1. Note to trainers: This presentation is organized by the segments listed below. A black slide separates each segment. The READ and Wilderness THSP positions in the ICS Qualifications and Training Roles and Responsibilities Duties and Expectations Guidelines for other duties ROSS and GACC dispatching Advice and lessons learned Revision of slide text and substitution of local images as needed is encouraged.

3. Resource Advisor Wilderness Technical Specialist Position,Qualifications, and Duties Position, Qualifications, and Duties

4. Duties, Responsibilities, and Qualifications Duties, Responsibilities, and Qualifications Objectives:  Define the positions Resource Advisor (READ) Resource Advisor (READ) Wilderness Technical Specialist (THSP) Wilderness Technical Specialist (THSP)  Review the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications, and training  Identify the Resource Advisor’s Guide to Wildland Fire  Share examples, tips, and lessons learned

5. The READ, THSP and the ICS

6. Incident Qualification & Certification System (IQCS) http://iqcs.nwcg.gov Standards for qualifications, training, and records for interagency fire positions FS 5109 List: THSP positionsFS 5109 List: THSP positions DoI 310 List: READ and THSP positionsDoI 310 List: READ and THSP positions No wilderness specialist identifierNo wilderness specialist identifier No NWCG sponsored training or qualificationsNo NWCG sponsored training or qualifications

7. Resource Advisor IQCS position code - READ READs are designated by the agency administrator (line officer) READs are designated by the agency administrator (line officer) Agencies and regions, states or units may have specific requirements Agencies and regions, states or units may have specific requirements

8. Resource Advisor (READ) is supported by NWCG publication : Resource Advisor’s Guide to Wildland Fire 1/04 (NIFC PMS 313, NFES 1831) Contains descriptions of the general duties and responsibilitiesContains descriptions of the general duties and responsibilities Lists suggested minimums for:Lists suggested minimums for: TrainingTraining QualificationsQualifications

9. READ Assignments The READ is designated by the agency administrator (line officer) but may be requested by the IC The READ is typically from the local unit but often Assistant READs from other units are assigned to work for a local Lead Resource Advisor The READ follows agency standard operating procedures during mobilization, the fire assignment, and demobilization.

10. Technical Specialist IQCS position code - THSP THSPs are requested through the ordering system and may come from the local unit. THSPs are requested through the ordering system and may come from the local unit. THSPs may work in support of READs or Agency Representative (AREP)THSPs may work in support of READs or Agency Representative (AREP) Agencies and regions, states or units may have specific requirements Agencies and regions, states or units may have specific requirements

11. What is a Wilderness THSP ??? A Technical Specialist (THSP) with WILDERNESS qualifications Similar to a THSP who is a Biologist, Archaeologist, Hydrologist, etc.Similar to a THSP who is a Biologist, Archaeologist, Hydrologist, etc. Position currently not listed in IQCSPosition currently not listed in IQCS

12. Incident Command System Agency Administrator Lead Resource Advisor*- READ Lead Resource Advisor *- READ Public Information Safety Officer OperationsLogisticsPlans Incident Commander Agency Representative - AREP Technical Specialists *- THSP Finance Asst. Resource Advisors - READ * These positions may have additional subordinate field personnel to accompany fire crews in sensitive areas or to gather information for planning and evaluation purposes.

13. What is a Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor (WRA) ??? Not a position in IQCS listed position (DOI 310-1 or FS 5109)Not a position in IQCS listed position (DOI 310-1 or FS 5109) No Wilderness READ position codeNo Wilderness READ position code WRA is a common term used in some areas/regions but it’s not an official position in IQCS WRA is a common term used in some areas/regions but it’s not an official position in IQCS Using the WRA term may cause problems with ordering and assignments to incidents Using the WRA term may cause problems with ordering and assignments to incidents

15. READ/THSP Qualifications

16. Resource Management Knowledge: o Applied natural and cultural resource management o Fire science, and history o Wilderness resource values, protection needs, and stewardship objectives READ/THSP Qualifications

17. Fire Management Knowledge o Basic knowledge of both fire effects and fire suppression impacts. o Basic understanding of the management for unplanned and planned ignitions and the appropriate management response. o Working knowledge of the ICS (who does what on the IMT) READ/THSP Qualifications

18. READ/THSP Training READ Training: oNo NWCG Training Course (as of 4/08) oSome agency sponsored training oRegions, forests, parks, BLM areas THSP Training oNo national Wilderness Technical Specialist training (as of 4/08) Wilderness READ/THSP Training Materials oFire Management Toolbox at: www.wilderness/net /toolboxes/

19. READ/THSP Training To be line qualified: Resource Advisors should have: Training: Standards for Survival. Standards for Survival. I-100 – Introduction to ICS I-100 – Introduction to ICS I-200 – Basic ICS I-200 – Basic ICS S-130 – Basic Firefighting Training S-130 – Basic Firefighting Training S-190 – Introduction to Fire Behavior S-190 – Introduction to Fire Behavior Annual Wildland Fire Refresher Training Red Card

20. Other Suggested Courses: I-300 – Incident Command System S-244 – Field Observer S-260 – Fire Business Management S-290 - Intermediate Fire Behavior (self study available) S-336 - Fire Suppression Tactics RX – 310 – Introduction to Fire Effects S-580 – Advanced Fire Use Applications WFDSS Workshop Fire in Ecosystem Management BAER and BAR Leave No Trace READ/THSP Training

21. READ/THSP Qualifying Experience Experience in other fire positions One satisfactory training assignment (suggested) Resource and wilderness knowledge and experience

22. READ Position Task Book (PTB) No standard NWCG Position Task Book Suggestion for READ/THSP trainees: o A draft Task List (R3) may be found in: Wilderness Fire Management Toolbox at: http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/ Adapt and use the draft as needed to meet agency/unit requirements Use the PTB to learn the duties as a trainee Work as an Assistant READ/THSP until PTB is completed to learn: Credibility and effectiveness Credibility and effectiveness Safety Safety

23. READ/THSP Resource Management Skills and Abilities READ/THSP Resource Management Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the area: Topographic features Critical areas Types of visitors and inhabitants Improvements, roads, etc. Vegetation types and conditions Natural processes Natural processes Fire behavior Fire behavior Basic GPS and map reading skills.

24. READ/THSP Knowledge of Local Resource - Skills and Abilities Knowledge of local land use plans and management, people, and politics International coordination near borders Knowledge of existing guidelines & policies related to significant natural & cultural resource management Cultural sensitivity – tribal relations

25. READ/THSP Qualifications - Other Fitness Level: * Light: minimum suggested level for READ Light: minimum suggested level for READ Arduous: suggested for maximum flexibility Arduous: suggested for maximum flexibility Meet the minimum physical fitness requirements of your unit. May vary by agency and by region, state, or unit within the agency * May vary by agency and by region, state, or unit within the agency

26. READs Are Not Always Line Qualified To go on the fire without other fire qualifications:  Attend annual fire safety refresher (Standards for Survival).  Pass the Work Capacity Test  Carry a Red Card  Wear PPE and carry a tool  Be accompanied by someone who is line qualified

27. Communication Skills Effective communication is essential.  Incident Management Team (all levels)  Agency administrator  Internal agency coordination  Public information Skills needed:  Practice active listening  Be concise and focused  Lose the whining  Keep the sincerity and passion

28. Other READ Skills Think outside the box – be creative  Provide feasible alternatives for consideration at the appropriate time Choose your battles carefully  Be flexible when necessary Remember, it’s all about relationships

30. READ and THSP Roles and Responsibilities

31. READ/THSP Areas of Responsibility*: Pre-season planning Reconnaissance & Analysis Planning & Strategies Reports & Documentation Operations & Management * Resource Advisor’s Guide for Wildland Fire (2004) http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/RAguide_2004.pdf

32. Duties and Responsibilities READ/THSP Assist with wilderness fire management during the pre-season by:  attending appropriate meetings  asking questions and participating in discussions  being proactive to obtain and provide necessary information.

33. READ/THSP Duties Pre-season Participate in Fire Management Planning: Fire Management Plan (FMP) revision process Planned ignition project planning 10YWSC Element 1 – Fire Management Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management found in the Wilderness Fire management Toolbox at: Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management found in the Wilderness Fire management Toolbox at:http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/ Fire cache items for wilderness fires

34. READ/THSP Duties Pre-season FOREST SERVICE Only - Participate in Fire Management Planning: 10YWSC Element 1 – Fire Management Review the objectives, accomplishment, and work remaining Review the objectives, accomplishment, and work remaining Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management found in the Wilderness Fire management Toolbox at: Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management found in the Wilderness Fire management Toolbox at:http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/

35. Specific READ/THSP Duties Pre-season Participate in fire management: 1. clarify wilderness fire management objectives with ID team 2. establish protocols and contacts for transmittal of information to IMT (i.e. listed species concerns, arch. sites, invasives etc.) 3. create duty schedule for READ/THSPs and technical resource specialists 4. Identify wilderness items for fire cache

36. Other pre-season duties for the READ/THSP Identify Potential Fire Cache Items:  Lightweight pumps on portable frames.  Spill kits and containment systems for pumps.  Log carriers & peavies for line construction and rehab.  Fire pans for spike camps  Bear proof food containers.  Portable toilets.  Scrim (ground cloth for high traffic spike camp areas)  Bio-degradable flagging  Other ideas or specific items for your area

37. Specific READ/THSP Duties Pre-season Work with the Agency Administrator (line officer): o Understand fire, wilderness, and other resource management objectives o Identify READ roles o Establish or review restrictions and process for analysis and approval of motorized equipment o Prepare draft Delegation of Authority letter

38. Specific READ/THSP Duties Pre-season Delegation of Authority Letter to IMT Insure that the Delegation of Authority letter includes: READ identified and role definedREAD identified and role defined Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.)Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.) Motorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authoritiesMotorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authorities

39. READ/THSP Duties on Incidents IMT Briefing Briefing Packet includes: READ identified and role definedREAD identified and role defined Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.)Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.) Motorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authoritiesMotorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authorities

40. READ/THSP Duties on Incidents The READ provides daily input to the Incident Commander (IC) or designee The main focus of the information is to assist in: o development of fire management strategies and tactics o minimizing or mitigating the expected impacts of fire and fire suppression actions upon natural and cultural resources

41. Specific READ Duties On the Incident Analysis, Planning & Strategy Provide input to WFSA & WFIP Provide input in operational briefing, strategy, & planning meetings Gather & provide information for IAP Provides input on environmental restrictions Provide recommendations & standards for suppression rehabilitation Participate in team transition

42. Specific READ Duties On the Incident Daily Operations & Documentation Provide input to daily validation of WFIP or WFSA Attend daily meetings Maintain communication with IC, IMT & AREP Serves as AREP as needed Present resource information at briefings Monitor implementation of protection & rehabilitation Gathers & documents damage to resources Recommend need for BAER team Complete daily unit log (ICS-214), CTR

43. Specific READ Duties On the Incident Final Documentation Complete local reporting documentation for incident fire package and agency representative Do a READ After Action Review (AAR) and share the results with other READs

44. READ/THSP Duties Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) o Liaison between Agency Administrator & BAER Team o Technical advisor for local issues o Wilderness resource specialist o Maintains documentation for unit Motorized authorizations/reports for wilderness use

45. Safety Precautions for the READ On the fire:  Communicate with the team  Get listed in the Incident Action Plan  Check-in and out with Division Supervisor  Follow the “10 Standard Fire Orders”  Be aware of the “18 Situations That Shout Watch-out”  Use LCES READ Duties - On the Incident

46. LCES LookoutsCommunications Escape Routes Safety Zones Safety Precautions for the READ

47. Carry and use: o A map & communication plan, IAP o A programmable scanning radio o Appropriate fire gear, including a tool Safety Precautions for the READ

49. READ and THSP Duties Working with the IMT

50. Incident Command System Organization Agency Administrator Public Information Safety Officer OperationsLogisticsPlansFinance Incident Commander

51. READ Duties – Working with the IMT PlansPlans OperationsOperations SafetySafety InformationInformation

52. READ Duties To be successful working with the IMT: Identify yourself to the IMT, be available and be sure they know how to find you. Stay in camp, not at home Wear a Resource Advisor name tag

53. READ Duties – Working with the IMT Typical Roles with Plans Articulate agency administrator concernsArticulate agency administrator concerns Provide information for the IMTProvide information for the IMT Provide information for IAPsProvide information for IAPs Identify concerns for snags, water, fish and wildlife, arch., and invasivesIdentify concerns for snags, water, fish and wildlife, arch., and invasives Prepare and suppression activity rehab. guidelines and needsPrepare and suppression activity rehab. guidelines and needs Recognize good workand use of MISTRecognize good work and use of MIST Participate in meetings and briefingsParticipate in meetings and briefings

54. Morning Briefings Night Shift Briefings READ Duties

55. READ Roles – Working with the IMT Typical Operations Duties Division Supervisor, Crew Sup., others Division Supervisor, Crew Sup., others Identify areas of concernIdentify areas of concern Promote use of MIST and recognize good workPromote use of MIST and recognize good work Identify suppression restoration needsIdentify suppression restoration needs Air Ops. Air Ops. Locate helispots, water dip locations, etc.Locate helispots, water dip locations, etc. Logistics Logistics spike camps locations, sanitation, etc.spike camps locations, sanitation, etc.

56. READ Duties – Working with the IMT Balancing Plans and Operations Roles Consider two ‘lead’ READs that combine efforts: 1) Plans READ: Attend planning meetings and briefings at ICPAttend planning meetings and briefings at ICP Coordinate with Agency AdministratorCoordinate with Agency Administrator 2) Operations READ: Interact with Operations on the fireInteract with Operations on the fire Line qualifiedLine qualified

57. Examples of potential concerns for the Wilderness READ: Chainsaws Fire line work Snag falling Retardant Spike camps Structure or cultural resource protection Invasives Pumps and water use Helicopter use and helispots Aircraft landings

58. Working With Teams & Crews

59. Fire line work

60. Snag Falling

61. Pumps & Water Use

62. Helispot Location & Construction

63. Air Operations

64. Spike Camp Management Be involved in selecting sites. Be there with the spike camp manager before the crews get there. Define expectations for camp. Promote use of Leave No Trace techniques

65. Spike Camp Sanitation

66. Structure & Heritage Resource Protection

67. Preventing the Introduction of Noxious Weeds & Invasive Plants

68. Power wash equipment Check tents, boots, clothing, cargo nets & stock Preventing the Introduction of Noxious Weeds & Invasive Plants

69. Operations Mop-up Considerations Mop-up standards are a decision negotiated between the Forest, the IC or Team, and the line overhead. Strive for the minimum necessary to secure the line from escape, based on anticipated weather. The standard is a balance between resource values and the ability to mitigate for safety. Minimizing mop-up impacts requires longer monitoring/patrolling and the element of risk Minimizing mop-up impacts requires longer monitoring/patrolling and the element of risk.

70. Duties – Working with the IMT Providing local safety information Examples of local concerns and objectives : Hazard tree removal or mitigation standards based on resource and wilderness concernsHazard tree removal or mitigation standards based on resource and wilderness concerns Personnel safety:Personnel safety: ClimateClimate TransportationTransportation CultureCulture

71. Safety Information Known or likely local hazards

72. Safety Information Known or likely local hazards Wildlife Unnatural and toxic

73. READ Duties – Working with the IMT Fire Information: Providing local knowledge and assistance to the teamProviding local knowledge and assistance to the team Assisting with community contactsAssisting with community contacts

74. Working with the Public, Concessionaires, and Outfitter - Guides The public and outfitters may need to be notified and/or removed from the fire area. This can include outfitter camps, resorts, and adjacent land owners.

75. READ Duties – On the Incident Information and Education for Wilderness Fires Challenges: Explain long term benefits of fire in wildernessExplain long term benefits of fire in wilderness Address short term impacts of smoke, closed trails, etc. on local communitiesAddress short term impacts of smoke, closed trails, etc. on local communities

76. Public Information Recreation visitors

77. Fire Camp Information Boards Information and PicturesInformation and Pictures Resource and wilderness concernsResource and wilderness concerns Local safety topicsLocal safety topics Jobs well doneJobs well done Local interesting stuffLocal interesting stuff

78. Emergency Stabilization (BAER) = response to mitigate threats Suppression Rehab = Restoring the effects of fire suppression Suppression Rehabilitation and Emergency Stabilization

79. Emergency Stabilization (BAER) = response to mitigate threats to values at risk Wilderness constraints generally limit BAER to: 1.Mitigation of threats to lives and property outside wilderness. 2.Response to an unnatural loss of the wilderness resource. Burned Area Emergency Restoration

80. Suppression Rehab. Considerations Restoration work can be minimized by using Minimum Impact Strategies & Techniques (MIST) during the suppression phase. The objective of restoration is to mitigate or eliminate resource damage where possible, in order to preserve natural conditions. The standards applied can significantly affect the cost of a fire.

81. READ Duties for the READ Role Promoting a better understanding of the Resource Advisor’s role among Agency Administrators, fire staff and Incident Management Teams.

83. Guidelines for Other READ Duties Team transition roles On unit vs. off unit assignments; differences and preparation Long assignments; tips to avoid burn out. Large fires, working with assistant READs, etc.

84. Transitions between IMT and Local Mgmt.  Help transition between teams or between the team and the local unit – a critical time.  Attend close-out meeting when home unit assumes responsibility for fire to include remaining rehabilitation needs and local obligations.  Identify priorities and the need for projects, including Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER). Other READ Duties with the IMT

85. Other READ/THSP Duties Off-Unit Assignments: Contact the Lead READContact the Lead READ Describe qualifications and expertiseDescribe qualifications and expertise Clarify Assistant READ or THSP roleClarify Assistant READ or THSP role Determine what to bringDetermine what to bring

86. Other READ/THSP Duties Long Assignments Avoid ‘burn-out’ and unsafe situationsAvoid ‘burn-out’ and unsafe situations Order assistant READs and THSPs earlyOrder assistant READs and THSPs early Pace yourselfPace yourself Recognize when R and R is needed and ask for itRecognize when R and R is needed and ask for it

87. Other READ Duties Large Fire Assignments Order assistant READs and THSPs earlyOrder assistant READs and THSPs early Utilize Assistant READS and THSPs effectivelyUtilize Assistant READS and THSPs effectively Understand qualifications, experience, and capabilities and match individuals to issues tasksUnderstand qualifications, experience, and capabilities and match individuals to issues tasks Insure safetyInsure safety

88. Guidelines for Other READ/THSP Duties Planned Ignitions (Prescribed Fire): Planning interdisciplinary team project planning wilderness specialist role Implementation Roles may be similar to wildfire incident

90. READ, THSP, and ROSS ROSS = Resource Ordering Status System ROSS is the system that is used to get assignments off the home unit.

91. Incident Qualification Card Red Card

92. READ IQCS position but may or may not have wilderness skillsIQCS position but may or may not have wilderness skills Wilderness THSP No IQCS position for ‘wilderness specialist’No IQCS position for ‘wilderness specialist’ Could be considered similar to THSP biologist, archaeologist, GIS specialist, etc.Could be considered similar to THSP biologist, archaeologist, GIS specialist, etc. READ/THSP and the IQC (Red Card)

93. READ/THSP and the IQC To get a Red Card: Locate the IQCS Certifying Official for your unit. Provide copies of training certificates, fitness test results, any position task books, previous experience record (if any) Certifying Official: Will require justification and certification of position (trainee vs. qualified) Proof of training Proof of training Documented experience (task books, position evaluations, etc.) Documented experience (task books, position evaluations, etc.) Could enter “wilderness specialist” on red card and sign

94. Geographic Area Coordinating Centers (GACC) and Ordering: GACC may be willing to maintain a list of : READS with wilderness qualificationsREADS with wilderness qualifications Wilderness THSPsWilderness THSPs READ/THSP and Red Cards

95. READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments The Path of a Resource Order You in Bend, OR Deschutes NF Local Dispatch NICC Southwest Coordination Center - SWCC ( the GACC) Northwest Coordination Center - NWCC ( the GACC) Albuquerque Dispatch Fire in the Cibola NF

96. Enter yourself in ROSS at: https://web.ross.nwcg.gov/webapp/rossApp/WebStatusHTML If you are available for READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments

97. READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments Important Things to Remember  Do NOT leave for your assignment without your Resource Order.  Keep a copy of your Resource Order  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.

98. When an assignment is received: READ has responsibility to inform supervisor. Get clarification of assignment (where, timeframes, rental approval, etc.) Provide dispatch travel information (air vs. ground) Carry red card, Govt ID, DL Get copy of your Resource Order. Don’t travel without it!! READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments

99. When you return after the assignment: 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. READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments

101. READ and THSP Roles Tips, Advice, and Lessons Learned

102. Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice, and Lessons Learned It’s not always like this. Really…

103. PERCEPTIONS and ASSUMPTIONS All Wilderness Resource Advisors

104. PERCEPTIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS AllFirefighters

105. Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned o Fire Management and Wilderness Management are collaborative processes o Fire management is resource management o Mutual respect and good communication go a long ways towards achieving common goals.

106. Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned For the agency administrator and the resource:  Be specific and “hands-on” as a resource advisor.  Maximize your effectiveness by learning about the area and the resources.  Understand and implement the agency administrator (line officer) objectives  Offer practical solutions  Avoid the philosophical approach

107. For the IC and the IMT:  Understand and respect fire management objectives, strategies, and tactics.  Be able and willing to work side-by-side with fire fighters – you will gain their respect.  Respect the limits of your knowledge and experience.  Communicate clearly – to everyone. Use graphics or demonstrations where possible Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned

108. Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned Be credible and creative but also be: ProactiveProtectivePersistentPracticalPatientFlexibleForthrightFocusedFitFriendly

109. Use The “Authority Of The Resource”

110. Wilderness Resource Advisor Tips* 1.Know your role with the Incident Mgmt. Team, Agency Administrator, and others. 2.Be prepared to stand up and present your case for wilderness. 3.Understand the effects of fire and fire management activities in wilderness. 4.Allow and assist fire managers to do what they should, not what they could. 5.Be a credible wilderness advocate, not a zealot. * Tom Zimmerman, former Director of Fire and Aviation, FS Southwest Region

111. Review of Key Teaching Points READ/THSP Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications The READ position is supported by the NWCG Wilderness THSP is a special qualification not in IQCS The READ position requires training and other fire qualifications READ duties and responsibilities occur pre-season, on the fire, and post-fire and on prescribed fires READs must be knowledgeable, credible, proactive, and involved

112. Additional READ Resources Wilderness Fire management Toolbox Resource Advisor Training Materials http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/

113. QUESTIONS ???