Roles

1
ICS Roles and Responsibilities As it relates
to the Air Operations Positions
2
Objectives

• Describe the function and general duties of air
  tactical positions under the Incident Command
  System
• Discuss the relationship of Air Tankers and
  Helicopters with ICS Air Tactical positions

3
Objectives, continued

• Develop a better understanding and appreciation
  of each others jobs and common goals we have
• Gain an understanding of how ICS can change to
  meet different incident management situations

4
ICS Position / Acronym

• Incident Commander ICT4 ICT3 ICT2 ICT1
• Air Tactical Group Supervisor . ATGS
• Leadplane/Airtanker Coordinator .. LP / ATCO
• Helicopter Coordinator . HLCO
• Airtanker Pilot/Co-pilot . T-
• Helicopter Pilot/Co-pilot .. H-

Acronyms abound in ICS, here are the Aviation
acronyms used. The IC or Incident Commander is
always called IC over the radio. It is not
necessary to use the type along with the IC. IC
Tanker 22, 12 miles out would be the correct
radio traffic if no air attack or lead were on
scene.
5
Whos in charge, and what do they do?
Incident Commander
Information Safety Liaison
Air Operations Branch
6

• The Incident Commander is in charge, and its
  possible you as a Airtanker or Helicopter pilot
  are the first on scene, and will be talking
  directly with the IC
• If you are the first on scene are you then
  technically the IC? No, but you can provide
  information to the incoming IC that will help
  them base their decisions on

7

• The organization working for the IC will vary on
  almost every fire. The organization is based on
  the complexity of the fire and the number and
  type of firefighting resources on scene and
  responding.
• The organization can and will grow as it needs
  to. On initial attack you may be talking directly
  to the IC, on the next trip out it may be a crew
  or Division Supervisor.

8

• As complexity develops more people and positions
  are involved and soon you will be talking to an
  ATGS or lead. An air operations organization is
  in place when this happens, and these are the
  positions we will be focusing on

9
INCIDENT COMMANDER
The Incident Commanders responsibility is the
overall management of the incident
IC positions range in complexity from
ICT5 or IC type 5, least complex,
to ICT1 or IC type 1, most
complex

• Incident Commanders at all complexity levels
  must

10

• INCIDENT COMMANDER, continued
• Assesses the situation
• Determines incident objectives and strategy
• Establishes immediate priorities
• Establishes an ICP
• (Incident Command Post)

11

• INCIDENT COMMANDER, continued
• Establishes the proper organization
• Ensures that adequate safety measures are in
  place
• Orders additional resources as needed
• Releases resources when appropriate

12
Incident Commander
Type 5 IC
Single Resource, Aviation
Most Basic Incident Organization
13

• ICS is adaptable to the complexity of the
  situation
• As you need more resources, the ICS organization
  grows with your needs
• Span of control ranges from 3 to 7 subordinates
• Optimal span of control is 5 to 1

14
Next level of complexity
Type 4 or 5 IC
Incident Commander
15
If you add more resources
Your incident complexity increases.
Type 3 IC
Incident Commander
16

• The next slide shows an example of a fairly
  complex organization, well out of initial attack
  
• Notice the span of control is meeting the
  optimal ratio, and can still grow before more
  divisions are needed

17
Type 2 Incident Organization chart from
Operations on down.
Engine
Crew
Crew
Engine
Crew
Crew
Engine
Engine
18
Aviation ICS positions Organization Structure

• Where do the Aviation personnel fit within the
  ICS organizational structure?

19
Incident Commander
Information Safety Liaison
Staging Areas
Resources Unit
Service Branch
Time Unit
Procurement Unit
Branches Divisions Groups
Communications Unit
Air Operations Branch
Situation Unit
Compensation /Claims Unit
Air Support Group
Medical Unit
Demobilization Unit
Food Unit
Strike Teams
Air Tactical Group
Cost Unit
Support Branch
Documentation Unit
Task Forces
Supply Unit
Single Resources
HLCO
ATCO
Facilities Unit
Copters
Tankers
Ground Support Unit
20
Aviation Positions
Air Operations Branch
Air Support Group
Air Tactical Group Supervisor
Helibase Mgr.
HLCO
ATCO
Copters
Copters
Tankers
(In the Air)
(On the ground)
21

• If there is an aviation organization in place on
  a fire / incident, you will be working with a
  ATGS, Air Tactical Group Supervisor, or a Lead.
• There may or may not be an Air Ops Branch
  Director AOBD, but there will be an ATGS or Lead.
• Exceptions on initial attack you may work
  directly with the IC or crew on scene.

22
AIR TACTICALGROUP SUPERVISOR
Depending on the size of organization the ATGS
will work for the Incident Commander, Operations
Section Chief or the Air Operations Branch
Director.
23
AIR TACTICALGROUP SUPERVISOR
The ATGS is responsible for the coordination of
all aircraft operating within the incident
airspace.
24
AIR TACTICALGROUP SUPERVISOR
1 Responsibility is for airspace and air
traffic management for the incident

• Determines and recommends aircraft needs for the
  incident

Recommends temporary flight restrictions
when appropriate
25
Airspace Management
Access
Egress
Patterns
Holding
Observing
26
Airspace Management

• The ATGS is responsible for managing the access
  into and out of the incident.
• They determine who holds and where, and what
  flight patterns work best for all involved.
• These patterns are not set solely at the ATGSs
  discretion, input from the Airtanker and
  Helicopter pilots are a must.

27
AIR TACTICALGROUP SUPERVISOR

• Develops or recommends and then implements an air
  to air, air to ground communications plan.
• Makes tactical and logistical recommendations to
  incident personnel.

28
AIR TACTICAL GROUP SUPERVISOR, continued

• Takes appropriate action on aircraft incidents
  and accidents that occur within his/her
  jurisdiction
• Fulfills responsibilities of the Airtanker
  Coordinator when no ATCO available
• Supervises the Air Tanker Coordinator and the
  Helicopter Coordinator

29
Aviation Positions
Air Operations Branch
Air Support Group
Air Tactical Group Supv.
Helibase Mgr.
ATCO
HLCO
Copters
Copters
Tankers
(In the Air)
(On the ground)
30
LEADPLANE / ATCO

• Activation depends on complexity of the incident,
  along with A/C assigned. More than one may be
  assigned. Coordinates all assigned airborne
  fixed-wing operations at the incident.

31
LEADPLANE ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes communications with ATGS and obtains
  operational briefing on overall strategy and
  tactics of incident control objectives
• Establishes communications with the Air Tanker
  pilots to ensure compliance with the
  communication plan

32
LEADPLANE ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES, continued

• Surveys incident for hazards to assure the safe
  operation of all aircraft
• Assigns AIRTANKERS to specific tasks based on
  action plan and the limitations of the AIRTANKER

33
LEADPLANE ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES, continued

• Insures that the AIRTANKER pilot understands the
  overall strategy and tactics of the action plan
• Coordinates with the ATGS for safe separation of
  rotor and fixed winged aircraft

34
LEADPLANE /ATCO

• Gives direct supervision to airtankers. This may
  require the Leadplane to lead the airtanker on
  specific runs for safety and efficiency of drops
  and the exit
• Takes over for the ATGS if requested

35
AIRTANKER PILOTand CO-PILOT
36
AIRTANKER PILOT and CO-PILOT

• Deliver Retardant at the direction of the ATGS
  or ATCO
• Confirm with the ATGS/ATCO that the tactics and
  strategy are appropriate
• Confirm with the ATGS/ATCO that the tactics are
  safe

37
AIRTANKER PILOT and CO-PILOT, continued

• Communicate with the ATGS/ATCO on Airtanker
  capabilities and limitations
• The Airtanker captain in conference with the
  co-pilot has the final authority on the mission

38
AIRTANKER PILOT and CO-PILOT, continued

• If an ATCO/Lead Plane or ATGS is not over the
  incident when an Air Tanker arrives, the Air
  Tanker pilot may assume some of the duties
  associated with aerial supervision if he or she
  is INITIAL ATTACK RATED

39
HELICOPTERCOORDINATOR

• Activation dependant on complexity and number
  of A/C assigned

40
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR, continued

• The HLCO is responsible for the coordination of
  all tactical and logistical helicopter missions
  while in-flight, and occurring within the area
  of operations assigned to them by the ATGS.

41
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR, continued

• Establishes communications with the ATGS and
  obtainsan operational briefing on overall
  strategy and tactics of the incident control
  objectives.

42
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR, continued

• Establishes communications with incident HELIBASE
  to determine logistical needs of incident to be
  supported by helicopters.
• Establishes communications with appropriate
  ground contacts to determine tactical and
  logistical needs of firefighters.

43
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR, continued

• Assigns helicopters to specific tasks based on
  requests from ground contacts
• Determines which helicopters to utilize for
  specific missions based on aircraft capabilities

44
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR, continued

• Surveys the incident area for low level hazards
  to insure a safe operating environment for all
  aircraft.
• Thoroughly briefs helicopter pilots on the
  communications plan to insure all aircraft are
  using the appropriate frequencies.

45
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR, continued

• Coordinates flight routes and air traffic
  patterns to and from helibase(s) and the area of
  operations assigned to them by the ATGS.
• Coordinates with the ATGS to establish adequate
  separation between rotor-wing and fixed wing.

46
HELICOPTER COORDINATOR

• Fulfills the duties of the ATGS if qualified

47
Aviation Positions
Air Operations Branch
Air Support Group
Air Tactical Group Supv.
Helibase Mgr.
HLCO
ATCO
Copters
Copters
Tankers
(In the Air)
(On the ground)
48
HELICOPTER/HELITANKERPILOT /CO-PILOT
49
HELICOPTER PILOTS

• Deliver water and retardant at the direction of
  the IC, ATGS, or the HLCO
• Determine if ground forces are working in the
  area and if so, establish positive radio contact
  before dropping

50
HELICOPTER PILOTS, continued

• Maintain positive communication with other
  incident aircraft in order to maintain adequate
  separation
• Avoid flying over congested areas with external
  loads

51
HELICOPTER PILOTS, continued

• Provide constructive feedback to ground forces,
  ATGS, and other pilots
• Suspend operations when visibility, weather, or
  anything else creates an unsafe
  flyingenvironment

52
Aerial Supervision Module(ASM)

• The ASM combines the roles of the ATGS and ATCO

53
AIR TACTICAL PILOT (ATP) AIR TACTICAL SUPERVISOR
(ATS)

• Each Crewmember has specific duties that fall
  within their areas of expertise
• These vary in scope based on the mission and task
  loads of each crewmember

54
AIR TACTICAL PILOT

• Primary responsibility is safety and coordination
  of aircraft over the incident

55
AIR TACTICAL SUPERVISOR

• Primary responsibility is to develop tactics and
  strategies in conjunction with the Incident
  Commander
• In the absence of the IC, assumes those
  responsibilities until ground personnel arrive

56
Review of Objectives

• Describe the function and general duties of air
  tactical positions under the Incident Command
  System
• Discuss the relationship of Air Tankers and
  Helicopters with ICS Air Tactical positions

57
Review of Objectives, continued

• Develop a better understanding and appreciation
  of each others jobs and common goals we have
• Gain an understanding of how ICS can change to
  meet different incident management situations

58
In Closing.

• Hopefully this has given you some idea of what
  ICS is, what the ICS aviation structure is, what
  each of those aviation positions do and how you
  fit into the organization
• The next section is an introduction into basic
  fire behavior. A more detailed lesson during the
  course will build on this next section of slides

59

• Unit 1 - Basic Concepts
• of Wildland Fire

60
Unit Objectives

• 1. Define basic terminology used in wildland
  fire.
• 2. Identify the elements of the fire triangle.
• 3. Describe three methods of heat transfer.

61
Parts of a Fire
62
Origin
63
Head
64
Flank (Flanks)
65
Rear or Heel
66
Perimeter
67
Finger
68
Pocket
69
Island
70
Spot Fire
71
Head

• Left Flank

• Right Flank

Rear or Heel

• Origin

Which flank is more active?
Where would you start to fight this fire?
72
What are these two fire parts called?
Pocket
Finger
73
Fire Behavior Terms
74
Smoldering

• Fire burning without flame and barely spreading.

75
Creeping

• Fire burning with a low flame and spreading
  slowly.

76
Running

• Fire spread rapidly with a well defined head.

Click on image to play video
77
Spotting

• Fire producing sparks or embers that are carried
  by the wind or convection that start new fires
  beyond the main fire

Click on image to play video
78
Torching
79
Crowning

• Fire advances from top-to-top of trees or shrubs
  more or less independently of the surface fire.

Click on image to play video
80
Flare up

• Sudden acceleration of fire spread or intensity,
  but of relatively short duration.

81
Firewhirl
A spinning, moving column of ascending air rising
within a vortex and carrying aloft smoke, debris,
and flames.
Click on image to play video
82
What type of fire behavior is this?
Running Fire
Click on image to play video
83
What type of fire behavior is this?
Fire Whirl
Click on image to play video
84
Other useful firefighting terms

• Anchor point
• Control line
• Fireline
• Mop-up
• Contained
• Controlled
• Chain

85
The Fire Triangle

• In order for a fire to occur, the three things
  must be present
• Enough oxygen to sustain combustion.
• Enough heat to raise the material to its
  ignition temperature.
• Some sort of fuel or combustible material.
• All three elements must be present at the same
  time to have a fire. Fire will burn until one or
  more of the elements is removed.

86
What is the missing part of the fire triangle?
What are some sources of heat?
87
Heat Transfer

• Radiation
• Convection
• Conduction

88
Radiation

• Radiant heat can dry and sometimes ignite the
  surrounding fuels

89
Convection

• The hot gases and embers which compose the smoke
  column can dry and ignite other fuels.

Click on image to play video
90
Conduction

• Heat is conducted from one fuel particle to
  another through direct contact.

91
What type of heat transfer do the arrows
indicate?
Convection
Conduction
Radiation
92
Review Unit Objectives

• 1. Define basic terminology used in wildland
  fire.
• 2. Identify the elements of the fire triangle.
• 3. Describe three methods of heat transfer.

93
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