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Advanced Faller

FAL1 Incident Position Description

The Advanced Faller (FAL1) has multiple years of experience in chainsaw operations and has demonstrated proficiency in performing high complexity saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing. The FAL1 may work independently or supervise/direct other Intermediate (FAL2) and Beginner (FAL3) Fallers during fireline saw operations. The FAL1 may serve as a single resource or as a member of a firefighting crew or module. A FAL1 serving as a single resource reports to a Felling Boss (FELB)

firefighting crew or module. A FAL1 serving as a single resource reports to a Felling Boss (FELB), Strike Team/Task Force Leader (TFLD), or other assigned supervisor. The FAL1 works in the operations functional area.

Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare

  • Remain mentally and physically fit and able to determine when conditions have changed, affecting your fitness for duty status.
  • Ensure individual and equipment readiness.
  • ​Continually strive to improve, learn from others, and develop safe practices that reinforce good habits and decision making.

Mobilize

  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at the assignment. Notify incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Obtain initial briefing from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Participates in and/or directs the development and implementation of saw related objectives, priorities, and work assignments for saw team members.
  • Participate in training and mentoring Basic (FAL3) and Intermediate (FAL2) Fallers in the classroom and field.

Perform Advanced Faller-Specific Duties

  • Able to develop and safely execute a plan to resolve low to high complexity saw operations that may require unconventional techniques to meet an objective.
  • Maintain certification and qualification by demonstrating proficiency of Advanced Faller knowledge and technical skill to a qualified Advanced Faller evaluator(s) per agency protocol.
  • Display proficiency in recognizing the effects of specific tree anatomy which may influence the cut plan and defects contributing to failure. Teach less-experienced sawyers fundamental elements of tree anatomy.
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of chainsaw components and proficiency in maintenance and repair.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Establish and maintain positive communication and coordination with saw teams, your crew, adjoining resources, and supervisors in the work area.
  • Before engaging, receive a thorough briefing from the appropriate supervisor addressing all saw operation specifications and associated expectations.
  • Participate in AARs and information sharing.

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) PMS 461.
  • Apply Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) to all saw operations.
  • Plan for and manage medical emergencies.
  • Report all accidents, injuries, or near misses to supervisor
  • Comply with all standards for chainsaw operations as defined in NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and established agency standards for saw operating procedures.
  • Establish and maintain work area control
  • Develop and follow safe cutting area practices when using a swamper during saw operations.
  • Develop a Job Hazard Analysis or Risk Management Assessment for a chain saw operation.
  • Recognize changes in operational complexity and report pertinent changes to the appropriate supervisor.

Demobilize

  • Ensure equipment is in good working condition for next assignment and resupply used or damaged equipment as necessary.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate units.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to the home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the home unit.

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ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

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Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
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Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412