Note to trainers:
This presentation is organized by the segments
listed below. A black slide separates each segment.
The READ and Wilderness THSP positions in the
ICS
Qualifications and Training
Roles and Responsibilities
Duties and Expectations
Guidelines for other duties
ROSS and GACC dispatching
Advice and lessons learned
Revision of slide text and substitution of
local images as needed is encouraged.
Resource Advisor
Wilderness Technical Specialist
Position, Qualifications, and Duties
Duties, Responsibilities, and Qualifications
Objectives:
 Define the positions
• Resource Advisor (READ)
• Wilderness Technical Specialist (THSP)
 Review the duties, responsibilities, and
qualifications, and training
 Identify the Resource Advisor’s Guide to
Wildland Fire
 Share examples, tips, and lessons learned
The READ, THSP and the ICS
Incident Qualification & Certification
System (IQCS) http://iqcs.nwcg.gov
Standards for qualifications, training, and
records for interagency fire positions
•FS 5109 List: THSP positions
•DoI 310 List: READ and THSP positions
•No wilderness specialist identifier
•No NWCG sponsored training or
qualifications
Resource Advisor
IQCS position code - READ
READs are designated by the agency
administrator (line officer)
• Agencies and regions, states or units may
have specific requirements
Resource Advisor (READ) is supported by
NWCG publication:
Resource Advisor’s Guide to Wildland Fire 1/04
(NIFC PMS 313, NFES 1831)
•Contains descriptions of the general duties
and responsibilities
•Lists suggested minimums for:
•Training
•Qualifications
READ Assignments
The READ is designated by the agency
administrator (line officer) but may be
requested by the IC
The READ is typically from the local unit but
often Assistant READs from other units are
assigned to work for a local Lead Resource
Advisor
The READ follows agency standard operating
procedures during mobilization, the fire
assignment, and demobilization.
Technical Specialist
IQCS position code - THSP
• THSPs are requested through the ordering
system and may come from the local unit.
•THSPs may work in support of READs or
Agency Representative (AREP)
• Agencies and regions, states or units may
have specific requirements
What is a Wilderness THSP ???
A Technical Specialist (THSP) with
WILDERNESS qualifications
•Similar to a THSP who is a Biologist,
Archaeologist, Hydrologist, etc.
•Position currently not listed in IQCS
Incident Command System
Agency Administrator
Agency Representative - AREP
Lead Resource Advisor *- READ
Asst. Resource
Incident Commander
Advisors - READ
Safety Officer
Public Information
Logistics
Finance
Technical Specialists *THSP
Operations
Plans
* These positions may have additional subordinate field personnel to accompany fire crews
in sensitive areas or to gather information for planning and evaluation purposes.
What is a Wilderness Fire Resource
Advisor (WRA) ???
•Not a position in IQCS listed position
(DOI 310-1 or FS 5109)
•No Wilderness READ position code
• WRA is a common term used in some
areas/regions but it’s not an official
position in IQCS
• Using the WRA term may cause
problems with ordering and assignments
to incidents
READ/THSP Qualifications
READ/THSP Qualifications
Resource Management Knowledge:
o
Applied natural and cultural resource
management
o
Fire science, and history
o
Wilderness resource values, protection
needs, and stewardship objectives
READ/THSP Qualifications
Fire Management Knowledge
o
Basic knowledge of both fire effects and
fire suppression impacts.
o
Basic understanding of the management
for unplanned and planned ignitions and the
appropriate management response.
o
Working knowledge of the ICS (who does
what on the IMT)
READ/THSP Training
READ Training:
o No NWCG Training Course (as of 4/08)
o Some agency sponsored training
o Regions, forests, parks, BLM areas
THSP Training
o No national Wilderness Technical
Specialist training (as of 4/08)
Wilderness READ/THSP Training Materials
o Fire Management Toolbox at:
www.wilderness/net /toolboxes/
READ/THSP Training
To be line qualified:
Resource Advisors should have:
Training:
 Standards for Survival.
 I-100 – Introduction to ICS
 I-200 – Basic ICS
 S-130 – Basic Firefighting Training
 S-190 – Introduction to Fire Behavior
Annual Wildland Fire Refresher Training
Red Card
READ/THSP Training
Other Suggested Courses:
I-300 – Incident Command System
S-244 – Field Observer
S-260 – Fire Business Management
S-290 - Intermediate Fire Behavior (self study
available)
S-336 - Fire Suppression Tactics
RX – 310 – Introduction to Fire Effects
S-580 – Advanced Fire Use Applications
WFDSS Workshop
Fire in Ecosystem Management
BAER and BAR
Leave No Trace
READ/THSP Qualifying Experience
Experience in other fire positions
One satisfactory training assignment
(suggested)
Resource and wilderness knowledge and
experience
READ Position Task Book (PTB)
No standard NWCG Position Task Book
Suggestion for READ/THSP trainees:
o A draft Task List (R3) may be found in:
Wilderness Fire Management Toolbox at:
http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/
Adapt and use the draft as needed to meet
agency/unit requirements
Use the PTB to learn the duties as a trainee
Work as an Assistant READ/THSP until PTB is
completed to learn:
 Credibility and effectiveness
 Safety
READ/THSP Resource Management
Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the area:
Topographic features
Critical areas
Types of visitors and inhabitants
Improvements, roads, etc.
Vegetation types and conditions
 Natural processes
 Fire behavior
Basic GPS and map reading skills.
READ/THSP Knowledge of Local
Resource - Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of local land use plans and
management, people, and politics
International coordination near borders
Knowledge of existing guidelines &
policies related to significant natural
& cultural resource management
Cultural sensitivity – tribal relations
READ/THSP Qualifications - Other
Fitness Level: *
Light: minimum suggested level for READ
Arduous: suggested for maximum flexibility
Meet the minimum physical fitness
requirements of your unit.
* May vary by agency and by region, state, or unit
within the agency
READs Are Not Always Line Qualified
To go on the fire without other fire
qualifications:
Attend annual fire safety refresher
(Standards for Survival).
 Pass the Work Capacity Test
 Carry a Red Card
 Wear PPE and carry a tool
 Be accompanied by someone who is line
qualified

Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential.
 Incident Management Team (all levels)
 Agency administrator
 Internal agency coordination
 Public information
Skills needed:
 Practice active listening
 Be concise and focused
 Lose the whining
 Keep the sincerity and passion
Other READ Skills
Think outside the box – be creative
 Provide feasible alternatives for
consideration at the appropriate time
Choose your battles carefully
 Be flexible when necessary
Remember, it’s all about relationships
READ and THSP
Roles and Responsibilities
READ/THSP
Areas of Responsibility*:
Pre-season planning
Reconnaissance & Analysis
Planning & Strategies
Reports & Documentation
Operations & Management
* Resource Advisor’s Guide for Wildland Fire (2004)
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/RAguide_2004.pdf
Duties and Responsibilities
READ/THSP
Assist with wilderness fire management
during the pre-season by:
 attending
appropriate meetings
 asking questions and participating in
discussions
 being proactive to obtain and provide
necessary information.
READ/THSP Duties
Pre-season
Participate in Fire Management Planning:
Fire Management Plan (FMP) revision process
Planned ignition project planning
10YWSC Element 1 – Fire Management
Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire
Management found in the Wilderness Fire
management Toolbox at:
http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/

Fire cache items for wilderness fires
READ/THSP Duties
Pre-season
FOREST SERVICE Only Participate in Fire Management Planning:
10YWSC Element 1 – Fire Management
Review the objectives, accomplishment, and work
remaining
 Utilize the Wilderness Checklist for Fire
Management found in the Wilderness Fire
management Toolbox at:
http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/

Specific READ/THSP Duties
Pre-season
Participate in fire management:
1.
2.
3.
4.
clarify wilderness fire management
objectives with ID team
establish protocols and contacts for
transmittal of information to IMT (i.e.
listed species concerns, arch. sites,
invasives etc.)
create duty schedule for READ/THSPs and
technical resource specialists
Identify wilderness items for fire cache
Other pre-season duties for the
READ/THSP
Identify Potential Fire Cache Items:
 Lightweight pumps on portable frames.
 Spill kits and containment systems for pumps.
 Log carriers & peavies for line construction
and rehab.
 Fire pans for spike camps
 Bear proof food containers.
 Portable toilets.
 Scrim (ground cloth for high traffic spike
camp areas)
 Bio-degradable flagging
 Other ideas or specific items for your area
Specific READ/THSP Duties
Pre-season
Work with the Agency Administrator
(line officer):
o
o
o
o
Understand fire, wilderness, and other
resource management objectives
Identify READ roles
Establish or review restrictions and process
for analysis and approval of motorized
equipment
Prepare draft Delegation of Authority letter
Specific READ/THSP Duties
Pre-season
Delegation of Authority Letter to IMT
Insure that the Delegation of Authority letter
includes:
•READ identified and role defined
•Management objectives for key wilderness
resource concerns (structure protection, arch.
sites, invasives, etc.)
•Motorized equipment and aircraft use
restrictions, approval process and authorities
READ/THSP Duties on Incidents
IMT Briefing
Briefing Packet includes:
•READ identified and role defined
•Management objectives for key wilderness
resource concerns (structure protection, arch.
sites, invasives, etc.)
•Motorized equipment and aircraft use
restrictions, approval process and authorities
READ/THSP Duties on Incidents
The READ provides daily input to the
Incident Commander (IC) or designee
The main focus of the information is to
assist in:
development of fire management
strategies and tactics
o minimizing or mitigating the expected
impacts of fire and fire suppression
actions upon natural and cultural resources
o
Specific READ Duties On the Incident
Analysis, Planning & Strategy
Provide input to WFSA & WFIP
Provide input in operational briefing,
strategy, & planning meetings
Gather & provide information for IAP
Provides input on environmental
restrictions
Provide recommendations & standards
for suppression rehabilitation
Participate in team transition
Specific READ Duties On the Incident
Daily Operations & Documentation
Provide input to daily validation of WFIP or WFSA
Attend daily meetings
Maintain communication with IC, IMT & AREP
Serves as AREP as needed
Present resource information at briefings
Monitor implementation of protection &
rehabilitation
Gathers & documents damage to resources
Recommend need for BAER team
Complete daily unit log (ICS-214), CTR
Specific READ Duties On the Incident
Final Documentation
Complete local reporting documentation
for incident fire package and agency
representative
Do a READ After Action Review (AAR)
and share the results with other READs
READ/THSP Duties
Burned Area Emergency Response
(BAER)
o
o
o
o
Liaison between Agency Administrator &
BAER Team
Technical advisor for local issues
Wilderness resource specialist
Maintains documentation for unit
Motorized authorizations/reports for
wilderness use
READ Duties - On the Incident
Safety Precautions for the READ
On the fire:
 Communicate with the team
Get listed in the Incident Action Plan
 Check-in and out with Division Supervisor
 Follow the “10 Standard Fire Orders”
 Be aware of the “18 Situations That Shout
Watch-out”
 Use LCES

Safety Precautions for the READ
LCES
Lookouts
Communications
Escape Routes
Safety Zones
Safety Precautions for the READ
Carry and use:
o
o
o
A map & communication plan, IAP
A programmable scanning radio
Appropriate fire gear, including a tool
READ and THSP Duties
Working with the IMT
Incident Command System Organization
Agency Administrator
Incident Commander
Safety Officer
Plans
Operations
Public Information
Logistics
Finance
READ Duties – Working with the IMT
•Plans
•Operations
•Safety
•Information
READ Duties
To be successful working with the IMT:
Identify yourself to the IMT, be available
and be sure they know how to find you.
Stay in camp, not at home
Wear a Resource Advisor name tag
READ Duties – Working with the IMT
Typical Roles with Plans
•Articulate agency administrator
concerns
•Provide information for the IMT
•Provide information for IAPs
•Identify concerns for snags, water, fish
and wildlife, arch., and invasives
•Prepare and suppression activity rehab.
guidelines and needs
•Recognize good work and use of MIST
•Participate in meetings and briefings
READ Duties
Morning Briefings
Night Shift Briefings
READ Roles – Working with the IMT
Typical Operations Duties
• Division Supervisor, Crew Sup., others
•Identify areas of concern
•Promote use of MIST and recognize good
work
•Identify suppression restoration needs
• Air Ops.
•Locate helispots, water dip locations, etc.
Logistics
•spike camps locations, sanitation, etc.
READ Duties – Working with the IMT
Balancing Plans and Operations Roles
Consider two ‘lead’ READs that combine
efforts:
1) Plans READ:
•Attend planning meetings and briefings at
ICP
•Coordinate with Agency Administrator
2) Operations READ:
•Interact with Operations on the fire
•Line qualified
Examples of potential concerns for
the Wilderness READ:
Chainsaws
Fire line work
Snag falling
Retardant
Spike camps
Structure or cultural resource protection
Invasives
Pumps and water use
Helicopter use and helispots
Aircraft landings
Working With Teams & Crews
Fire line work
Snag Falling
Pumps & Water Use
Helispot Location & Construction
Air Operations
Spike Camp Management
Be involved in
selecting sites.
Be there with the
spike camp
manager before
the crews get
there.
Define
expectations for
camp.
Promote use of
Leave No Trace
techniques
Spike Camp Sanitation
Structure & Heritage Resource
Protection
Preventing the Introduction of Noxious
Weeds & Invasive Plants
Preventing the Introduction of Noxious
Weeds & Invasive Plants
Power wash
equipment
Check tents, boots,
clothing, cargo nets
& stock
Operations
Mop-up Considerations
Mop-up standards are a decision
negotiated between the Forest, the IC or
Team, and the line overhead.
Strive for the minimum necessary to
secure the line from escape, based on
anticipated weather.
The standard is a balance between
resource values and the ability to mitigate
for safety.
Minimizing mop-up impacts requires longer
monitoring/patrolling and the element of
risk.
Duties – Working with the IMT
Providing local safety information
Examples of local concerns and objectives:
•Hazard tree removal or mitigation standards
based on resource and wilderness concerns
•Personnel safety:
•Climate
•Transportation
•Culture
Safety
Information
Known or likely
local hazards
Safety Information
Known or likely local hazards
Wildlife
Unnatural and toxic
READ Duties – Working with the IMT
Fire Information:
•Providing local knowledge and
assistance to the team
•Assisting with community
contacts
Working with the Public, Concessionaires,
and Outfitter - Guides
The public and
outfitters may need to
be notified and/or
removed from the fire
area.
This can include
outfitter camps,
resorts, and adjacent
land owners.
READ Duties – On the Incident
Information and Education for Wilderness Fires
Challenges:
•Explain long term
benefits of fire in
wilderness
•Address short term
impacts of smoke,
closed trails, etc. on
local communities
Public Information
Recreation visitors
Fire Camp Information Boards
•Information and Pictures
•Resource and wilderness concerns
•Local safety topics
•Jobs well done
•Local interesting stuff
Suppression Rehabilitation and
Emergency Stabilization
Emergency
Stabilization (BAER)
= response to
mitigate threats
Suppression Rehab =
Restoring the
effects of fire
suppression
Burned Area
Emergency Restoration
Emergency Stabilization (BAER) =
response to mitigate threats to values at
risk
Wilderness constraints generally limit
BAER to:
1. Mitigation of threats to lives and
property outside wilderness.
2. Response to an unnatural loss of the
wilderness resource.
Suppression Rehab. Considerations
Restoration work can be minimized by
using Minimum Impact Strategies &
Techniques (MIST) during the
suppression phase.
The objective of restoration is to
mitigate or eliminate resource
damage where possible, in order to
preserve natural conditions.
The standards applied can
significantly affect the cost of a fire.
READ Duties for the READ Role
Promoting a better understanding of
the Resource Advisor’s role among
Agency Administrators, fire staff and
Incident Management Teams.
Guidelines for Other READ Duties
Team transition roles
On unit vs. off unit assignments; differences
and preparation
Long assignments; tips to avoid burn out.
Large fires, working with assistant READs,
etc.
Other READ Duties with the IMT
Transitions between IMT and Local Mgmt.
Help transition between teams or between
the team and the local unit – a critical time.
 Attend close-out meeting when home unit
assumes responsibility for fire to include
remaining rehabilitation needs and local
obligations.
 Identify priorities and the need for projects,
including Burned Area Emergency
Rehabilitation (BAER).

Other READ/THSP Duties
Off-Unit Assignments:
•Contact the Lead READ
•Describe qualifications and expertise
•Clarify Assistant READ or THSP role
•Determine what to bring
Other READ/THSP Duties
Long Assignments
•Avoid ‘burn-out’ and unsafe situations
•Order assistant READs and THSPs early
•Pace yourself
•Recognize when R and R is needed and ask
for it
Other READ Duties
Large Fire Assignments
•Order assistant READs and THSPs early
•Utilize Assistant READS and THSPs
effectively
•Understand qualifications, experience,
and capabilities and match individuals to
issues tasks
•Insure safety
Guidelines for Other READ/THSP Duties
Planned Ignitions (Prescribed Fire):
Planning
interdisciplinary team project planning
wilderness specialist role
Implementation
Roles may be similar to wildfire incident
READ, THSP, and ROSS
ROSS = Resource Ordering Status System
ROSS is the system that is used to get
assignments off the home unit.
Incident Qualification Card
Red Card
READ/THSP and the IQC (Red Card)
READ
•IQCS position but may or may not have
wilderness skills
Wilderness THSP
•No IQCS position for ‘wilderness
specialist’
•Could be considered similar to THSP
biologist, archaeologist, GIS specialist,
etc.
READ/THSP and the IQC
To get a Red Card:
Locate the IQCS Certifying Official for your
unit.
Provide copies of training certificates,
fitness test results, any position task books,
previous experience record (if any)
Certifying Official:
Will require justification and certification of
position (trainee vs. qualified)
 Proof of training
 Documented experience (task books, position
evaluations, etc.)
Could enter “wilderness specialist” on red card and
sign
READ/THSP and Red Cards
Geographic Area Coordinating Centers
(GACC) and Ordering:
GACC may be willing to maintain a list of :
• READS with wilderness qualifications
• Wilderness THSPs
READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments
The Path of a Resource Order
NICC
Northwest
Coordination Center NWCC
(the GACC)
Deschutes NF Local
Dispatch
You in Bend, OR
Southwest Coordination
Center - SWCC
(the GACC)
Albuquerque
Dispatch
Fire in the Cibola NF
If you are available for
READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments
Enter yourself in ROSS at:
https://web.ross.nwcg.gov/webapp/rossApp/WebStatusHTML
READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments
Important Things to Remember
Do NOT leave for your assignment without your
Resource Order.
 Keep a copy of your Resource Order
 Take note for your records of how many shift
you work on the fire, what the fuel type is, and
how big it gets.
 Do not be afraid to ask for a performance
evaluation for your records.

READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments
When an assignment is received:
READ has responsibility to inform
supervisor.
Get clarification of assignment (where,
timeframes, rental approval, etc.)
Provide dispatch travel information (air vs.
ground)
Carry red card, Govt ID, DL
Get copy of your Resource Order. Don’t
travel without it!!
READ/THSP Off-Unit Assignments
When you return after the assignment:
Let your dispatch know you have returned
and update your status in ROSS.
At the end of the season, provide your
IQCS Administrator with a list of your
assignments for the season.
READ and THSP Roles
Tips, Advice, and Lessons Learned
Resource Advisor’s Role
Tips, Advice, and Lessons Learned
It’s not always like this. Really…
PERCEPTIONS and ASSUMPTIONS
All
Wilderness
Resource
Advisors
PERCEPTIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
All
Firefighters
Resource Advisor’s Role
Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned
o
Fire Management and Wilderness
Management are collaborative processes
Fire management is resource management
o Mutual respect and
good communication
go a long ways
towards achieving
common goals.
o
Resource Advisor’s Role
Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned
For the agency administrator and the resource:
 Be specific and “hands-on” as a resource
advisor.
 Maximize your effectiveness by learning about
the area and the resources.
 Understand and implement the agency
administrator (line officer) objectives
 Offer practical solutions
 Avoid the philosophical approach
Resource Advisor’s Role
Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned
For the IC and the IMT:
 Understand and respect fire management
objectives, strategies, and tactics.
 Be able and willing to work side-by-side with
fire fighters – you will gain their respect.
 Respect the limits of your knowledge and
experience.
 Communicate clearly – to everyone. Use
graphics or demonstrations where possible
Resource Advisor’s Role
Tips, Advice and Lessons Learned
Be credible and creative but also be:
Proactive
Protective
Persistent
Practical
Patient
Flexible
Forthright
Focused
Fit
Friendly
Use The “Authority Of The Resource”
Wilderness Resource Advisor Tips*
1. Know your role with the Incident Mgmt. Team,
Agency Administrator, and others.
2. Be prepared to stand up and present your case
for wilderness.
3. Understand the effects of fire and fire
management activities in wilderness.
4. Allow and assist fire managers to do what they
should, not what they could.
5. Be a credible wilderness advocate, not a zealot.
* Tom Zimmerman, former
Director of Fire and
Aviation,
FS Southwest Region
Review of Key Teaching Points
READ/THSP Duties, Responsibilities and
Qualifications
The READ position is supported by the NWCG
Wilderness THSP is a special qualification not
in IQCS
The READ position requires training and other fire
qualifications
READ duties and responsibilities occur pre-season,
on the fire, and post-fire and on prescribed fires
READs must be knowledgeable, credible, proactive,
and involved
Additional READ Resources
Wilderness Fire management Toolbox
Resource Advisor Training Materials
http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/
QUESTIONS ???