Wildland Fire Investigation, FI–210 Origin and Cause Determination

dispatch.
List observations that may be encountered en route to and upon arrival at a wildfire.
Describe the proper steps to be taken upon arrival as a First Responder to a wildfire
Identify the proper steps to be taken while in a wildfire area, during the post response phase.
UNIT 6 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
6-1 ICS – Chain of Command
A chain of command helps any organization operate smoothly efficiently. The same is true
when an incident such as a wildland fire occurs. That’s when the Incident Command System (ICS)
comes into play.
6-2 ICS – Unit Objectives
This review will give you a working knowledge of ICS organization, terminology and
common responsibilities.
6-3 ICS – Introduction
The Incident Command System is used to manage both emergency and non-emergency events,
large or small, human-caused or natural phenomena, that require action by emergency service
personnel to prevent or minimize loss of life or damage to property and natural resources.
Examples include fire (both structural and wildfire), hazardous material situations, search and
rescue, oil spills, forest pest eradication, planned events such as parades or political rallies, just to
name a few.
6-4 ICS – Incidents
The vast number of incidents that occur every day across the country, from major wildland fires
that can last for months, to a city shop fire that’s over in a few hours, require many different agencies
to work together in a smooth, coordinated effort under the same management system. ICS is very
flexible. It can grow or shrink to meet the needs of a specific event, making it extremely cost efficient.
6-5 ICS – Activities
ICS is organized around five major activities – Command, Operations, Planning,
Logistics, and Finance/Administration. Let’s take a closer look at each one of these.
6-6 ICS – Command
Command is headed by an Incident Commander who may have one or more deputies,
either from the same agency or from other agencies or jurisdictions. They have overall
responsibility and will set objectives and priorities for managing the incident.
Directly under the IC and any deputies is the Command Staff, who may also have
assistants.