FIRESCOPE OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER P.OJ BOX RIVERSIDE, CAUF6RNIA ATSS (714)

Transcription

1 FIRESCOPE OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER P.OJ BOX RIVERSIDE, CAUF6RNIA ATSS (714) September 27, 1991 To: OES Fire and Rescue Advisory Committee FIRESCOPE Board of Directors Attached is the Task Force report on NWCG proposed modifications to the Wildland Fire Training and Qualifications System. Both Operations Teams concur with the Task Force report and recommend the Chair of the Board of Directors send the attached letter to the Chair of NWCG conveying FIRESCOPE's concerns and support. Enclosed is a second letter to NWCG requesting formulations of a position on the NWCG res Working Team. This position is key in the National Standardization of res, and both Operations Teams fully support this effort. John Bryant, Chair FIRESCOPE Operations Team South Stan Lake, Chair FIRESCOPE Operations Team North

2 FIRESCOPE OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER P.O. 801< RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA ATSS (7U) September 27, 1991 MR. LEE BARKOW, Chairman, NWCG Chief, Fire and Aviation Management USDI, Bureau of Land Management 1725 "I" Street, N. W., Room 208 Washington, DC Dear Mr. Barkow: On August 29, 1991, the FIRESCOPE Task Force met with Dan Francis, as a member of NWCG Training Working Team, and Gary Nelson, as a member of NWCG ICS Working Team. During this meeting Dan and Gary were able to provide significant insight into NWCG modifications to the Wildland Fire Training and Qualifications Systems proposal dated August 8, We would like to note that after receiving the package on curriculum proposal comments, it is apparent the Working Teams put great effort into addressing a vast number of responses from across the nation. appears that many of California's concerns were incorporated into the "Final Proposal". There are several key issues should be addressed in order for FIRESCOPE to fully embrace this proposal. These are listed below: After reviewing the response concerning Section Chief courses, we still believe these positions need individual position training. The benefits of having people meet and train together in the same discipline exchanging experiences and information is invaluable. In a multiagency setting, this also has a spin-off benefit of increasing interagency confidence among agencies. Concerns identified on the proposed four "I" courses have been acknowledged as valid concerns which will be given consideration during curriculum development. To insure these concerns are given proper considerations, we suggest that the FIRESCOPE Decision Process have a representative assigned to assist with this curriculum development. It is imperative that the "I" Courses and all appropriate "S" Courses maintain an all-risk flavor. The Position Task Books and Job Aids need to have the ability to provide all-risk skill testing. We understand the need to train people from the firefighter level through single resource supervisor. It is a good idea to address this level of training in NWCG Certs/Quals, but formal training through specific courses should not be a requirement below the Strike Team/Task Force Leader level. Training below this level should be a guide for agencies to measure their in-house training. It is the our opinion that, if these key points as well as many other suggestions from across the nation are incorporated, into the NWCG Proposal, the system will be readily accepted. We are anxious that the FIRES COPE Decision Process be included in reviewing these programs as they are developed by NWCG and we can assist in maintaining the all-risk application of the training material.

3 Please direct response to this request to me at Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, 2010 Geary Road, Pleasant Hill, CA Sincerely, WILLIAM MAXFIELD, Chair OES Fire and Rescue Advisory Committee FIRESCOPE Board of Directors cc: FIRESCOPE Board of Directors Richard A. Wilson, Director CDF Dick Henry, Director Fire and Aviation Management USFS California Wildfire Coordinating Group Mike Dougherty, FIRESCOPE Task Force Chair

4 FIRESCOPE OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER P.O. BO~ RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA ATSS (714) October 2, 1991 MR. LEE BARKOW, Chairman, NWCG Chief, Fire and Aviation Management USDI, Bureau of Land Management 1725 "I" Street, N. W., Room 208 Washington, DC Dear Mr. Barkow: Over the past several years the FIRESCOPE Decision Process has had an informal link with both the NWCG ICS Working and Training Teams. This was accomplished by having Gary Nelson of the Los Angeles County Fire Department serve as a member of the ICS Working Team and Dan Francis of CDF assigned to the Training Working Team. To date this informal relationship has worked effectively in relating the California Fire Services input to NWCG proposals and issues. The FIRESCOPE Board of Directors would like to formalize this relationship between the lifornia Fire Service and these NWCG Working Teams. Presently both Gary and Dan are this link by communicating, on an ongoing basis, with the FIRESCOPE Decision Process. If for any reason, either Gary or Dan could no longer serve as members of the Working Teams, the FIRESCOPE Board of Directors would like the opportunity to designate a replacement. Please direct response to this request to me at Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, 2010 Geary Road, Pleasant Hill, CA Sincerely, WILLIAM MAXFIELD, Chair OES Fire and Rescue Advisory Committee FIRESCOPE Board of Directors cc: FIRESCOPE Board of Directors Richard A. Wilson, Director CDF Dick Henry, Director Fire and Aviation Management USFS California Wildfire Coordinating Group Mike Dougherty, FIRESCOPE Task Force Chair

5 FIRE~COPE OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER P.O. BOX RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA ATSS (714) December 1 7, 1991 TO: Fire and Rescue Service Advisory Committee/FIRESCOPE Board of Directors The FIRESCOPE Multi-Casualty documents are now in the final stages. The Task Force has recommended changing the title of Ground and Air Ambulance Staging Manager to Ground and Air Ambulance Coordinator. This recommended change is to better define the role. of these positions and not to confuse the role of Staging as it relates to the Operations Section Chief who has responsibility for establishing the Staging Areas. This change will require the Fire and Rescue Service Advisory Committee/FIRESCOPE Board of Directors to reapprove the Multi-Casualty Operational System Description (ICS-MC-120-1). It also has a ripple effect throughout the remainder of the documents. This effect is basically changing terminology to reflect the duties of Ground and Air Ambulance not as Staging Area Managers, but as Coordinators for the use of ground ambulances and equipment, as well as loading and transport of patients by air ambulances. These documents have been through several levels of review, not only by the departments involved with their development, but by potential users in other States. There has been one Test Course conducted which was hosted by the Orange County Fire Department which was very successful. In order not to further delay the distribution of these documents to our users the Operations Teams, North and South, request the Fire and Rescue Service Advisory Committee/FIRESCOPE Board of Directors approve the changes to the Multi Casualty Operational System Description (ICS-MC-120-1) and approve the remaining documents in their entirety. Also, direct the Task Force to review the documents one last time to make sure all the Multi-Casualty Operational System Description (ICS-MC-120-1) changes have been made throughout all documents prior to distribution through Document Control. Sinzz 1-Bryant, Chair FIRESCOPE Operations Team South

6 OPERATIONS COORDINATION CENTER P.O. BOX RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA ATSS (714) December 10, 1991 John Bryant. Chair FIRESCOPE Operations Team South 2524 Mulberry Street Riverside, CA Stan Lake, Chair FIRESCOPE Operations Team North P.O. Box Sacramento, CA Dear Mr. Bryant and Mr. Lake, While reviewing N.W.C.G.'s proposed curriculum changes to I.C.S. Training, it has come to the Task Force's attention that N.W.C.G. has changed, or is recommending changes, to the I.C.S. Operational System Description {ICS-120-1). The following is a brief explanation of the changes or recommendations: 1. The defmition of a Task Force has been changed to eliminate the concept that Task Forces are for short term use only. 2. The term "segment" has been developed to refer to a subdivision of a division. 3. The term "complex" was defined to match actual use for multiple incidents. 4. The section on Unified Command was strengthened to match the concepts in the NFES Booklet. 5. Terms and examples have been changed to meet the needs of "All Risk" users. 6. The section on large incidents was changed to include the use of complex, Area Command, and to clarify the relationship. 7. The responsibility of developing the Incident Traffic Plan was shifted from the Situation Unit Leader to the Ground Support Unit Leader. 8. The Introduction was changed to better reflect the "All Risk" application of I.C.S. In addition to the above items listed, the N.W.C.G. intends to: 9. Provide an explanation of the Planning Process. 10. Add a Glossary ofterms. Attached is the Task Force's position and recommendations on these issues. As of this date we have not received a written proposal on these issues.

7 The reasons the Task Force is bringing these items to your attention is to exemplify: 1. The FIRESCOPE I.C.S. documents and organization be the same as N.W.C.G.'s. 2. These changes, v.ith the exception of Item 2, should be adopted by FIRESCOPE, through the Decision Process. 3. The changes adopted by N.W.C.G. which are in conflict with FIRESCOPE be identified and realized by all agencies. 4. The FIRESCOPE Board of Directors attempt to have N.W.C.G". correct these conflicts through their Decision Process. In addition, the Task Force, in developing the response to the Consortium, made. the assumption that our reconunendations on these issues would be approved and were reflected in that document. If there are any questions or comments please feel free to call me at ~OUGHERIY, Chair FIRESCOPE Task Force

8 ' NWCG PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE ICS OSD Change #1 Proposed Change Has Been Implemented in the NWCG Fireline Handbook Change Description: Definition of "Task Force" will be changed to eliminate the word "temporary" from the definition. Associated Impacts: Will provide for additional flexibility in the use of Task Force. Will require change to the OSD, FOG, MACS 410-2, and those res lesson plans and training documents which address the use of Task Force. Recornrnendation(s): Proposed. change will be of benefit and should be supported. In support of this proposed change, the phrase " should be demobilized as single resources." should be removed from the OSD's description of a Task Force. Change #2 Proposed Change Has Been Implemented in the NWCG Fireline Handbook Cha nge Description: The term "segment" will be added to res nomenclature to provide Division andjor Group Supervisor with a standard methodology for sub-dividing the Division or Group. Segment will have its own 1

9 on-the-ground identifier an~ map symbol. The identifier for segment will not be used as a radio identifier and in most cases, will not be used in the planning process. Associated Impacts: Will serve to standardize methodology used for sub-dividing a Division or Group. Provides for official res recognition for a term which is used by other res users, specifically law enforcement. Will create another pseudo-official level of organization within res. Has the potential for clearing the way for re-emergence of the term "sector". Proposed use of segment has the potential for use, by its definition, outside the confines of Division and Group, thus eroding the res organizational structure. Will require change to the OSD, FOG, and those res lesson plans and training documents which address Division and Group, and the planning process. Recommendation(s) Segment should not be given formal recognition within existing res organizational structure. The radio designator for those strike teams, task forces, andjor single resources assigned to a Division or Group should continue to serve as the on-the-ground identifiers when a Division or Group is sub-divided. 2

10 Change #3 Proposed Change Has been Implemented in the NWCG Fireline Handbook Change Description: A section will be developed which is dedicated to explaining the use of ~ complex. Associated Impacts: Will provide for term recognition within the OSD Provides an explanation of a complex which will match its actual use on multiple incidents. Will require change to the OSD, FOG, and those ICS lesson plans and training documents which address large incident management. Recommendation(s): Proposed change will be of benefit and should be supported. Graphic associated with the section on complexes will need to be re-done. Proposed graphic does not provide support to the written explanation of a complex. 3

11 Change #4 Proposed Change Only Change Description: Section on "Unified Command" will be re-written. Explanation of Unified Command will be strengthened, paralleling the concepts of Unified Command found in the NFES booklet. Re-write will eliminate the sub-section which discusses private landowner participation in Unified Command. Associated Impacts: Will improve on the existing explanation found in the OSD. Will require change to the OSD. Recommendation(s): Proposed Change will be of benefit and should be supported. Change Description : Change #5 Proposed Change Only Terminology used throughout the OSD which references a single discipline (eg: fire protection agency) will be changed to a generic form (eg:agency) to reflect the "all-risk" nature of res. 4

12 Associated Impacts: Change will serve to strengthen the "all risk" application of res. Will require change to the OSD. Recommendation(s) Proposed Change will be of benefit in supporting the all risk application of res. With FIRESCOPE's position on the need for emphasising the all risk application of res, it would be difficult not to support this proposed change.. It should be recommended that when this proposed change is implemented, some of the graphics found in the OSD should also be changed to reflect all risk applications. Change #6 Proposed Change Has Been Implemented in the NWCG Fireline Handbook Change Description: Section on Large Incidents will be changed to include sections on "Complex" and "Area Command". Sections will provide explanations on the use of Complex and Area Command. Area Command Authority will be changed to Area Command. 5

13 Associated Impacts: Will provide term recognition for complex within the OSD. Establishes andjor improves on definitions for Complex and Area Command.. Will require change to the OSD, FOG, and those res lesson plans and training documents which address large incident management. Recommendation(s): Proposed Change will be of benefit and should be supported. Change #7 Proposed Change Has Been Implemented in the NWCG Fireline Handbook Change Description: The responsibility for developing the Incident Traffic Plan will be shifted from the Situation Unit Leader to the Ground Support Unit Leader. Associated Impacts: Will place the responsibility for developing the Incident Traffic Plan on the same Unit which has the responsibility for plan implementation. Will require change to the OSD, FOG, and those 6

14 res lesson plans 4nd training documents which address the Incident Traffic Plan. Recommendation(s): Proposed Change will be of benefit and should be supported. Change Description: Change #8 Proposed Change Only Eliminates from the OSD Introduction those sections which describe the NIIMS and NIFQS relationships with res. Associated Impacts: Introduction will be reduced to one paragraph, written to provide only an overview of res. Will require change to the OSD. Recommendation(s): Proposed Change will be of benefit and should be supported. Change Description: Change #9 Proposed Change Only 7

15 An explanation of the "Planning.Process" will be added to the OSD. Associated Impacts: Will provide for concept recognition within the oso. Will serve to enforce concept's importance as it relates to providing for effective incident planning and management. Will require change to the oso. Recommendation(s): Proposed Change will be of benefit and should be supported. Change #10 Proposed Change Only Change Description: A "Glossary of ICS Terms" will be added to the oso. Associated Impacts: Will provide the reader with a ready reference of ICS terms. Will require an amendment to the OSD. 8

16 Recommendation(s): Proposed Change will be of benefit and should be supported. 9

17 SALINAS R~L FIRE DISTRICT Portola Drive Salinas, California (408) FAX (408) December 23, 1991 Michael P. Scherr, Deputy Chief Califorrtia Office of Emergency Services 2425 Mulberry Street Riverside, California Dear Deputy Chief Scherr: On November 19, 1991 I wrote to you about obtaining legislation that will specifically authorize the use of a light to identify the Command Post during an emergency. See attached. The "rumor mill" has it that the CHP is presently writing legislation in this regard. 1 would like to report the status of this to the Fire District's Association and look forward to your reply. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (408) 455 ~ ~<2-~ Steven E. Negro, Fire Chi Salinas Rural Fire District FDAC Committee Chair