1. S-230 Crew Boss Training Single Resource Leader*
07/16/96
S-230 Crew Boss Training Single Resource Leader *

2. Welcome to Crew Boss Training
Crew Boss training target audience:
Contract Fire Supervisors
Fire wardens
Industry Foremen
Co-operators (Guide Outfitters, First Nation, Small Logging Operations, etc)
Purpose of course:
To assist potential crew leaders with the role and functions required to be efficient and effective leaders.

3. Overview
S-230 was initially developed in the United States as a three day course, and has been modified into a BCFS Standard training course.
The BCFS has developed its own version of the course which is considerably shorter in duration, 5 ½ hours.
This course stresses components of the ICS structure, where the “Crew Boss” or Single Resource Leader fits into ICS, as well as many of the important considerations of being a Crew Boss.

4. Course Objectives As a Crew Boss you should be able to:
Understand the ICS structure and where the Crew Boss fits.
Know how to properly supervise your crew.
How to set an example in safety practices.
How to maintain the safety and welfare of the crew.
Motivate the crew towards good productivity.
Maintain crew discipline in a firm and fair manner.
Maintain good communications with all supervisory personnel.

5. ICS Organization
Every incident or event has certain major management activities or actions that must be performed.
Even if the event is very small, and only one or two people are involved, these activities will still always apply to some degree.
The organization of the Incident Command System is built around five major management activities.
They are:
Command, Operations, Logistics and Finance/Administration

6. ICS continued.
COMMAND
Sets objectives and priorities, has overall responsibility at the incident or event
OPERATIONS
Conducts tactical operations to carry out the plan, develops the tactical objectives, organization, and directs all resources
PLANNING
Develops the action plan to accomplish the objectives, collects and evaluates information, maintains resource status 
LOGISTICS
Provides support to meet incident needs, provides resources and all other services
FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION
Monitors costs related to incident, accounting, & time recording

7. Fireline Organization and Personnel Summary
The position of the Crew Leader in the Fireline organization structure depends on the size and type of fire being fought as well as influencing factors such as topography, fuel and weather conditions.
The following are examples of fire situations and the appropriate personnel framework using ICS.

8. S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader 2005
Small Fire Incident
Incident Commander and any number of fire fighters.
Most Initial Attack fires would be classified as small fires. Typically IC 4 type fires.
Personnel may range from a three-person IA crew to 5 people.
Should not expand direct supervision of more than 5 personnel.

9. Small to Moderate Fire IC 4 to IC 3 type fires.
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Small to Moderate Fire
IC 4 to IC 3 type fires.
May have Task Force Leaders in place to assist with command and staff functions .

10. Moderate to Large Fire
The incident has grown in size or complexity requiring the addition of staff.
The IC will have people performing some of the command and general staff functions.

11. S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader 2006
Project Fire (Large)

12. The ICS General Staff Positions
Operations Section
Manages tactical operations of incidents.
Interact with next lower level of Section (Branch, Division/Group) to develop the operations portion of the Incident Action Plan.
Supervises the execution of the incident Action Plan for Operations.
Ensures safe tactical operations.
Maintains close communication with the Incident Commander.
Most applicable section for the Crew Boss, as he or she will be working under Operations Supervision.

13. Branch Director Operations Section Chief Division /Group Supervisor
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Operations Section Chief
Branch Director
Division /Group Supervisor
Task Force
Strike Team
Single Resource (Crew Boss)
Staging area Manager

14. Air Operations Branch Director
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Air Operations Branch Director
Operates under the supervision of Operations Section Chief
Air Support Group Supervisor
Helibase Manager
Helispot Manager
Deck Coordinator
Loadmaster
Parking Tender
Take Off and Landing Controller
Helibase Radio Operator
Helicopter Timekeeper
Air Tactical Group Supervisor
Helicopter Coordinator
Helispot Manager

15. Planning Section Chief
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Planning Section
The Planning Section collects, evaluates, processes, and disseminates information for use at the incident. When activated, the Section is managed by the Planning Section Chief who is a member of the General Staff.
Planning Section Chief
Resources Unit
Situation Unit
Documentation Unit
Demobilization Unit

16. Logistics Section Logistics Section Chief
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Logistics Section
All incident support needs are provided by the Logistics Section, with the exception of Aviation support
Logistics Section Chief
Supply Unit
Facilities Unit
Ground Support Unit
Communications Unit
Food Unit
Medical Unit

17. Finance & Admin Section
The Finance/Administration Section is responsible for managing all financial aspects of an incident.
Finance & Admin Section Chief
Time Unit
Procurement Unit
Compensations/Claims Unit
Cost Unit

18. Knowledge & Skills To successfully perform the duties required of a Crew Boss, a person must:
Be alert, thinking before acting, act decisively, use common sense and never assume anything;
Have a working knowledge of fire behaviour, be able to “size-up” the fire situation on arrival at the scene, and interpret weather information;
Understand the three attack methods, how to locate and construct a fireline, and how and when to burn off;
Know about “spot fires” and “hot spots”, how to combat them and mark their location

19. Knowledge & Skills continued
Knowledge & Skills continued To successfully perform the duties required of a Crew Leader, a person must:
Have a working knowledge of fire suppression equipment and machinery,the correct use of water and retardants, the use of a map and compass;
Have understand mop-up procedures and cold trailing;
Understand night suppression activities, and the use of flashlights or headlamps;
Be able to locate and construct heliports;
Be familiar with time keeping and the use of a daily time sheet and keep fire history notes.

20. Review of Fire Suppression Principles
The fire triangle consists of three elements – Heat, Oxygen and Fuel which go together to produce fire.
In fire control, it is usually the fuel side of the triangle that is removed.

21. Review of Fire Suppression Principles cont.
The principal factor influencing fire behaviour are fuels, weather and topography.

22. Review of Fire Suppression Principles cont.
The elements of weather activity having the most effect on fire behaviour are wind, temperature and humidity.

23. Review of Fire Suppression Principles cont.
Direct Attack method involves attacking the fire immediately adjacent to the burning fuel.

24. Review of Fire Suppression Principles cont.
The Parallel Attack method involves building a fireline as close to the fire as heat permits and burning off the fuel between the fire and the fireline.

25. Review of Fire Suppression Principles cont.
The Indirect Attack method is used on large, fast-moving fires which cannot be contained by Direct or Parallel Attack. A control line is established well ahead of the main fire, taking advantage of favourable terrain and natural breaks, then the intervening fuel is burned off (backfired) in as wide a strip as possible towards the approaching fire.

26. Review of Fire Suppression Principles cont.
The purpose of burning-off is to widen the control line and to clean up unburned pockets of fuel, thereby improving the security of the fireline.
Mop-up in each section begins as soon as that part of the line is completed, i.e., burning off where applicable.

27. Crew Safety and Welfare Safety & Welfare tips to remember:
Crew Boss should convey the rules and layout of camp to crew
Ensure the routines of camp are explained:
Meal times
Sleeping accommodations
Wash facilities
Commissary
Evaluations of crew members experience and capabilities should be made before being sent to work on the fireline

28. Crew Safety and Welfare cont.
The Crew Boss is responsible for the safety of his/her crew
Must train them if training not already completed
Set examples of safety attitudes and practices
Recognize hazardous situations and know how to deal with emergencies
Know where crew members are at all times
Ensure proper safe work distances are followed, 10ft apart

29. Crew Safety and Welfare cont.
Ensure safety zones and escape routes are known & understood by all crew members.
Raise crew members awareness of potential hazards and injuries that occur on the fireline.
Actively inspect the physical condition of crew members equipment and clothing for problems.
Be aware of the signs of fatigue, heat stroke, & dehydration, and ensure steps are taken to avoid.
Immediately report all injuries that occur, and ensure prompt treatment is received.

30. Crew Safety and Welfare cont.
Ensure contact is maintained with direct supervisor, establish check-in procedures if required.
Crew Boss must make sure crew members adequately supply themselves with drinking water, and have a lunch.
Crew Boss must remain in control of his/her emotions at all times. Work on proper communication techniques; no shouting, ensure understanding.

31. Crew Organization & Supervision Supervisory responsibilities:
Off the Fireline
Maintenance of a record of the names of all crew members.
Keep time sheets up to date for crew.
Understand fire suppression plans on large fires, and to pass on that information to crew members.
Maintain records of all equipment assigned to crew members and crew.
Conducting briefings at the beginning of shift on the day’s objectives, safety issues, key contacts, and chain of command.
Supervise the crew at all times, know where people are located.

32. Crew Organization & Supervision cont Supervisory responsibilities:
On the Fireline
Remain with the crew throughout the shift.
Carry out on the job training and evaluations in order to achieve maximum efficiency and safety.
Closely supervise work to ensure maximum fire suppression progress
Organize the crew to efficiently accomplish tasks.
Assign experienced staff to key positions.

33. Crew Organization & Supervision cont
On the Fireline
Ensure Prompt action is taken on spot fires and hot spots.
Inspecting the fireline to ensure that work assignments are being completed to a satisfactory standard.
Maintain daily work notes regarding progress and accomplishments.
Report the daily progress to supervisor and update regarding any concerns, hazards, or complications.

34. Motivation and Discipline
Motivation Keys
Always keep crew members informed of activities and progress on the fireline.
Display self confidence, honesty, and leadership.
Be able to explain and demonstrate techniques to accomplish tasks safely and efficiently, particularly to inexperienced crew members.
Be able to motivate crew members to attain good productivity.
Be able to effectively communicate one on one or in a group setting.

35. Motivation and Discipline
Maintaining crew discipline may be a Crew Boss’ most difficult job requirement. A firm but fair approach is the best
A Crew Boss must
Understand and apply leadership principles
Know how and when to discipline crew members. He must be able to recognize and handle trouble-makers.
Understand types of discipline
(verbal warnings, written warnings, suspensions and terminations)

36. Discipline Problems & Solutions Examples of problems & suggested solutions
Problem: A crewmember is blatantly critical or defiant in front of others.
Solution: Take aside for private warning; avoid open confrontation.
Problem: Someone refuses to wear safety gear, i.e. Hardhat
Solution: Remind of the importance of safety, and WCB requirements If still refuses, notify supervisor and remove from fireline.
Problem: A crew member endangering himself and others by working dangerously.
Solution: Give proper instruction, stressing everyone must place high regard for safety of themselves and others.

37. Discipline Problems & Solutions Examples of problems & suggested solutions
Problem: Person or people slacking off.
Solution: Verbal warning emphasizing need for everyone to pull their weight. Second chance should be given, be patient but firm.
Problem: Equipment is being used improperly or in an unsafe manner.
Solution: Warn the offender, if necessary show correct way to use equipment.
Problem: A crew member comes to work intoxicated or under the influence, or uses drugs on the fireline.
Solution: Immediate suspension/termination. Report incident to Supervisor.

38. A Crew Boss Should Also Know…
How to terminate employees; if the person is an unsatisfactory employee, performance or safety wise, termination is essential and should be initiated as soon as possible. Document the reasons, for future reference should justification be necessary.
In some cases, the person may be an unsatisfactory employee for any number of reasons and his release would be beneficial and should be expedited.
When a transfer from one crew to another may overcome personality conflicts. Transfers should be initiated immediately in order to rectify the problem

39. S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader 2006
Some Leadership Principles That will help establish positive relations with your crew
Be loyal to those above and below
Set a good example
Be reliable, responsible and trustworthy
Think and make effective decisions
Be approachable

40. Course Recap: S-230 The Role of a Crew Boss
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Course Recap: S-230 The Role of a Crew Boss
Key points to remember from the S-230
Understand the basic ICS structure and the role of the Crew Boss.
Proper methods and techniques in supervising a crew.
Methods to maintaining a high safety standard with your crew.
Importance of maintaining crew motivation.
The necessity to have strong, effective communication techniques.
How to deal with discipline issues.

41. Thank you for your attention
S 230 Crew Boss/ Single Resource Leader
Thank you for your attention
We hope this course will assist you job in doing your job more effectively.
Best of Luck in 2006