Prerequisites and Participant Eligibility

• S-231 Engine Boss
• ICS 200
• Task Force/Strike Team Leader (TFL)
• Fire Officer-I or Exterior Ops TL
• S290 – Intermediate Wildland Fire Behaviour (CIFFC)
• ICS 300 (Recommended)
• Fire Officer-II (Recommended)
• Previous field experience as TFL (Recommended)

Course Pre-work will be assigned 4 weeks prior to the conference.

Course Description

The Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS) workshop is designed for qualified Task Force Leaders or Task Force Leader-Trainees. Students will plan out tactical operations based on strategies assigned by the Structure Branch Director.  The Division/Group Supervisor implements assigned portion of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and is responsible for all operations conducted in the division/group on wildland urban interface/intermix fires. The DIVS supervises assigned resources and reports to the Structure Branch Director, Operation Sections Chief or other assigned supervisor, within the operations functional area.

Course Structure

The DIVS, is a two-day/16-hour course designed to evaluate and improve on skills learned as a TFL through prior training and field experience. The course is presented in a lecture/discussion format with group and field exercises. This course meets the BCWS training requirements for the position of Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS).  This course covers specific issues related to structure protection design and the use of strike teams and task forces to protect communities from wildfires. Students will be evaluated and present their reasoning for tactical operations based on safety zones, expected fire behaviour, water supplies, interface environment, and resources available.  Safety will be the primary focus while understanding the operating environment in which a DIVS may be deployed.

Course Learning Objectives

• Leaders' intent mindset, responsibilities, and duties.
• Understand and apply the Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA).
• Review ICS, IMT/EOC/PREOC responsibilities focusing on Structure Branch, and unity of command.
• Understand the Incident Action Plan (IAP), and how to use it as an operational and safety resource.
• Demonstrate risk management processes within strategic and tactical decision-making.
• Ability to apply appropriate tactics with assigned resources organized into the task force.
• Review fire behaviour, environmental conditions, situational awareness, and aviation resources.
• Understand Structure Protection Specialist (SPS) roles and responsibilities.
• Pre-deployment responsibilities; concept of the position; pre-dispatch preparation; Task Force, Strike Team Development; Resource Requests.
• Incident responsibilities; administration; supervision; response; assignment; demobilization; bases safety; risk management.