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Brock LaMeres (Incident Commander - ICS)Air Operations.Under the Incident Command System (ICS) the Incident Command Post (ICP) is the nerve center for all wildfire operations. On initial attack responses the ICP is usually a supervisor or officer on the first responding unit. The Incident Commander (IC) sets up a command post near the fire, often using a fire vehicle as the ICP. As the fire expands in scope and severity so does the complexity of the command structure. As fire managers are brought on board the ICP changes as well. It is often moved to a remote location. This provides security to the ICP. The ICP requires the setup of sophisticated equipment that can not be easily moved. This also affords fire managers an opportunity to perform their jobs without interferences from fireground operations. Air Attack.As part of the Planning and Operations Divisions under ICS, Air Attack plays a paramount role. On smaller fires the incident commander will coordinate air and ground operations. If a fire grows, or poses risks to safety or structures Air Attack may be required. Initially an aircraft, generally fixed wing, assumes the role of Air Attack. The pilot of the plane, or a passenger with fire and air experience, will become the incident commander's eyes in the sky. Air Attack will perform reconnaissance of the fire. Working with Planning and Operations they will help decide the best course of action. Once an action has been established Air Attack will work with aircraft such as retardant tankers and helicopters in implementing those actions. On larger more complex fires Lead Pilots may takeover the functions of leading "slurry bombers" to the fire and their actual drop. Air Attack will then work with Operations Sector Chiefs, field observers and supervisors on the ground to insure efficient use of air operations. Referencehttp://www.firehouse.com/wildfires/fireline/2002/0716_air.html |
