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Infrared Interpreter

IRIN decorative banner: photos depicting IRIN position. IRIN Position Description: The Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) directs infrared mapping operations when assigned.

An Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) is responsible for interpreting infrared (IR) imagery from National Infrared Operations (NIROPS) sensors to determine the heat perimeter of fires. They produce GIS-ready files, GIS layers, geo-referenced PDF maps, KMZs, and logs. The IRIN works remotely and often independently but reports to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL). If no SITL is assigned, the IRIN reports to the Plans Section Chief (PSC) for a Type 1, 2, or 3 fire. For a Type 4 fire, the IRIN reports to the Fire Management Officer (FMO) or Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO). The IRIN works in the Planning functional area.

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Planning Section Chief (PSC3) Resources Unit Leader (RESL) Status/Check-in Recorder (SCKN) Situation Unit Leader (SITL) Field Observer (FOBS) Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO) Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) Display Processor (DPRO) Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS) Document Unit Leader (DOCL) Demobilization Leader (DMOB) Interagency Resource Representative (IARR) Human Resource Specialist (HRSP) Incident Training Specialist (TNSP) Planning Section Chief (PSCC)

The Forest Service and Department of Interior are enabled by Administratively Determined Pay Plans (AD Pay Plans) to hire persons for temporary duration for the following reasons:

  1. To cope with a sudden and unexpected emergency caused by a fire, or extreme fire potential, flood, storm, or any other all-hazard emergency that threatens damage to federally protected property, has the potential to cause loss of life, serious injury, public health risk, or damage to natural or cultural resources unless brought under immediate control.
  2. To provide emergency assistance to states under formalized agreements.
  3. To meet mission assignments issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Business Committee (IBC) reviews positions annually and establishes pay rate classifications for each position.

For more information on the AD Pay Plans, visit Incident Business Committee.

Date: Jun 2022

Added: Incident Position Description (IPD) approved.

Date: Oct 2012

Added: Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) position to transition plan.

Date: Oct 1993

Position created.

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Primary Committee: Data Management Committee
Steward: Geospatial Subcommittee
Key Stakeholder(s): Incident Planning Subcommittee


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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee