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Fire Dispatch and YOU! Your mission, should you choose to accept it... to navigate your way through the system of people who can’t agree on what to call you.

First Things First... REDCARDING!!

This, unfortunately, is not a Redcard.

THIS is a Redcard. I realize, it is not actually RED per se. But it used to be, okay?

“But Bianca,” you ask “HOW do I go about getting this so-called ‘Redcard’?”  Learn to love your IQCS ADMINISTRATOR!  Taskbooks, certificates, list of assignments  You need to be entered as a READ or READ(T), but it is possible you could end up going out as a THSP. There may be some pleading involved...

Your IQCS Administrator will issue your Redcard. Be sure to check: - Expiration dates - Signatures - Listing of Qualifications - Fitness Rating

Hint: July is not a good time to pursue obtaining a Redcard. March or April would be a better choice.

“Now that I’ve got my Redcard, I’m good to go, right?” WRONG Now you enter the land of...

ROSS ROSS is the Resource Ordering Status System. It is the tool that is used to get you from your home unit to somewhere far away.

The Path of a Resource Order You in Bend, OR Bend’s Local Dispatch NICC Southwest Coordination Center - SWCC ( the GACC) Northwest Coordination Center - NWCC ( the GACC) Albuquerque Dispatch Fire in the Cibola NF

Important Things to Remember  Do NOT leave for your assignment without your Resource Order.  Keep a copy of your Resource Order (I recommend keeping them for a year.)  Take note for your records of how many shift you work on the fire, what the fuel type is, and how big it gets.  Do not be afraid to ask for a performance evaluation for your records.

What to Expect When You Go on Assignment  Don’t be caught off guard, be prepared to be gone a full two weeks.  If you want it, bring it. Don’t not count on them having it.

 Boots must be leather, eight inches high, and have Vibram soles.  PPE is required. (Pants, shirt, helmet, glover, eye-protection, and fire shelter.)  Wear all cotton or natural fibers (silk, wool)

Be Prepared – If You Want It, Bring It Sleeping Bag Tent Sleeping Pad Rain Gear Flashlight Towel Shower Shoes Personal Items Jacket and Hat Sunscreen Sunglasses Book/deck of cards Cash Clean Socks Few T-shirts Change of Clothes for time spent in Civilization

When You Get Home Let your dispatch know you have returned and update your status in ROSS. At the end of the season, provide your IQCS Administrator with a list of your assignments for the season.