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CONRACTING
FOR FIRE
>> PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS |
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It is important for all private contractors to understand
that in addition to the necessary equipment standards
to respond to emergencies, there are also training requirements
for the private drivers who will be operating that piece
of equipment as well.
Most state agencies, including Montana, North Dakota
and Idaho, as well as the Forest Service, do not provide
training to private contractors or individuals. Rather,
that is the responsibility of the individual or the
contractor to have met the necessary training requirements,
generally through an NRCG certified trainer. There is
a cost associated with this type of training, with a
range based on the trainer.
Training that has been approved by the Northern Rockies
Coordinating Group (NRCG) with members of contractors'
associations, private contractors and educational institutions,
otherwise known as private sector TRAINING
PROVIDERS for Idaho, Montana and North Dakota which
can be found on the link. Training providers offer the
following services; Training, Work Capacity Testing,
Position Task Book ceertification and issuance of Incident
Qualifications Cards (Red Cards).
By reviewing the NWCG 310-1 manual at:
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/docs/pms310-1.pdf,
you can see what training requirements/courses are required
by NWCG/NRCG to be out on the fire line. These
training requirements are not flexible and are a requirement
for ALL individuals that will be around the fire camp
as well as the fire line. The training requirements
and courses are dependant on the role and scope of the
individuals job on the fire or emergency, however, as
outlined by the NWCG 310-1 manual.
Summary of minimum qualifications for instructors
and description of courses offered by NWCG,
124 pages.
Describes the Incident Command System (ICS)
and Prescribed Fire positions with required
training, physical fitness requirements, additional
skills needed to perform the position, and job
currency requirements.
Work Capacity Testing Requirements:
Wildland Firefighting demands a high level
of fitness to safely perform arduous, day-long
work in difficult environmental conditions.
When prolonged hard work is involved, fitness
is the most important factor in work capacity.
Wildland firefighters, are required annually
to pass a job-related Work Capacity test to
meet minimum qualifications. There are three
levels of work capacity testing: Arduous, Moderate
and Light which apply to the position held on
a wildfire. By reviewing the NWCG 310-1 manual
at; http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/docs/pms310-1.pdf,
you can see what level is required for wildland
and prescribed fire positions (e.g. firefighter,
engine boss, etc.) For technical specialist
requirements (e.g. fallers, heavy equipment
operators, water tender operators, etc.) please
refer to; NRCG
Chapter 20 of the Interagency Incident Business
Management Handbook for this information.
For specific details on Work Capacity Testing
please review; http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/safety/wct/wct_index.html
Work-Rest Guidelines:
The Work-rest Guidelines have not changed. The 2:1 work
to rest ratio is still valid and will be followed. The
guidelines state that for every two hours worked, one
hour of rest will be provided to incident personnel. In
addition, two days of rest and recuperation (R&R)
are required after 14 working days.
However, flexibility to exceed the guidelines is allowed
when warranted under specific circumstances. Narrow exemptions
will be granted by agreement of the incident management
personnel and the responsible agency administrator.
Work-Rest Guidelines apply to all federal wildland firefighting
agencies, state personnel and cooperators.
Required Safety Equipment is dependant on
the type of job and is provided by the contractor. Review
NRCG Chapter
20 for this information. |
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