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Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor Roles and Responsibilities Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor

Objectives: Define the Wilderness Resource Advisor (WRA) in wilderness fire management. Share examples, tips, and lessons learned about the WRA duties and responsibilities.

The Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor and the Incident Command System The WRA position Resource Advisor (READ) Technical Specialist (THSP) Subject Matter Expert (SME) Incident Command System (ICS) Structure

ICS Position Status for the WRA The Wilderness Resource Advisor (WRA) is a Resource Advisor (READ) with WILDERNESS qualifications Similar to Biologist, Archaeologist, etc.Similar to Biologist, Archaeologist, etc.

WRA Related Positions Agency Representative (AREP), if assigned: Assists with Delegation of Authority Solicits and articulates expectations in delegation of authority to IMT Monitors safety and finance of the incident Deals with local politics

WRA Related Positions Technical Specialist (THSP) Resource specialist (biologist, archaeologist, botanist, GIS specialist, hydrologist, soil scientist, wilderness specialist, etc.) Gathers resource specific field data and observations for READ May have red card and/or READ training Fitness level requirements vary Subject Matter Expert (SME) Provides specific resource information to READ Provides specific resource information to READ May have READ training and/or red card May have READ training and/or red card Fitness level requirements vary Fitness level requirements vary

Incident Command System Organization Agency Administrator Public Information Safety Officer OperationsLogisticsPlansFinance Incident Commander

Incident Management Structure Simple Scenario Communication and Responsibilities Agency Administrator Incident Commander Agency Administrator Representative OR Resource Advisor Responsibility Communication

The Resource Advisor & the IMT Simple Scenario Communication and Responsibilities Agency Administrator Incident Commander Agency Administrator Representative Resource Advisor Responsibility Communication

Incident Command Structure Agency Administrator Lead Resource Advisor * Public Information Safety Officer OperationsLogisticsPlans Incident Commander Agency Representative Technical Specialists * (weeds, archaeology, wildlife, hydrology, soils, GIS,etc.) Finance Assistant Resource Advisor * These positions may have additional subordinate field personnel to accompany fire crews in sensitive areas or to gather information for planning and evaluation purposes.

Incident Command Structure Agency Administrator Lead Resource Advisor * Public Information Safety Officer OperationsLogisticsPlans Incident Commander Agency Representative Technical Specialists * Finance Assistant Resource Advisor * These positions may have additional subordinate field personnel to accompany fire crews in sensitive areas or to gather information for planning and evaluation purposes. Subject Matter Experts *

Where does the WRA fit in? Resource Advisor (READ) Large fires; READ can be generalist Small to medium size fires; do all jobs READ can have special quals. (i.e. wilderness specialist) Assistant Resource Advisor READ in camp, WRA in wilderness or both Technical Specialist (THSP) Wilderness specialist Subject Matter Expert (SME) Wilderness specialist

Pre-planning duties for the WRA Preparation for fire season incidents: Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management Planning and

Pre-planning duties for the WRA Preparation for fire season incidents: 1. clarify wilderness fire management objectives with ID team and Agency Administrator 2. establish or review process for analysis and approval of motorized equipment 3. establish protocols and contacts for transmittal of information to IMT (i.e. listed species concerns, arch. sites, invasives etc.) 4. create duty schedule for WRAs and technical resource specialists Other ideas ???

Pre-planning duties for the WRA Potential Fire Cache Items: Lightweight pumps on portable frames. Spill kits and containment systems for pumps. Log carriers & peavies for line construction and rehab. Fire pans. Bear proof food containers. Portable toilets. Scrim (ground cloth for high traffic spike camp areas) Other ideas or specific items for your area ???

Typical Areas of Responsibility: Safety Reconnaissance & Analysis Planning & Strategies Reports & Documentation Operations & Management

Key Roles on Incidents WFSA and/or WFIP preparationWFSA and/or WFIP preparation IMT BriefingIMT Briefing Working with the agency administratorWorking with the agency administrator Working with the IMTWorking with the IMT Working with BAER teamsWorking with BAER teams Reports and DocumentationReports and Documentation The WRA KitThe WRA Kit Other situationsOther situations

Resource Advisor’s Primary Role The Resource Advisor represents the Agency Administrator to: Provide information to the IMT Communicates agency resource concerns to the IMT. The exact nature of the role will vary with individuals and between incidents but should be spelled out in the Delegation of Authority letter. The Role of the Resource Advisor is supported by the Agency Administrator, the IC, Plans, Operations, etc.

The WRA Role Is Performed By: Anticipating, identifying and evaluating potential impacts of fire operations and the fire on natural and cultural resources. Communicating needs for resource protection to the Incident Management Team. Identifying local information needs, political concerns, and contacts. This may include: Tribal contacts and concerns International coordination

WRA Role - Continued: Coordinating the integration of resource concerns. Ensuring that planned mitigation measures are carried out effectively. Guiding the development of short & long term natural and cultural resource restoration documents. Suppression activity rehab. Burned Area Emergency Rehab. (BAER)

WRA General Guidelines: Qualified WRAs are needed on most fires BUT they do not have to be experts in every field to be effective. Important areas of expertise: Know whom to contact at any time of day or night. Be able to communicate effectively.

WRA Resource Management Skills and Abilities WRA Resource Management Skills and Abilities Ability to acquire knowledge of the area: Topographic features Critical areas Types of visitors and inhabitants Improvements, roads, etc. Vegetation types and conditions Natural processes Natural processes Fire behavior Fire behavior Basic compass and map reading skills.

Knowledge of Local Resource Concerns, Laws, Policy & Plans Ability to acquire knowledge of local land use plans and management, people, and politics International coordination Knowledge of existing guidelines & policies related to significant natural & cultural resource management Cultural sensitivity

Communication Skills Effective communication is essential. Incident Management Team (all levels) Agency administrator Internal agency coordination Public information Skills needed: Practice active listening Lose the whining Keep the sincerity and passion Be concise and focused

Other Skills Think outside the box – be creative Provide feasible alternatives for consideration as needed in the process Choose your battles carefully Be flexible when necessary

Necessary Resource Management Knowledge Applied ecology Fire science, behavior, and management tactics Wilderness resource protection and stewardship

Fire Management Knowledge Basic knowledge of both fire effects and fire suppression impacts. Basic understanding of Wildland Fire Suppression, Fire Use, and Prescribed Fire Management Policy. Working knowledge of the ICS (who does what on the IMT)

Knowledge and experience in fire behavior, effects, suppression and management is essential to the Resource Advisor’s effectiveness and quality of advice Knowledge and experience in fire behavior, effects, suppression and management is essential to the Resource Advisor’s effectiveness and quality of advice.

WFSA and/or WFIP preparation Select the resource compartments, polygons, or information management system componentsSelect the resource compartments, polygons, or information management system components Access, adjacent land ownership, equipment restrictions, etc.Access, adjacent land ownership, equipment restrictions, etc. Resource components (veg., soils, fish and wildlife, arch. sites., invasives, etc.)Resource components (veg., soils, fish and wildlife, arch. sites., invasives, etc.) Extract information from sources and provide input on specific concernsExtract information from sources and provide input on specific concerns Identify key internal and external contactsIdentify key internal and external contacts

WFSA and/or WFIP preparation Insert wilderness management concerns and objectives into process as needed Tips, advice, and lessons learned ???

Roles on Incidents Delegation of Authority Letter to IMT Insure that the Delegation of Authority letter includes: WRA identified and role definedWRA identified and role defined Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.)Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.) Motorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authoritiesMotorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authorities

Roles on Incidents IMT Transition Briefing Briefing Packet includes: WRA identified and role definedWRA identified and role defined Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.)Management objectives for key wilderness resource concerns (structure protection, arch. sites, invasives, etc.) Motorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authoritiesMotorized equipment and aircraft use restrictions, approval process and authorities Tips, advice, lessons learned ??? Tips, advice, lessons learned ???

Working with the Agency Administrator The WRA should: Gain a pre-incident understanding of objectives and expectations. Fire management Wilderness management Communicate early and often with Agency Administrator and IMT. Determine what the agency administrator wants and needs Use active listening as an essential tool Tips, advice, lessons learned ???

WRA Roles – Working with the IMT

Incident Command System Organization Agency Administrator Resource Advisor Public Information Safety Officer OperationsLogisticsPlansFinance Incident Commander

WRA Roles – Working with the IMT PlansPlans OperationsOperations SafetySafety InformationInformation

WRA Roles To be successful working with the IMT: Identify yourself to the IMT and be sure they know how to find you. Stay in camp, not at home Wear a Resource Advisor name tag

WRA Roles – Working with the IMT Plans Articulate agency administrator concernsArticulate agency administrator concerns Provide information for the IMTProvide information for the IMT Provide information for IAPsProvide information for IAPs Identify concerns for snags, water, fish and wildlife, arch., and invasivesIdentify concerns for snags, water, fish and wildlife, arch., and invasives Prepare and suppression activity rehab. guidelines and needsPrepare and suppression activity rehab. guidelines and needs Recognize good workand use of MISTRecognize good work and use of MIST Participate in meetings and briefingsParticipate in meetings and briefings

Morning Briefings Night Shift Briefings

WRA Roles – Working with the IMT Typical Operations Roles Divisions Supervisor, Crew Boss, others Divisions Supervisor, Crew Boss, others use of MIST and recognizing good workuse of MIST and recognizing good work Air ops. Air ops. helispots, water dip locations, etc.helispots, water dip locations, etc. Logistics Logistics spike camps locations, sanitation, etc.spike camps locations, sanitation, etc.

Examples of potential Operations concerns for the WRA: Chainsaws Fire line work Snag falling Retardant Spike camps Structure or cultural resource protection Invasives Pumps and water use Helicopter use and helispots Aircraft landings

WRA Roles with Operations

Operations Mop-up Considerations Mop-up standards are a decision negotiated between the Forest, the IC or Team, and the line overhead. Strive for the minimum necessary to secure the line from escape, based on anticipated weather. The standard is a balance between resource values and the ability to mitigate for safety. Minimizing mop-up impacts requires longer monitoring/patrolling and the element of risk Minimizing mop-up impacts requires longer monitoring/patrolling and the element of risk.

Roles – Working with the IMT Safety - Local concerns and objectives Examples: Hazard tree removal or mitigation standardsHazard tree removal or mitigation standards Personnel safety (local wildlife, climate, transportation issues)Personnel safety (local wildlife, climate, transportation issues)

Site Specific Safety Hazards your visitors might like to know about

WRA Roles – Working with the IMT Fire Information – Providing local knowledge and assistance Examples: Fire camp information boardsFire camp information boards Community or visitor contactsCommunity or visitor contacts direct direct indirect indirect

Information Boards If they exist – use them! If they don’t, work with the PIO and create ‘em

So What to put on a Board? Pictures of the *Good, the Bad and the Ugly, *Especially the Good *Especially the Dramatic *and of course the Fun!

Jobs well done! The eagles stayed on the nest and successfully fledged their young Routine work and special assignments For example,

Trail and Road Closures If people know the why, then they are more likely to follow the rule.

Not such a good job...

Looks like an oops..... but it is candling out fine...

Working with the Public and Outfitters - Guides - etc (people who make their living from the wilderness) The public may need to be notified and/or removed from the fire area. This can include outfitter camps and adjacent land owners. And...

... it may include Local Resorts & Concessions

and posting information in highly visible locations

Other Roles with the IMT

BAER = Restoring the effects of the fire Suppression or BAER Restoration Suppression Rehab = Restoring the effects of fire suppression

Restoration Considerations Restoration work can be minimized by using Minimum Impact Strategies & Techniques (MIST) during the suppression phase. The objective of restoration is to mitigate or eliminate resource damage where possible, in order to preserve natural conditions. The standards applied can significantly affect the cost of a fire.

Probable Roles for the WRA & BAER Liaison between Agency Administrator & BAER Team Technical advisor for local issues Wilderness specialist Maintains documentation for unit Motorized authorizations/reports for wilderness use

Transitions between IMT Local Mgmt. Help transition between teams or between the team and the local unit – a critical time. Attend close-out meeting when home unit assumes responsibility for fire to include remaining rehabilitation needs and local obligations. Identify priorities and the need for projects, including Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER). Tips, advice, lessons learned ???

Reports and Documentation Unit Log (ICS-214) Record important information What does the agency administrator want recorded? What does the agency administrator want recorded? Submit to Plans WRA Report Trail conditions – work needed Visitor structures or facilities damaged or destroyed (i.e. signs, bridges, camp structures, etc.)

The Resource Advisor’s Tool Kit

Basic Line Gear Standard safety gear, including fire shelter and communications device. Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) MIST Guidelines &. Incident Action Plan. Flagging & felt tip markers. Digital camera Nametag. Fire tool. Area map and compass Resource maps and information

Additional Equipment and Tools Lap top computer Resource maps with critical protection areas delineated Wilderness Fire Guidelines for your wilderness MIST Guidelines on disk/stick Rehabilitation standards on disk Posters for crew info. boards Fire Line Handbook – NFES 0065 Fire and Aviation Ops. –redbook NFES2724 Web sites (i.e. Fire Management Toolbox at

Other stuff Tips, advice, lessons learned ???

Other situations Other situations : On-unit vs. Off-unit assignments; differences in roles and preparation Different skills needed Long assignments; hazards and watch- outs Alternatives Large fire organizations; working with assistants

Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned Be specific and “hands-on” as a resource advisor. The more you know about the specific area, the more effective you’ll be to the Agency Administrator, the IMT and the resource. A philosopher will not get the job done unless they offer practical solutions A philosopher will not get the job done unless they offer practical solutions.

Resource Advisor’s Role Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned Be credible and creative but also be: ProactiveProtectivePersistentPracticalPatientFitFlexibleForthrightFocusedFabulous

Fire line work

Snag Falling

Pumps & Water Use

Helispot Location & Construction

Air Operations

Spike Camp Management Be involved in selecting sites. Be there with the spike camp manager before the crews get there. Define expectations for camp.

Spike Camp Sanitation

Structure & Heritage Resource Protection

Preventing The Introduction of Noxious Weeds & Invasive Plants

Other Roles Promoting a better understanding of the Resource Advisor’s role among Agency Administrators, fire staff and Incident Command Teams.

The IC – RA Relationship Simple fire : IC RA Moderately complex fire : IC RA Natural Resource Specialist Cultural Resource Specialist Heavily complex fire: IC RA Natural Specialist Botanist, Fisheries, Forester, Hydrologist, Soils Cultural Specialist Archaeologist, Tribal Rep, Historian, Historical Architect

BASIC TIPS Don’t assume that everyone speaks English or is literate – where possible use graphics or demonstrations. Be able and willing to work side-by-side with fire fighters – you will gain their respect. Respect the limits of your knowledge and experience.

Use The “Authority Of The Resource”

Example: Need to locate the helispot in the opening ¼ mile west of the timbered ridge top location shown on the map Why? “ Because I’m the wilderness resource advisor and I have a delegation of authority that empowers me to make these decisions.” Why? “Because taking advantage of the natural opening will eliminate the need to fell 20 trees. It’s the minimum necessary action to insure that when we leave here there will be no lasting impacts from our activities.”

Qualifications

RA’s Are Not Always Line Certified, but: Resource Advisors who won’t leave base camp are required to have Standards for Survival. Resource Advisors who are not line certified and go on the line must be with someone who is line certified and have Taken Standards for Survival Passed a Light Work Capacity Test Carry a Red Card

To Be Line Certified: Resource Advisors should have: Training: Standards for Survival. I-100 – Introduction to ICS S-130 – Basic Firefighting Training S-190 – Introduction to Fire Behavior Passed the Work Capacity Test Carry a Red Card

Other Suggested Courses: S-244 – Field Observer S Intermediate Fire Behavior (self study available) S Fire Suppression Tactics RX – 340 – Introduction to Fire Effects S-580 – Advanced Fire Use Applications Fire in Ecosystem Management Leave No Trace

Qualifying Experience Other fire experience Wilderness knowledge and experience One satisfactory training assignment (suggested)

Physical Fitness Meet the minimum physical fitness requirements of your unit. The Strenuous Work Capacity Test is recommended In order to access areas of concern. To gain credibility with fire fighters.

Duties & Responsibilities

Areas of Responsibility: Safety Reconnaissance & Analysis Planning & Strategies Reports & Documentation Operations & Management

Safety Precautions Communicate with the team Get listed in the Incident Action Plan Check-in and out with Division Supervisor Follow the “10 Standard Fire Orders” Be aware of the “18 Situations That Shout Watch-out” Use LCES

LCES Lookouts Communications Escape Routes Safety Zones

Carry: A map & communication plan, IAP A programmable scanning radio Appropriate fire gear, including a tool!

Regular Duties

Fire Resource Advisor Concerns Related To Special Provisions: Is there a need to protect structures associated with special provisions? Will outfitters be impacted, camps and/or clients? How will they be notified?

Advanced Planning Has any preplanning been done? What guidance can the ID team provide the agency administrator and incident team? What resources need to be protected? What specialists would need to be involved in developing a WFSA? Are specialists available on forest? Who is a back-up when they are gone? Gather interdisciplinary specialists and do a practice WFSA

Working With Teams & Crews

Other Duties

Media & Public Relations Fire Education - about wilderness fires and their natural role Fire Information - about fire behavior and management activities Fire Information - about fire behavior and management activities

Wilderness Fire Resource Advisor Roles and Responsibilities

WRA Roles – Working with the IMT Fire Information – Providing local knowledge and assistance Examples: Community or visitor contactsCommunity or visitor contacts Fire camp information boardsFire camp information boards

Information Boards

Working with the Public and Outfitter-Guides The public may need to be notified and/or removed from the fire area. This can include outfitter camps, and adjacent land owners.

Public Information