Incident Command System (ICS) Qualification

• Standard Operating Procedure S1214 R3 concerns administration and Incident Command System (ICS) qualification.
• It was effective October 16, 2013, replacing S 1214 R1 (02.14.12), and is reviewed annually.
• The purpose is to ensure fire department personnel are qualified to function in the incident management system.

Incident Classification (NIMS)

• The National Incident Management System (NIMS) plan includes an incident classification system.
• The classification has 5 different incident Types.
• It describes the type of incident management required for each.
• Large or major “planned” events can fall under this classification, under the NIMS nomenclature.
• Type 5 incidents are local and discipline-specific utilizing an IMS organization.
• Type 5 incidents capable of operating from its initial establishment up to a full operational period, up to a multiple alarm incident on a single shift.
• Type 4 incidents are local agency or jurisdiction specific.
• Type 4 incidents utilize an organized team capable of operating an incident management system that could involve resources from multiple agencies.
• Discovery and arrival at, an incident up to and including a full operational period, such as a tornado/weather event coordinating resources and mutual aid over a single shift.
• Type 3 incidents are regional or state, multi-agency/multi-jurisdiction.
• Type 3 incidents use an organized team capable of operating an incident management system that involves resources from multiple agencies and jurisdictions from the local through federal level for multiple operational periods.
• Type 3 incidents include a regional natural or man-made disaster such as a hurricane lasting several days, or a planned event such as a Super Bowl.
• Type 2 are state or national incidents using an organized team.
• Type 2 incidents are qualified and certified at the federal level, capable of operating an incident management system that involves utilization of significant numbers of state and federal level resources.
• Type 1 are National incidents, using an organized team.
• Type 1 incidents are qualified and certified at the federal level, capable of operating an incident management system that involves utilization of significant numbers of federal-level resources.

National Integration Center (NIC)

• The Department of Homeland Security directed the National Integration Center (NIC) to coordinate compliance with domestic emergency management criteria, via Presidential Directive (2004) HSPD-8 and -9.
• Since 2007, the NIC has worked with FEMA's Division of Incident Management Systems Integration to administer NIMS.

NIMS and ICS Training

• All federal, state, local, tribal, private sector and non-governmental personnel with a direct role in emergency management and response must be NIMS and ICS trained.
• FEMA required NIMS ICS training provides for levels of incident management that are graduated in complexity based upon the role of the individual within the system.
• Training includes Entry Level (IS-800), Introduction to ICS (ICS 100), First Line Basic (ICS 200), Intermediate (ICS 300) and Advanced (ICS 400).
• Many courses are offered through various national and regional extension services and training venues which comply with the objectives of these courses and thus will qualify as “ICS compliant” courses.
• Anyone who wishes to determine if a specific training course qualifies as a NIMS ICS course should contact Educational Services.
• Educational Services has a NIMS equivalency guide to assist in verifying NIMS course equivalencies.
• The 2008 FEMA NIMS Compliance Objectives and Metrics for Local Governments Plan mandated that personnel who manage emergency incidents receive the appropriate level of NIMS training by December 2009.
• This SOP will establish the NIMS training to be achieved as personnel promote through the various ranks of the department.

FWFD Qualification Intent

• The FWFD intends to qualify each rank and civilian position with the appropriate IMS qualification for the type of incident for which they may be expected to work.
• Fire Trainee through Fire Engineer may work in an Incident Management System of a Type 4 or Type 5 incident with ICS 200 qualification unless they have a higher ICS qualification.
• Fire Lieutenant may work in an Incident Management System of a Type 3, Type 4 or Type 5 incident with ICS 300 qualification unless they have a higher ICS qualification.
• Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief may work in an Incident Management System of a Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 or Type 5 with ICS 400 qualification.

Training Plan

• Training plan is based upon each position's potential involvement in incident management:
• Fire Trainee receives IS-800a (ICS Awareness), ICS 100 (Introduction to ICS) and ICS 200 (Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents).
• Firefighter and Fire Engineer receive no additional training.
• Fire Lieutenant receives ICS 300 (ICS for Expanding Incidents).
• Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief receives ICS 400 (ICS for Command and General Staff, Complex Incidents), IS-701a (NIMS Multi-Agency Coordination Systems, IS-703a (NIMS Resource Management, and IS-800b National Response Framework, An Introduction).
• Civilian Staff whose expertise may be utilized in an expanded Incident Management System may be required to qualify at any ICS level at any time.
• Each Fire Trainee Class will incorporate IS-800, ICS 100 and ICS 200 into the Training Class Curriculum for Fire Trainees.
• Each year, Educational Services will seek funding to support annual ICS 300 and ICS 400 courses.
• Newly promoted Fire Lieutenants will be given an ICS 300 qualification course.
• Newly promoted Fire Captains will be given an ICS 400 qualification course.
• Fire Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief are expected to achieve IS-701a, IS-703a and IS-800b courses on their own through the FEMA Independent Study Website.
• Newly hired civilian employees will be given the appropriate ICS qualification course.
• Advanced ICS training may be considered for any department employee no matter their rank or whether they are civil service employees or civilian.

National Fire Academy

• Courses offered at the National Fire Academy are excellent opportunities for all personnel to increase their ICS qualification and expertise.