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Firefighter Type 2 (Crewmember)

FFT2 Incident Position Description

The Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) serves on a hand crew, engine crew, or helitack crew, performing fire suppression and fuels management duties in adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions. The FFT2 has no supervisory responsibilities and is supervised by the Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or a Single Resource Boss [Crew Boss (CRWB), Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB), Engine Boss (ENGB), Felling Boss (FELB), Firing Boss (FIRB), or Helicopter Manager (HMGB)]. The FFT2 works in the Operations functional area.

The FFT2 performs position duties commensurate with Type 2 incident complexity and characteristics stated in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book).

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain briefing from supervisor.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Acquire, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Communicate changing conditions to supervisor.

Perform Firefighter Type 2-Specific Duties

  • Establish and maintain the physical fitness level necessary to effectively perform hard physical labor for extended periods under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
  • Perform wildland fire and prescribed fire duties including suppression, preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop-up. Use standard firefighting tools such as pulaskis, shovels, McLeods, chainsaws, drip torches, and fusees to do this work.
  • Perform hand crew duties including packing heavy loads of fuel, food, water, and tools for miles over rough terrain in hot and smoky conditions to get to the work site.
  • Perform engine operations duties including running the pump, deploying hoselays, completing preventative engine maintenance checks, and effectively using water and additives.
  • Perform portable pump operator duties such as pump site selection, set up, and operation.
  • Support chainsaw operations.
  • Apply knowledge of fuels, terrain, weather, and fire behavior to decisions and actions.
  • Use Incident Command System (ICS) terminology, organization, and command structure.
  • Use and maintain personal protection equipment (PPE).
  • Follow crew standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ensure proper refurbishing and resupply of tools, vehicles, food, water and supplies.

Perform Fireline Duties

  • Use NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, to guide actions.
  • Look, listen, and learn. Ask questions when appropriate and ensure you understand instructions when they are given.
  • Ensure that instructions are clear and understood.
  • Be a student of fire. Observe interactions and operations to expand experience level.

Perform Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Duties

  • Conduct WUI operations according to guidelines stated in IRPG, incident-specific objectives and guidelines, and agency-specific guidance.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Report any changes in fire behavior or hazardous conditions to supervisor.
  • Ensure basic understanding of multichannel radio operation. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Operate within your skill level and limitations.
  • 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.
  • Report all accidents or injuries to supervisor.
  • Establish Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) before they are needed, according to IRPG guidance.​
  • Apply the Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations to your assignment, as stated in the IRPG.
  • Use Look Up, Down and Around in the IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly.
  • Identify health and safety hazards from smoke and mitigate exposure as necessary (Smoke: Know the Risks module)  
  • Comply with all safety practices and procedures.
  • Provide for health, safety, and welfare for self and those around you.

Document

Demobilize

  • Receive and follow demobilization instructions from supervisor.
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National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
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6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
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The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal