There are two types of Incident Management Teams (IMTs): Type 1 and Type 2 used to manage large incidents. Some areas have Type 3 IMT's to manage smaller incidents that extend for multiple operational periods.
The teams consist of members from federal, state, county and local agencies. Many teams have trainee positions for persons who have not yet met all the training requirements for their position.
As a general rule, Type 1 National Teams manage large wildland fires with over 600 people assigned and address the most complex logistical, fiscal, planning, operational and safety issues. Type 2 Teams generally manage less complex wildland fires, generally less than 500 people, and address less complicated management issues.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 teams are managed on a rotational basis through the nine Geographical Areas. While the National Type 1 teams are on rotation throughout the year, Type 2 teams are only activated during the fire season.
Nine Geographic Areas (GA) advertise vacancies on teams within their area and select new team members from the nominations received. Vacancies are generally announced through the agencies within the GA, some Geographic Area Coordination Centers (GACC's) have placed recruitment information on their Websites.
In addition to the core IMTs, many subordinate positions are required to manage an incident. Dispatch centers will search the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS) for available individuals to fill orders placed by the Incident Management Team. These may be Incident Command System positions identified in the Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification Guide (310-1) or Technical Specialists.
|