Wildfire Incident Type Explainer
For detailed information on the Wildland Fire Incident Command System, refer to:
Wildland Fire: Incident Command System Levels
https://www.nps.gov/articles/wildland-fire-incident-command-system-levels.htm
It's an interesting read! Information on the Levels is excerpted below.
Levels and Types of ICS Management
The Incident Command System scales up or down as complexity and needs change. Type 5 is the least complex, while Type 1 is the most complex.
Type 5:
- Very small wildland fire only
- Initial attack
- Short duration, seldom lasting into the next burn period
- Few resources assigned (generally less than 6 people)
- Little complexity
Type 4
- Initial attack or first response to an incident
- IC is “hands on” leader and performs all functions of Operations, Logistics, Planning, and Finance
- Few resources are used (several individuals or a single strike team)
- Normally limited to one operational period
- Does not require a written Incident Action Plan (IAP)
- Examples: Search & Rescue (SAR), motor vehicle accidents, small fires
Type 3
- Extended initial attack on wildland fires
- IC walks the line between a manager and a 'doer'
- Resources may vary from several single resources to several task forces or strike teams
- Some Command/General Staff positions (ie, Division Supervisor, Unit Leader), may be filled
- May extend into another operational period (12 hours), and require an IAP
- Examples: Larger SAR’s, law enforcement incidents, special events, technical rescues, fires
Type 2
- IC spends all time being a manager
- Most Command and General staff positions are filled
- Large number of resources utilized
- Incident extends into multiple operational periods
- Base camp(s) established
- Significant logistical support is required
- Examples: Major fires, VIP visits, lengthy search and rescues, law enforcement incidents, multi-day special events
Type 1
- All functions are filled, plus leaders, branches etc.
- Multi-agency and national resources
- Large number of personnel and equipment are assigned to the incident
- It is a large, complex incident
- Examples: A major Incident—hurricanes, very large fires, natural disasters
- The National Park Service supports and participates in interagency teams at both national and geographical area levels.