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Supply Unit Leader

SPUL Incident Position Description

The Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) is primarily responsible for ordering personnel, equipment, and supplies for wildland fire incidents. The SPUL is responsible for overseeing and supervising the ordering and receiving process and determining the right size inventory for the incident. The SPUL may supervise a Receiving and Distribution Manager (RCDM), an Ordering Manager (ORDM), or Camp Crews assisting in the Supply Area. The SPUL reports to the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) or the Support Branch Director (SUBD) and works in the Logistics functional area.

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.
  • Check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment SPUL as necessary.
  • Attend the Agency Administrator or Incident Management Team (IMT) in-brief.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Supply Unit Leader-Specific Duties

  • Develop plans with the Ordering Unit to provide Operations and the Resource Unit with mobilization updates as required or needed daily.
  • Secure the Supply Unit footprint, develop the layout, and sign the Unit area appropriately.
  • Develop a kit that meets the needs of the Supply Unit (forms, tools, initial set up, etc.)
  • Establish Unit expectations and define any needs/meetings.
  • Review Supply Unit layout and communicate with Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL), Security, and the Facilities Unit Leader (FACL) on access of deliveries, parking, and room to expand.
  • Review expectations for the RCDM on deliveries and with the ORDM on ordering process.
  • Maintain communication with Expanded Dispatch, Incident Business Advisor (IBA), Buying Team, and cache.
  • Obtain feedback from incident to ensure schedule of incoming supplies is appropriate.
  • Ensure requested time frames are met and deadlines are firm.
  • Develop delivery times for cache trailers to ensure supply needs are met.
  • Attend operational planning meetings as needed to coordinate incoming resource needs.
  • Ensure all inappropriate actions involving contractor personnel are reported to the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) using appropriate procedures.
  • Develop ordering statement or copy of General Message (ICS 213) for IAP.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across Incident Command System (ICS) functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources
    • Adjacent resources
    • Supervisor
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios or phones. Prepare and program radios for assignment for Supply Unit Resources. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).
  • Prepare unit narrative and submit to LSC if applicable.
  • Prepare information for briefings and meetings.

Manage Risk

  • 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
    • Consult with Safety and Security as necessary
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.
  • Ensure appropriate health and safety measures are adhered to in the Supply Unit.
  • Store and record all hazardous material in appropriate manner according to label.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Maintain records of supplies ordered and received and file daily.

Demobilize

  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with operations/planning sections to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Develop Supply Unit transition plan to include in the Logistics Transition Plan.
  • Communicate with Cache on truck schedule to return supplies and organize the packing of the trailer with shipping bill.
  • Communicate with LSC on labor needs to break down Supply Unit.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
  • During transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200