ID
4-508-1283
Name
Incident Management Team – Firefighting
Status
Published
Version
1.1
Updated
4/5/2022 1:10:02 PM
Original Release
04/05/2022
Last Major Release
 
Description
The Incident Management Team (IMT) – Firefighting provides incident management or support during fire incidents or events that exceed a jurisdiction's or agency’s capability or capacity. Teams may include members of local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal entities; Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO); and private sector organizations. Teams encompass various agencies and jurisdictions
Resource Category
Fire/Hazardous Materials
Primary Core Capability
Fire Management and Suppression
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Team
Overall Function
The IMT – Firefighting: 1. Deploys to manage fire incidents or events that require a higher capability or capacity level than the requesting jurisdiction or organization can provide 2. Assumes management of the incident for the requesting jurisdiction or agency, or supports a local Incident Commander (IC) or Unified Command and its IMT in managing an incident or event 3. Directs and tracks tactical resources that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and other supporting organizations provide 4. Performs Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration, Safety, Public Information, and Liaison functions, as the incident requires 5. Coordinates with Emergency Operations Center (EOC) personnel, the AHJ, and Agency Administrators regarding incident management objectives and support
Composition and Ordering Specifications
1. Discuss logistics for deploying this team, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment 2. Discuss available facilities for establishing an Incident Command Post (ICP), including their proximity to the incident 3. Discuss team relief or replacement, as well as team member overlap to allow for smooth operational transition 4. Discuss staffing and equipment needs based on the complexity of the incident, such as the need for deputies and assistants or the need to provide 24-hour coverage 5. Requestor conducts an incident complexity analysis and discusses the results with the provider to identify necessary levels of support. Typical incident complexity factors include: a. Threat to life, property, and the environment b. Extent or severity of damage or harm c. Need for 24-hour staffing d. Length of expected deployment periods e. Impact to the population f. Geographic extent of the incident g. Organizational complexity and number of jurisdictions involved h. Availability of resources i. Political, social, and economic sensitivities j. Level of public and media attention 6. Requestor and provider discuss IMT, Firefighting responsibilities and authority throughout the incident 7. An IMT – Firefighting working outside of its sponsoring entity's authority may need authorization from the requesting jurisdiction or agency, such as a Delegation of Authority, Financial Spending Authority, Letter of Direction, or Mission Assignment 8. Requestor and provider discuss existing incident command structures and other coordinating entities, such as federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local governments; EOCs; Multiagency Coordination (MAC) Groups, and Joint Information Systems (JIS) 9. As an incident grows geographically or to more jurisdictions, the IMT should ensure that appropriate authorizations are in place, such as a Delegation of Authority from a regional or state entity 10. Requestors should consider ordering the closest available resource to manage expanding incidents until a more qualified and capable resource is available 11. Requestor and provider discuss the need to include trainees on the team 12. Requestor and provider discuss the process and expectations for documentation; ordering, tracking, and managing resources; tracking and managing personnel hours; ensuring adequate personnel accountability; ensuring personnel safety and welfare; managing contracts and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU); and managing communications processes and equipment
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Components
Component Notes  
Minimum Personnel Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 226
Type 312
Type 4Same as Type 5
Type 51
Management And Oversight Personnel Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 21 – Deputy Incident Commander 1 – Safety Officer 1 – Public Information Officer 2 – Operations Section Chief 1 – Air Operations Branch Director 1 – Planning Section Chief 1 – Logistics Section Chief 1 – Finance Section Chief 2 – Operations Branch Director or Division/Group Supervisor 1 – Geographic Information System Specialist 1 – Computer Technical Specialist 6 – Discretionary Positions 6 – IMT Trainee
Type 31 – Operations Section Chief 1 – Planning Section Chief 1 – Logistics Section Chief 1 – Finance Section Chief 1 – Safety Officer 1 – Public Information Officer 2 – Task Force Leader 3 – IMT Trainee
Type 4Same as Type 5
Type 5Not Applicable
Capabilities Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Coordinates resources from multiple agencies 2. Oversees personnel and equipment assigned to the incident
Type 21. Supports command and general staff positions 2. Establishes base camps 3. Provides support during multiple operational periods
Type 31. Provides support during an initial attack to wildland fires 2. Incorporates several task forces or strike teams 3. Provides support that extends into multiple operational periods
Type 4Provides support during initial attack or first response to the incident for one operational period
Type 5Provides short-term support during the initial attack
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment Per Team Member1. PPE requirements are based on the position, the nature of the incident, and the environmental conditions experienced or expected. Not all positions require PPE 2. PPE is mission specific and may vary by work environment. It includes protective footwear, protective clothing for skin exposure, eye and ear protection, respirators, gloves, and masks
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Same as Type 4
Type 4Same as Type 5
Type 5Appropriate PPE, if necessary
Communications Equipment Per TeamThe IMT – Firefighting arrives with or can order portable radios, repeaters, portable cellular towers, mobile communications units, mobile command posts, and other communications support equipment as necessary to provide communications for the incident
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Same as Type 4
Type 4Same as Type 5
Type 5Communications equipment commensurate with the mission assignment
919
Notes
References
Reference
1. FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017 2. FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017 3. FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019 4. FEMA, Field Operations Guide, June 2016 5. National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Logistics Teams Configuration, May 2019 6. National Interagency Mobilization Guide - Geographic Areas, March 2021 7. National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, April 2013
Published Versions
Version Publish Date Document Type
1.1 4/5/2022 1:10:02 PM PDF
1.0 4/5/2022 10:54:14 AM PDF