jurisdiction.
  • Obtain and assemble materials needed during the case development phase of a wildland fire investigation.
  • Conduct second opinion analysis of a fire origin.
  • Utilize arson and/or complex/major fire investigation techniques, strategies, tactics, and investigation team or task force management when investigating arson or complex fires.
  • Identify wildland fire arson indicators.
  • Document, collect, and preserve evidence in accordance with current standards. Prepare a comprehensive investigation plan for the case development phase of a wildland fire investigation.
  • Secure fire scenes.
  • Record observations and events. Search for, protect/preserve, and collect evidence while maintaining chain of custody.
  • Identify and interview witnesses and anyone who may have knowledge that may be useful in the investigation.
  • Obtain and conduct interrogations of suspects in cases where criminal charges may be filed.
  • Present case to administrators and/or attorneys for consideration of legal action.
  • Provide documents for court actions, criminal actions, etc.
  • Present effective testimony during court cases when necessary.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • 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:
    • Wildland fire investigation team
    • Support resources
    • Other enforcement agencies
    • Supervisor
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
  • 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:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls
    • Supervise and Evaluate
  • 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, 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.
  • Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.

Document

  • Complete, review, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Document evidence and photographs relating to identified fire cause.
  • Document and describe services required for investigation.
  • Document and display elements of the crime of wildland fire arson for your jurisdiction.
  • Document and present common ignition sources, evidence, and indicators routinely encountered at the scene of an arson fire.
  • Document the findings of an investigation and identify any specialized documentation requirements.
  • Document where evidence and case reports will be stored, who has received copies, and who will be contacted for any follow-up needs for additional investigation concerns.

Demobilize

  • 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