IC's Message to the Team

CDF (Cal-Fire) started its quest for type one Incident Command Teams back in 1990. After much deliberation they agreed to have six teams in the north and six teams in the south. Of course back then it was more regionalized and locally team oriented. In the last eighteen years we have moved from concept and moderate resistance to full fledged dependence on the teams, which has presented both positive and negative results.

In our attempts to succeed on wildland incidents we have learned that this “great command structure” can be successfully applied in all the endeavors we might encounter. The best thing that we do in CDF&FP is the team process, where we bring together our very best people, train and mentor them, and then “throw” them into the “fire.” As we move through our processes we must be diligent, deliberate, organized, and thorough.

We have experienced that the simplest process is a 10,000 acre wildland fire in the middle of SRA, but now add 10,000 structures, ten different agencies, a host of “political know it alls,” a frenzied media, the incident surrounded on one side by USFS ground and the other three sides by contract counties, 70 mile per hour wind, no aircraft, a burn over, several phone calls from the Governor, a visit by the President, State controlling agencies that question our very existence, and you begin to wonder how much more complex it can get, and why command teams pray for rain, but not too much rain.

Throughout  my career in the fire service I’ve tried to keep one professional thought foremost in my mind -- the decisions you make as a team must represent the best interest of the people we are paid to protect. This is a very difficult and delicate process, because making a sound decision and applying it to one aspect of an incident could mean disaster elsewhere.

Over the years and during the heat of battle I have attempted to live by the following; Be sincere in all conversations, listen to what is being said and ask questions. Apply some humor and be respectable when you do it. Remain organized, manage your time, and close all loops. Surround yourself with good people and keep your adversaries in front of you. Never lose the idea that being aggressive is good but that being safe is best.

This team consists of motivated people who possess a strong work ethic, positive “can do attitude,” and the ability to resolve all issues brought before them. As we enter the 2008 fire season I want to see confidence not arrogance, resolve not resistance, and an internal team honesty that will allow us to succeed.

Thanks,

Hod