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Resources Unit Leader

RESL Incident Position Description

The Resources Unit Leader (RESL) establishes incident check-in and resource tracking activities, including preparing and processing resource status information on an incident. The RESL works in a team environment to coordinate with other sections to achieve incident goals and objectives and meet reporting requirements. The RESL is responsible for compiling, printing, distributing, and filing the final corrected Incident Action Plan (IAP). The RESL is also responsible for maintaining a master list of operational resources assigned to the incident and may also be responsible for non-operational resources. The RESL may supervise the Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN). The RESL works in the Planning functional area and reports to the Planning Section Chief (PSC). 

Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate the readiness of personnel and equipment.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and consistent feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Resources Unit Leader-Specific Duties

  • Gather and verify information on resource status.
  • Order and track incoming resources.
  • Maintain a resource status system to reflect the function, organization, status, and location of resources on the incident.
  • Prepare and manage the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
  • Provide current information on the status of resources to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
  • Assist with coordinating the demobilization of operational resources.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Attend incident briefings and meetings.
  • Maintain continuity of daily operations with other sections and units.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Maintain physical and mental safety of self and assigned resources.
  • Adhere to established guidelines for work/rest, personal protective equipment (PPE), and communication.
  • Monitor length of assignment for operational resources.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate as appropriate. 

Document

  • File required documents as appropriate for each operational period.

Demobilize

  • Plan for transition.
  • Plan for demobilization. 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: April 23, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

The NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 standardizes processes and procedures for the interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This updated publication provides the aviation community with standards to ensure UAS are used safely, effectively, and efficiently in support of fire management goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

NWCG National Interagency Aviation Committee

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 

NWCG Position Catalog