5120
Page 1 of 26
FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (WO)
WASHINGTON, DC
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Amendment No.: 5100-2005-2
Effective Date: July 7, 2005
Duration: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
Approved: ROBIN THOMPSON
Associate Deputy Chief
Date Approved: 04/12/2005
Posting Instructions: Amendments are numbered consecutively by title and calendar year.
Post by document; remove the entire document and replace it with this amendment. Retain this
transmittal as the first page(s) of this document. The last amendment to this title was
5100-2005-1 to FSM 5100 zero code.
New Document
5120
26 Pages
Superseded Document(s)
by Issuance Number and
Effective Date
5120 Contents
(Amendment 5100-98-4, 07/24/1998)
5120
(Amendment 5100-98-5, 07/24/1998)
3 Pages
11 Pages
Digest:
5120 - This amendment incorporates direction provided in the "Interagency Strategy for the
Implementation of the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy" signed by the Secretaries of
Agriculture and Interior in April 2004. The direction in this amendment implements action items
from the Cramer Accident Abatement Action letter (May 4, 2004) prepared by the USDA Forest
Service in response to the investigation findings and recommendations for the Cramer Incident.
It incorporates direction previously issued in interim directive (ID) 5100-2003-2.
5120.4 – Adds additional responsibilities or increases requirement in former responsibilities for
the following:
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 2 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Digest--Continued:
Director, F&AM - National oversight of National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS)
using Weather Information Management System (WIMS) and the Remote Automated Weather
System (RAWS) network.
Regional Foresters – Provide focal point in support, management, oversight of Fire
Danger Rating Operating Plans, NFDRS and RAWS; designate individuals to approve regional
pocket cards.
Regional Fire Directors – Ensure the primary regional personnel duties include NFDRS,
RAWS and WIMS; ensure NFDRS and other weather stations meet standards; ensure training
available to support all aspects of Regional Fire Weather and Fire Danger Program.
Forest Supervisors – Ensure adequate hardware, qualified personnel are available to
support NFDRS, RAWS networks and processing NFDRS; develop and maintain a coordinated
Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan documented with preparedness actions at NFDRS index
levels; perform analysis to determine NFDRS index and ranges for implementation; process
NFDRS through WIMS within prescribed timelines; document fire danger rating based decision
processes in the Fire Management Plan (FMP); obtain Regional certification for Fire Danger
Pocket Cards; distribute pocket cards; designate a Forest RAWS Coordinator for the NFDRS
weather station standards; ensure that employees are trained, certified and available; ensure that
employees are mobilized in fire positions for which they are qualified; ensure that supplements
are recommended to the Regional Forester in a timely manner and shall not supplement FSH
5109.17.
5121.11 – Changes caption from Intelligence System to Predictive Services System; requires
units to gather information about weather from the Predictive Services Unit of the Geographic
Area Coordination Center; requires dispatch center Situation Report submittals to Geographic
Coordination Centers daily, from May to the end of October, and weekly, from November
through April; and requires processing local National Fire Danger Rating System into the
Weather Information Management System.
5121.12 - Adds factors to be considered in analysis and decision making processes.
5121.13 – Adds a requirement for preparedness plans to include a description about how
preparedness levels use the National Fire Danger Rating System and Fire Danger Rating
Operating Plan.
5121.3 – Changes the caption from Operations Fire Plan to Fire Prevention and Response Plan
and removes references to the former title of Operations Fire Plan.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 3 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Digest--Continued:
5122.2 – Adds references for finding operational procedures for lookouts and aerial detection.
5123.3 - Adds requirement for each National Forest dispatching office to develop Dispatch
Operating Guides or Handbooks.
5124.02 – Adds a third objective for fire danger ratings to provide information for firefighter
safety.
5124.03 - Adds requirement for each National Forest to develop and maintain a Fire Danger
Rating Operating Plan.
5124.1 – Adds new codes and captions and requirements for the Fire Danger Rating Operating
Plan documentation.
5124.2 – Adds new code and caption listing required Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan
components.
5125.11 – Requires a minimum of one representative weather station that meets NWCG NFDRS
Weather Station standards.
5125.12 – Adds new code, caption and direction for identifying and documenting the appropriate
number of weather stations.
5125.13 - Adopts the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) National Fire Danger
Rating System (NFDRS) Weather Station Standards (PMS 426-3) and reinforces the requirement
to annually maintain and document all weather stations that support fire operations.
5125.2 - Requires the use of the Western Climate Center as the national data base for storing all
weather data generated by the RAWS network.
5126.02 – Adds additional parameters for meeting preparedness training objectives.
5126.2 – Adds new code, caption and citation direction for annual refresher training.
5126.3 - Adds specific training and experience requirements for qualifications needed by line
officers, the Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) Analysts, and the Duty Officers to be able
to approve and certify a Wildland Fire Situation Analysis; provides alternatives until
qualifications can be obtained.
5126.5 - Adds the Incident Qualifications and Certification System as the Forest Service's only
automated qualification and certification record keeping system.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 4 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Table of Contents
5120.2 - Objective....................................................................................................................... 6
5120.3 - Policy ............................................................................................................................ 6
5120.4 - Responsibility ............................................................................................................... 6
5120.41 - Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry ............................................................... 6
5120.42 - Director, Fire and Aviation Management Staff, Washington Office...................... 6
5120.43 – Regional Foresters.................................................................................................. 7
5120.44 - Regional Directors, Fire and Aviation Management .............................................. 8
5120.45 - Forest Supervisors .................................................................................................. 9
5120.46 - District Rangers .................................................................................................... 11
5120.5 – Definitions ................................................................................................................. 11
5120.6 – References .................................................................................................................. 13
5121 - PREPAREDNESS PLANNING .......................................................................... 14
5121.02 – Objectives ............................................................................................................ 14
5121.03 - Policies.................................................................................................................. 14
5121.1 - Preparedness Planning Procedures ............................................................................. 15
5121.11 - Predictive Services System ................................................................................... 15
5121.12 - Analysis and Decision Making ............................................................................. 15
5121.13 - Preparedness Plan ................................................................................................. 16
5121.14 – Preparedness Reviews .......................................................................................... 17
5121.2 - Fire Management Plan ................................................................................................ 17
5121.3 - Fire Prevention and Response Plan ............................................................................ 17
5121.4 - Cooperative Firefighting Agreements ........................................................................ 17
5122 - FIRE DETECTION ............................................................................................. 17
5122.02 - Objective ............................................................................................................... 17
5122.03 - Policy .................................................................................................................... 17
5122.1 - Operational Procedures .............................................................................................. 18
5123 - DISPATCHING .................................................................................................. 18
5123.02 - Objective ............................................................................................................... 18
5123.03 - Policy .................................................................................................................... 18
5123.1 - Dispatching Organizations ......................................................................................... 18
5123.2 - Mobilization Guides ................................................................................................... 18
5123.3 - Dispatch Operating Guide .......................................................................................... 19
5124 - FIRE DANGER RATING .................................................................................... 19
5124.02 - Objective ............................................................................................................... 19
5124.03 - Policy .................................................................................................................... 20
5124.1 - Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan Documentation .................................................. 20
5124.2 - Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan Components ....................................................... 20
5125 - FIRE WEATHER FORECASTING AND MONITORING .................................... 21
5125.01 - Authority ............................................................................................................... 21
5125.03 - Policy .................................................................................................................... 21
5125.1 - Fire Weather Stations ................................................................................................. 21
5125.11 - Weather Station Networks .................................................................................... 21
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 5 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
5125.12 – Identifying and Documenting Weather Stations .................................................. 21
5125.13 - Weather Station Standards and Maintenance ....................................................... 22
5125.2 - Historical Fire Weather Data ...................................................................................... 22
5126 - PREPAREDNESS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS ................................... 23
5126.02 - Objective ............................................................................................................... 23
5126.03 - Policy .................................................................................................................... 23
5126.1 - Minimum Training Requirements .............................................................................. 23
5126.2 - Annual Refresher Training ......................................................................................... 23
5126.3 - Qualifications for Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) Certification .............. 24
5126.3a - Regional Forester and Deputy Chief Qualifications ............................................. 24
5126.3b - Forest Supervisor Qualifications .......................................................................... 24
5126.3c - District Ranger Qualifications .............................................................................. 25
5126.3d – WFSA Analyst Qualifications ............................................................................. 25
5126.4 - Duty Officer Qualifications ........................................................................................ 25
5126.5 - Certification and Record Keeping .............................................................................. 26
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 6 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Fire management preparedness includes all fire management activities planned and accomplished
in advance of wildland fire ignition to ensure safe, efficient, effective management action.
Activities include preparedness planning; fire detection; dispatching fire management resources;
communication systems; rating of fire danger; fire weather monitoring; wildland fire
suppression; planning for wildland fire use; maintaining fire records including tabular and spatial
data; and training and qualification. Related direction is contained in references in FSM 5108.
5120.2 - Objective
To undertake preparedness activities to ensure that units are ready to implement the appropriate
management response to unplanned wildland fire.
5120.3 - Policy
1. Each fire organizational level must provide a safe, cost-effective fire management
program in support of land management plans for the following areas:
a. Funding.
b. Planning.
c. Staffing.
d. Training.
e. Equipment.
f. Management Oversight.
2. Each fire organizational level must develop and conduct preparedness activities in
conjunction with other Federal, State and local fire management agencies.
5120.4 - Responsibility
5120.41 - Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry
The Deputy Chief shall approve or disapprove all national level preparedness plans.
5120.42 - Director, Fire and Aviation Management Staff, Washington Office
The Director is responsible to plan and organize the national preparedness program in
coordination with other Federal and State agencies by:
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 7 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
1. Coordinating National level dispatching activities through the National Interagency
Coordination Center (NICC) in Boise, Idaho (FSM 5123).
2. Developing a supplemental national mobilization guide (FSM 5123.2),
3. Developing a national-level preparedness plan (FSM 5121),
4. Supporting the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and Remote Automatic
Weather Station (RAWS) network (FSM 5125),
5. Providing oversight of the operation and maintenance, as well as coordination with the
National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) at Boise, Idaho, of the following activities:
a. The National Fire Danger Rating System hosted in WIMS.
b. The Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) network.
c. Forest Service automated transmittal of weather data.
d. The National Interagency Fire Management Integrated Data Base (NIFMID).
6. Conducting preparedness reviews before and during fire season (FSM 5121).
7. Maintaining a Servicewide wildland fire and prescribed fire training and qualification
system (FSM 5126).
8. Reviewing and updating National cooperative agreements with Federal partners:
a. Department of Homeland Security.
b. Environmental Protection Agency.
c. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
d. Department of Defense (DOD).
5120.43 – Regional Foresters
The Regional Forester is responsible to:
1. Establish and operate Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACC) in cooperation
with interagency cooperators (FSM 5123.1).
2. Develop and implement Geographic Area Mobilization Guides (FSM 5123).
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 8 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
3. Coordinate GACC activities with the National Interagency Coordination Center
(NICC).
4. Provide a regional focal point in the support, management and oversight of the Fire
Danger Rating Operating Plans, NFDRS and the RAWS program as they apply to their
geographic area (FSM 5124, 5125).
5. Designate 1 or 2 individuals to approve Pocket Cards developed within the Region.
Once identified, forward names of these individuals to the System Analyst, National Weather
Information Management System (WIMS) in Boise, Idaho.
6. Supplement FSH 5109.17, pursuant to FSM 1103 and 1104, when State or local laws
or regulations require additional standards. Examples include requirements related to
bloodborne pathogens, first responder, and hazardous materials. Ensure that these supplements
are prepared only on a Regional basis.
5120.44 - Regional Directors, Fire and Aviation Management
Regional Directors, Fire and Aviation Management, are responsible to:
1. Plan, organize, and implement a Regional fire management program. The program
must be documented in a mobilization guide and preparedness plan, which must include:
a. Provisions for preparedness reviews before and during fire season.
b. A fire management training and qualification program.
2. Manage assigned national shared resources (smokejumpers, Interagency Hotshot
Crews).
3. Ensure submission of a daily Interagency Situation Report (SIT) to the Geographic
Area or National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) from May to October; a weekly SIT
from November through April; and a SIT whenever activity warrants one.
4. Ensure daily processing of National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) through the
Weather Information Management System (WIMS) during local fire season, according to
established timelines.
5. Ensure that each National Forest has an approved Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan
in place.
6. Ensure that regional personnel are assigned specific responsibilities for the Region's
fire weather program management, coordination, and cooperation with other agencies. These
duties should primarily include the NFDRS, RAWS and WIMS.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 9 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
7. Ensure that NFDRS and other weather stations meet the standards provided in the
NWCG NFDRS Weather Station Standards found in PMS 426-3 and referenced in FSM 5108 in
support of wildland fire management activities (FSM 5125.1).
a. Identify an appropriate number of NFDRS and other weather stations that provide
daily weather observations on a year round basis.
b. Document the NFDRS and other weather stations identified in a above.
8. Develop a joint Annual Operating Plan for fire weather services with the National
Weather Service or local forecast offices that provide fire weather support.
9. Ensure that training is available to support all aspects of the Regional Fire Weather
and Fire Danger program.
10. Determine the number of qualified personnel needed for the Region's expected fire,
aviation, and emergency management needs.
11. Designate an appropriate agency official, either by name or position, for hiring of
Administratively Determined (AD) employees and assurance of adherence to the
Administratively Determined Pay Plan, 5109.34 Interagency Fire Business Management
Handbook.
5120.45 - Forest Supervisors
Forest Supervisors are responsible to:
1. Plan, organize, and implement a preparedness program that is documented in the Fire
Management Plan (FMP) for the National Forest. (Reference FSH 5109.19, Fire Management
Analysis and Planning, Chapter 50 – Fire Management Planning).
2. Ensure that the plan is adjusted annually to reflect current conditions, budget, or other
significant considerations.
3. Ensure that employees are trained, certified and available to participate in the wildland
fire program locally, regionally, and nationally as the situation demands. Support and make
available employees with operational, administrative, or other skills in the wildland fire program
as necessary.
4. Review and update all cooperative wildland fire management agreements (FSM 3170
and 5170). Include this information in local mobilization plans.
5. Establish and operate local dispatch centers (FSM 5123.1)
6. Encourage establishment of interagency dispatch centers where possible.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 10 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
7. Develop and implement local Mobilization Guides (FSM 5123.2).
8. Develop and implement local dispatch operating guides or handbooks (FSM 5123.3).
9. Ensure that adequate hardware, software, qualified personnel, and facilities are
available to support the RAWS network, operation and processing of the National Fire Danger
Rating System.
10. Develop and maintain a Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan, in conjunction with
neighboring National Forests and cooperators, to document specific preparedness actions to be
implemented at appropriate NFDRS index levels. Additional details are in the Interagency
Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations referenced in FSM 5108.
11. Perform analysis to determine the appropriate NFDRS indexes and ranges of NFDRS
index values to signal the need to implement various fire management activities.
12. Process NFDRS through WIMS according to prescribed timelines based on local fire
season, as defined in the Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan (daily: 30-days pre-fire season,
during fire season, and 30-days post-fire season).
13. Document fire danger rating based decision processes in the Fire Management Plan.
14. Obtain Regional certification for Fire Danger Pocket Cards.
15. Distribute Pocket Cards to each fireline supervisor on Type 3, 4, and 5 wildfires.
16. Post the cards on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) web site at:
http://famweb.nwcg.gov/pocketcards/default.htm
17. Designate a Forest RAWS coordinator (National Fire Danger Rating System
Weather Station Standards, PMS 426-3, and FSM 5108).
18. Ensure NFDRS is processed in WIMS daily during fire season while adhering to
prescribed timeframes.
19. Ensure preparation of individual training and development plans based on individual
training needs and previous experience (FSM 6141.03).
20. Ensure employees meet all applicable training, experience, and other qualification
standards prior to certification for wildland fire positions (FSM 5126.1 and FSH 5109.17).
21. Ensure that employees are trained, certified and available to participate in the
wildland fire program locally, regionally, and nationally as situation demands.
22. Ensure that employees are mobilized only in wildland fire positions for which they
are qualified.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 11 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
23. Ensure that supplements to the 5109.17 are recommended to the Regional Forester.
Forest Supervisors shall not supplement FSH 5109.17.
24. Designate Administratively Determined (AD) hiring official(s). In designating AD
hiring official(s), ensure those designated are fully trained in:
a. Provisions of the AD pay plan.
b. Procedure and forms for documenting AD hires.
c. Qualification requirements. AD certified by the National Forest shall adhere to the
qualification requirements contained in the FSH 5109.17.
d. Recordkeeping requirements.
e. Annual AD salary rates.
5120.46 - District Rangers
District Rangers are responsible to:
1. Ensure a Fire Prevention and Response Plan is prepared (FSM 5121.3).
2. Maintain an organization that is able to implement the actions defined in the Fire
Management Plan within budget capability.
3. Implement the Fire Management Plan.
5120.5 – Definitions
The following definitions are used by all Wildland Fire Management Agencies in the
Department of Agriculture and Interior. They can also be found in the Glossary of Wildland Fire
Terminology, located at: http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/glossary/index.htm
Aerial Detection – A system for, or the act of discovering, locating, and reporting fires
from aircraft.
Automated Sorting Conversion and Distribution System (ASCADS) – A Bureau of Land
Management-administered, interagency system used as the interagency method of retrieving data
from Geostationary Satellite Server (GOES) satellites and forwarding to Weather Information
Management System (WIMS). It is used for metadata storage and maintenance documentation,
and it produces a data watchdog.
Dispatch – The implementation of a command decision to move a resource or resources
from one place to another.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 12 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Dispatch Center – A facility from which resources are assigned to an incident.
Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan – A guide to collection, communication, and
application of fire danger ratings at the local level.
Fire Danger Rating Pocket Card for Firefighter Safety – A communication aid designed to
help firefighters develop an awareness of the local fire situation by providing a visual reference
to fire danger rating.
Fire Detection – The act or system of discovering and locating fires.
Fire Management Plan (FMP) – A plan which identifies and integrates all wildland fire
management and related activities within the context of approved land/resource management
plans. It defines a program to manage wildland fires (wildfire, prescribed fire, and wildland fire
use). The plan is supplemented by operational plans, including but not limited to preparedness
plans, preplanned dispatch plans, and prevention plans. Fire Management Plan’s assure that
wildland fire management goals and components are coordinated.
Geographic Area Coordination Center – The physical location of an interagency, regional
operation center for the effective coordination, mobilization, and demobilization of emergency
management resources. Listings of geographic coordination centers and their respective
geographic coordinating areas can be found within the National Interagency Mobilization Guide,
Chapter 20, Section 21.1.
Mobilization Guide – A written description of procedures used by Federal, State, and
local organizations for activating, assembling, and transporting resources that have been
requested to respond to or support an incident.
National Fire Danger Rating System – A uniform fire danger rating system that focuses
on the environmental factors that control the moisture content of fuels.
National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) – Coordinates allocation of resources
to one or more coordination centers or major fires within the Nation and is located in Boise,
Idaho.
National Interagency Fire Management Integrated Database (NIFMID) – The archive of
daily weather observations from Weather Information Management System.
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) – A group formed under the direction of
the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to improve the coordination and effectiveness of
wildland fire activities and to provide a forum to discuss and recommend appropriate action, or
to resolve issues and problems of substantive nature.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 13 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
Predictive Services – Those geographic area and National-level fire weather or fire
danger rating services and products produced by wildland fire agency meteorologists and
intelligence staffs in support of resource allocations and prioritization.
Preparedness - Fire-related activities, mental readiness, and a range of critical tasks.
Specifically, preparedness, as used in fire management means the following:
1. Activities that lead to a safe, efficient, and cost-effective fire management program in
support of land and resource management objectives through appropriate planning and
coordination.
2. Mental readiness to recognize changes in fire danger and act promptly when action is
appropriate.
3. The range of deliberate, critical tasks and activities necessary to build, sustain, and
improve the capability to protect against, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents.
Preparedness Plan – A written plan providing for timely recognition of approaching
critical fire situations, priority setting, the deployment of forces, and other actions to respond to
those situations.
Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) – A geostationary operational stationary
satellite (GEOS) telemetered weather station that transmits hourly observations 24 times per day.
These observations are automatically delivered through Automated Sorting, Conversion and
Distribution System (ASCADS) to Weather Information Management System (WIMS).
Weather Information Management System (WIMS) – A centralized weather data
processing system that produces daily fire danger ratings.
Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) – One of six National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regional climate centers in the United States where all
hourly observations from all remote automated weather stations (RAWS) and many automated
weather stations (AWS) are archived.
Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) – A decision-making process that evaluates
alternative wildfire suppression strategies against selected environmental, social, political, and
economic criteria, and provides a record of these decisions.
5120.6 – References
See FSM 5108 for addresses, website addresses and additional references.
1. Gaining an Understanding of NFDRS (NFES 2665). This document provides
information for the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). Also available at
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pubs.htm.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 14 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
2. National Fire Danger Rating System Reference Material (NFES 2687). This CD
replaces the 20 pounds of reference material that was distributed at national and regional NFDRS
training courses over the past 15 years. Available from the NWCG Publications Cache.
3. National Fire Danger Rating System Weather Station Standards (PMS 426-3). This
document provides common standards for weather stations used by the wildland fire agencies for
calculation of NFDRS indices. It supplements and updates portions of the Weather Station
Handbook. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/raws/standards.shtml
4. Weather Information Management System User’s Guide. This guide contains
information on how to access and use the Weather Information Management System (WIMS).
Available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/planning/nist/wims_web_userguide.htm
5. Weather Station Handbook - An Interagency Guide for Wildland Mangers (NWCG,
PMS 426-1). This guide provides standards and procedures for site selection, installation,
operation and maintenance of automated and manual weather stations.
5121 - PREPAREDNESS PLANNING
5121.02 – Objectives
The purpose of the preparedness element in the Fire Management Plan is to:
1. Ensure the timely recognition of and appropriate response to fire management
situations.
2. Provide the basis for ensuring program performance, efficiency, and accountability.
5121.03 - Policies
1. Preparedness planning must recognize impending fire management situations, and
provide timely priority setting, deployment of resources, and other actions to respond to those
situations.
2. Preparedness plans must be documented as part of the unit's Fire Management Plan.
3. Preparedness plans must be interagency where appropriate and require joint approval
of all other affected Federal agency administrators and line officers. State participation is
encouraged.
4. Preparedness planning must consist of:
a. A predictive services system.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 15 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
b. An analysis and decision making process, including a Fire Danger Rating
Operating Plan, described in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation
Operations (FSM 5108) and in the National Fire Danger Rating System in the
Weather Information Management System.
c. A validation that each National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) Remote
Automated Weather Station (RAWS) meets the requirements of the NWCG NFDRS
Weather Station Standards (Publication Management System 426-3).
d. The identification of actions to be taken in response to increasing levels of fire
severity and activity (preparedness level).
5121.1 - Preparedness Planning Procedures
5121.11 - Predictive Services System
1. Each National Forest System administrative unit must gather information on fire
weather and forecasts and climatological assessments, wildland fires activity and severity,
prescribed fire activity and other factors necessary to support timely and effective decisions.
Much of this information is available from the Predictive Services Unit at each of the
Geographic Area Coordination Centers http://www.nifc.gov/news/gaccs_map.html or from the
National Weather Service.
2. All National Forest dispatch centers must submit this information to their Geographic
Area Coordination Centers (GACC) (FSM 5123.1) daily, from May through the end of October,
and weekly from November through April, or as activity warrants. Guidelines for submitting the
Situation Report are outlined in the National Interagency Mobilization Guide referenced in FSM
5108.
3. All National Forests must process NFDRS information into the Weather Information
Management System (WIMS) daily.
5121.12 - Analysis and Decision Making
1. Units must evaluate factors that may significantly affect National, Regional, or Forest
level fire situations or individual fire response actions. Among the factors that must be
considered are:
a. Existing and potential fire occurrence and severity.
b. Current and forecasted weather and fire danger.
c. Resource commitment and availability (including management and supervisory
oversight capabilities).
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 16 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
d. Prescribed fire activity.
e. Wildland fire use activity.
f. Environmental, social, political, and interagency factors.
g. Existing non-fire emergency responses.
2. Units must develop contingencies to ensure adequate management, supervision, and
response to predicted changes in fire severity and activity.
3. Units must consider products issued by the Predictive Services Units in the
Geographic Area Coordination Centers when developing contingency strategies.
5121.13 - Preparedness Plan
Include the following in the preparedness element of the Fire Management Plan:
1. Actions for responding to five preparedness levels.
(Five preparedness levels are found in Chapter 20 of the National Interagency
Mobilization Guide, referenced in FSM 5108). Address actions to be taken at each
preparedness level and include the following:
a. The full range of anticipated fire danger and activities.
b. A description about how preparedness levels are identified using the National Fire
Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan.
c. Actions that must be taken to provide increased response capability, and oversight.
d. Approaches for acquisition of additional resources, prepositioning resources, and
training emergency firefighters.
e. A process for evaluating resource availability impacts on national mobilization
that considers wildfire, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use activities.
2. A Documented Process for Coordination.
Provide a documented process for coordinating actions among cooperating agencies and for
transmitting decisions promptly to all affected organizations, including adjacent units and
cooperators.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 17 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
5121.14 – Preparedness Reviews
1. Schedule and conduct annual preparedness reviews.
5121.2 - Fire Management Plan
Prepare a Forest Fire Management Plan on an annual basis (FSM 5120.43) documenting the fire
management program that most effectively achieves Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan direction (FSH 5109.19, ch. 50).
5121.3 - Fire Prevention and Response Plan
Prepare annual Fire Prevention and Response Plans to supplement the Forest Fire Management
Plan (FSM 5120.44) for any activity which increases wildland fire risk or constitutes a wildland
fire hazard, for example, land clearing, timber harvest, mining, powerline construction, or
highway construction. These plans must describe the responsibilities and obligations of
permittees, contractors, and operators for fire prevention, fire reporting, suppression, and activity
fuels treatment.
5121.4 - Cooperative Firefighting Agreements
Cooperative wildland fire management agreements must be annually reviewed and updated and
must be included in local mobilization plans (FSM 3170 and 5170).
5122 - FIRE DETECTION
Fire detection preparedness should include a planned system for the timely discovery of fires, the
determination of location, and the process by which units report those fires to appropriate
authorities. Fire detection preparedness should include ground and aerial systems, automatic
lightning detection systems, and discovery by the public and cooperators.
5122.02 - Objective
To promptly detect fires and report them to appropriate authorities.
5122.03 - Policy
Plan, implement, and maintain a detection program sufficient to support the Forest Fire
Management Plan (FSH 5109.19, ch. 50).
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 18 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
5122.1 - Operational Procedures
Follow the operational procedures for lookouts in chapter 30 of the Firefighters Guide referenced
in FSM 5108. Follow the aerial detection procedures in Chapter 40 of the Firefighters Guide and
in FSH 5709.11, Fixed Wing Operations Handbook.
5123 - DISPATCHING
5123.02 - Objective
To safely and promptly obtain, transport, and return personnel, equipment, and supplies in
support of wildland fire activities.
5123.03 - Policy
Develop and maintain cost-effective dispatching organizations and systems. Use the most costeffective forces, total mobility, and Servicewide dispatching procedures described in the
National Interagency Mobilization Guide, referenced in FSM 5108.
5123.1 - Dispatching Organizations
1. Utilize one or more of the three dispatch organizations for mobilization and support:
a. The National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) coordinates and facilitates
Interregional, Interagency, and International fire management support and predictive
services.
b. Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACC) provide interregional fire
management support and prescribed fire support to Regions, National Forests, and
cooperators identified in Regional or Geographic Area Mobilization Guides (FSM
5123.2).
c. Local dispatch centers provide wildland fire and prescribed fire support to
National Forests, Ranger Districts, and cooperating agencies.
2. Geographic Area and local dispatch operating plans must describe organizations for
complex fire situations including implementation of a Multi-agency Coordination (MAC) Group
and expanded dispatch organizations.
5123.2 - Mobilization Guides
Use the following mobilization guides for the National, geographic and local level:
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 19 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
1. Use the National Interagency Mobilization Guide, referenced in FSM 5108, which
provides a systematic compilation of current dispatching information, direction, established
procedures, and a list of fire suppression reinforcement resources:
http://www.nifc.gov/news/mobguide/index.html
2. Supplement the National Mobilization Guide with Geographic Area and local
mobilization guides.
Responsibilities for development and approval of these guides are in FSM 5120.4.
5123.3 - Dispatch Operating Guide
Each National Forest dispatch office must maintain a dispatch operating guide or handbook
which should include:
a. Authorities, roles, and responsibilities for expanded dispatch personnel.
b. Procedures for routine and emergency operations.
c. The resource order process.
d. Job aids and references for the integration of Buying Teams and sources of supply.
5124 - FIRE DANGER RATING
All units must have qualified personnel trained in and available to use the National Fire Danger
Rating System (NFDRS), hosted in the Weather Information Management System, as a fire
management tool that integrates the effects of existing fire danger factors (weather, fuels and
topography) to produce qualitative, numerical indexes relating to the wildland fire protection
needs of the unit. Additional details on the National Fire Danger Rating System can be found in
GTR INT-39 The National Fire Danger Rating System, 1978, WIMS Users Guide, and NFDRS
Reference Material CD (PMS 933).
5124.02 - Objective
1. To provide information on current and predicted fire danger.
2. To facilitate effective use of prevention and fire management resources.
3. To provide information for firefighter safety.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 20 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
5124.03 - Policy
The Forest Service policy is:
1. To ensure that each National Forest unit:
a. Develops and maintains a Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan.
b. Uses the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) hosted in the Weather
Information Management System (WIMS) to determine fire danger (USDA Forest
Service General Technical Report INT-39, 1978).
2. To ensure that all NFDRS reporting weather stations are in compliance with the
standards contained in the NWCG NFDRS Weather Station Standards found in PMS 426-3 and
referenced in FSM 5108.
5124.1 - Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan Documentation
All National Forests must maintain a Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan and they must use it as
a fire danger applications guide for agency users at the local level. This plan should:
1. Document the analysis of an area.
2. Document the establishment and management of the local unit fire weather station
network.
3. Describe how fire danger ratings are applied to local unit fire management decisions.
5124.2 - Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan Components
1. The Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan may be packaged as a stand-alone document
or as part of the Forest fire management plan.
a. The analysis and plan can be developed for a single unit or an interagency group.
b. The outline template can be used from the "Interagency Standards for Fire and
Fire Aviation Operations" Guide.
2. A Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan should include, but is not limited to, the
following components:
a. Roles and Responsibilities.
b. Operational procedures.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 21 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
c. Fire Danger Rating inventory.
d. Climatic breakpoints and fire business thresholds.
e. Fire Danger based decisions.
5125 - FIRE WEATHER FORECASTING AND MONITORING
Every unit must incorporate fire weather forecasting and monitoring including the gathering and
disseminating of weather data and climatological information to provide meteorological
expertise in support of wildland fire management programs and activities.
5125.01 - Authority
Congress authorized the National Weather Service to provide fire weather services to Federal
agencies through a National Weather Agreement, signed May 1983, referenced in FSM 1532.14.
This agreement is authorized under the Economy Act, 31 U.S.C. 1535 15 U.S.C. 313; and 49
U.S.C. 1463; and the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act 16 U.S.C. 2101, et. seq.
5125.03 - Policy
The Forest Service policy is to determine, establish, and maintain sufficient fire weather analysis
and monitoring capability to support the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and
wildland fire management activities.
5125.1 - Fire Weather Stations
Establish and maintain Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) in accordance with the
NFDRS Weather Station Standards (PMS 426-3) and the Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan for
successful operation of the National Fire Danger Rating System and for support of fire
management activities.
5125.11 - Weather Station Networks
Ensure that each fire danger rating area identified in the Fire Danger Rating Operating Plan has a
minimum of one representative weather station that meets the NWCG NFDRS Weather Station
Standards (PMS 426-3, FSM 5108).
5125.12 – Identifying and Documenting Weather Stations
Document the appropriate number of identified NFDRS stations that provide daily fire weather
observations entered on a year round basis.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 22 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
a. Meet the minimum standard of a seasonal station.
b. Consider the following benefits from a weather station when determining the
appropriate number of potential year round stations:
(1) Provides NFDRS indices for seasonal assessments and facilitates the
identification of the beginning date and potential severity of the fire season to come.
(a) Facilitates the detection of unusual burning conditions in the off season.
(b) Provides startup, live, and dead fuel moisture and Keech-Bryum Drought Index
(KBDI) values for weather stations not operated on a year round basis.
(c) Provides guidance for prescribed burning activities.
5125.13 - Weather Station Standards and Maintenance
All weather stations utilized in support of the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS)
must meet the NWCG NFDRS Weather Station Standards (FSM 5108). These requirements
include, but are not limited to:
1. Telemetry.
2. Annual maintenance requirements.
3. Site locations.
4. Equipment quality and installations.
5. Date quality assurance.
6. Metadata and maintenance documentation in the Automated Storage, Conversion and
Distribution System (ASCADS).
Non-NFDRS weather stations that support fire operations must meet annual calibration and
certification and documentation standards contained in PMS 426-3 (FSM 5108).
5125.2 - Historical Fire Weather Data
1. The National Interagency Fire Management Integrated Data Base (NIFMID) must be
the national data base for collecting and storing daily historical fire weather data entered into
WIMS according to the procedures outlined in the WIMS User's Guide. All weather data that
are entered into WIMS and used for NFDRS calculations are automatically archived to NIFMID.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 23 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
2. The Western Regional Climate Center must be the national data base for storing all
weather data generated by the Remote Automated Weather Station network.
5126 - PREPAREDNESS TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
5126.02 - Objective
To have sufficient numbers of qualified personnel available to safely, effectively, and efficiently
meet current and expected fire management and support needs.
5126.03 - Policy
The Forest Service policies are to:
1. Provide training adequate to meet fire management needs.
2. Ensure employees meet standards for training, experience, and physical fitness prior to
being certified for wildland fire organization positions (FSM 5120.43).
3. Require Regions to adhere to the qualifications and certification standards established
in PMS 310-1 and FSH 5109.17.
5126.1 - Minimum Training Requirements
1. Use the Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualifications System guide (PMS 310-1) to
establish minimum interagency training and qualification standards for wildland and prescribed
fire assignments.
2. In addition, Forest Service employees must meet the additional requirements in the
Fire and Aviation Management Qualifications Handbook (FSH 5109.17).
3. Forest Service Employees must meet the minimum standards for training, experience,
and physical qualifications listed in FSH 5109.17 prior to being certified for positions.
5126.2 - Annual Refresher Training
1. All personnel who may receive a wildland fire fireline assignment shall complete a
minimum of eight hours of fire safety refresher training annually (5135.04b and 5109.17,
chapters 20 and 30).
2. Refresher training must consist of:
a. Fire shelter purpose and use.
b. Practice deployments.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 24 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
c. Any pertinent fire safety related topics such as: Fire Orders and Watch Out
Situations; Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES);
and Look up, Look down, and Look Around.
3. The Interagency Incident Qualification Card, NFES 1578, must not be issued until
supervisors certify that the individuals have completed annual Fire Safety Refresher training.
5126.3 - Qualifications for Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) Certification
As provided in 5131.11, Line Officers shall meet the following experience and training
qualifications within two years of receiving their appointment to enable them to certify Wildland
Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) for wildland fires on their units.
5126.3a - Regional Forester and Deputy Chief Qualifications
1. Qualifications required for WFSA certification:
a. Attended an annual National Leadership Team Fire Preparedness Briefing.
b. Or qualified in a Type 1 or 2 Command and General Staff position.
2. Approved alternatives until qualification is obtained:
a. Participating in a Regional line officer seminar covering the WFSA and delegation
of authority process.
b. Or conducting any WFSA certification process utilizing a team consisting of a
WFSA analyst/mentor and a qualified line officer.
5126.3b - Forest Supervisor Qualifications
1. Qualifications required for WFSA certification:
a. Participated in a minimum of one WFSA certification process and completed the
National Fire Management Leadership course.
b. Or attended a Regional WFSA training course.
c. Or qualified in a Type 1 or 2 Command and General Staff position.
2. Alternative until the above qualification is obtained:
a. Attending a Regional line officer seminar covering WFSA.
b. Or assigning a qualified line officer and WFSA analyst to mentor and advise
throughout the WFSA development and certification process.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 25 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
5126.3c - District Ranger Qualifications
1. Qualifications required for WFSA certification:
a. Participated in a minimum of one WFSA certification process and completed the
Local Fire Management Leadership course.
b. Or attended a Regional WFSA training course.
c. Or qualified in a Type 1 or 2 Command and General Staff position.
2. Alternative until the above qualification is obtained:
a. Attending a Regional line officer seminar covering WFSA.
b. And assigning a qualified line officer and WFSA analyst to mentor and advise
throughout the WFSA development and certification process.
5126.3d – WFSA Analyst Qualifications
1. Qualifications required for a Wildland Fire Situation Analyst to mentor and advise
line officers include:
a. Attending a Regional WFSA train-the-trainer course.
b. Participating in developing a complex WFSA (minimum Type 2 Incident
Management Team involved).
c. Maintaining currency by completing either (a) or (b) every two years.
5126.4 - Duty Officer Qualifications
Forests utilizing Duty Officers, that serve as on-call leadership and supervision for fire
suppression response and that have the responsibility to provide oversight and support to
personnel engaged on emergency incidents, shall require those officers to meet the following
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Qualification Standards for Unit Fire Manager.
1. High Complexity: Incident Commander Type 3 and Division Group Supervisor.
2. Moderate Complexity: Incident Commander Type 3 and Task Force Leader.
3. Low Complexity: Incident Commander Type 4 and Single Resource Boss.
The Duty Officers need not be currently qualified in the above positions; however, they must
have been qualified in the positions at one time.
WO AMENDMENT 5100-2005-2
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/07/2005
DURATION: This amendment is effective until superseded or removed.
5120
Page 26 of 26
FSM 5100 - FIRE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 5120 - PREPAREDNESS
5126.5 - Certification and Record Keeping
1. Units must use the Incident Qualifications and Certification System (IQCS) as the
Forest Service's fire qualifications and certification automated record keeping system.
a. The employee master file report generated by IQCS meets the agency requirement
for maintaining electronic fire qualification records.
b. Standards for qualifications and certification record keeping requirements are
listed in FSH 5109.17, chapter 20.
2. Managers at the local, Regional and National levels should access detailed
qualification, experience, and training information needed to certify employees in wildland and
prescribed fire positions from the Incident Qualification and Certification System.
3. Although the IQCS assists managers in certification decisions, it must not replace the
Fire Program Manager's responsibility to annually validate that employees meet all requirements
for position certification. Once certified, an Incident Command System Qualification Card
(NWCG, NFES 1528, PMS 310-3) must be issued to each employee, annually.