Leadership Basics
What is the first leadership level called, and what is its main focus?
Level 1 - follower, focus is on providing action and individual readiness
What does LCES stand for?
Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, Safety Zones.
What are the “10 Standard Fire Orders” designed to do?
Provide guidelines to keep firefighters safe on the fireline.
What does “scouting the line” involve?
Assessing terrain, fuels, fire behavior, hazards, and best line placement.
What’s the first step in building your team?
Assemble and validate readiness of personnel, equipment, and vehicles.
As an FFT1, what is your responsibility before mobilizing?
Ensure individual readiness (gear, fitness, mental prep).
What’s one way to confirm your radio message was received?
Require a read-back or acknowledgment.
Spot a slopover — what’s your first step as FFT1?
Report it to supervisor and assign resources appropriately.
What role does an FFT1 sometimes take for situational awareness?
Lookout
How do you give feedback most effectively on the fireline?
Immediate, clear, constructive, and tied to safety/mission.
What do you obtain from your supervisor to understand your assignment?
Incident Action Plan (IAP), objectives, and leader’s intent.
Why is it important to brief your squad before every assignment?
Ensures shared understanding of objectives, safety, and roles.
What tool do you use to apply risk management on the fireline?
IRPG (Incident Response Pocket Guide).
Name two responsibilities you have when working with aircraft.
Provide ground feedback/status updates; ensure crew safety during drops.
When supervising, how do you adjust actions based on changing situations?
Reassess objectives, communicate changes, and re-brief squad.
What is the difference between a task and a leader’s intent?
Task = what to do; Leader’s Intent = why it matters and the desired end state.
During an After Action Review (AAR), what 3 questions should always be asked?
What was planned? What actually happened? What can we do better next time?
What must always be established and communicated before engaging?
LCES
What’s one method for constructing line in light fuels?
Scraping to mineral soil with hand tools.
Give one way an FFT1 can mentor squad members.
Explain decisions, demonstrate proper techniques, provide teaching moments.
Name 3 ways an FFT1 can build trust with their squad.
Leading by example, clear communication, accountability, ensuring safety.
Give an example of poor communication on the fireline and its consequence.
Not relaying a change in escape routes → squad unaware and at higher risk.
Describe the risk management process in one sentence.
Identify hazards, assess risk, make decisions, implement controls, evaluate.
During WUI ops, what is one unique consideration you must account for?
Protecting structures and resources per guidelines, while ensuring firefighter safety.
What leadership trait is critical in high-stress fireline environments?
Decisiveness under pressure (while still considering safety).