NORTHWEST DISPATCHERS WORKSHOP

Hood River, OR

March 6-10, 2000

RECOGNITION

  • ODF Salem received the “Good Neighbor Unit” award for the 1999 season
  • Kathi May (Siuslaw NF) for her dedication and work at the NWCC
  • Steve Arasim, Steve Bauman, Dolly Davis, Solveig Mattson, Darlene Rambo were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the wildland fire community for developing and hosting the NW Aviation Awareness Workshop.

*** CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU ***

  • NICC UPDATE-Rich Caballero
  • 1999 Fire Season Update
  • 1999 was a long season and orders were coming thru NICC during Christmas and New Years
  • 1999 was similar to 1996 as far as resource orders that came thru NICC
  • What’s Going On At NICC
  • The jet contract will be out soon
  • National Dispatch Training Group busy
  • Initial attack dispatch course-working on this course and task book will appear this spring
  • Support dispatcher course almost done
  • ICS 209 final draft in and approved. Should be out this summer
  • NWC UPDATE-Gerry Day
  • NWC Update
  • 1999 fire stats will be out as soon as we are able to pull the FS stats
  • There will be a change in how we mobilize contract crews
  • Hiring another meteorologist at NWC is under consideration
  • For the summer will hire an Assist. Intelligence Coord
  • WDNR UPDATE
  • DNR Teams
  • Do not have any DNR teams this year
  • Will have 7 integrated interagency teams
  • These will be all-risk incident teams
  • Aircraft for 2000
  • PBY will be at Deer Park
  • 3 helicopters
  • Working with Canada for use of their aircraft
  • Misc. Update
  • Been working with emergency situations outside of fire
  • ODF UPDATE-Randy Baley
  • Update
  • Dispatched a lot of overhead during 1999
  • Working on the incident qualifications system in Salem to produce red cards
  • Working on modifying resource orders
  • Working on a more efficient interagency ordering process
  • NORTHWEST AREA DISPATCH STEERING COMMITTEE
  • (Gerry Day, Sally Michael, Steve Arasim)
  • Purpose
  • To provide a focal point for identification and resolution of interagency issues and concerns of the Northwest dispatcher coordination community and to scope out and recommend more efficient ways of doing business
  • Membership
  • The committee will be comprised of dispatchers from dispatch centers within each of the sub geographic training areas
  • Dispatch center managers within each training area will meet at the dispatch workshop every two years to select their area representative to the committee
  • The members will inform the chairperson the name of their representative by the closing of the workshop
  • A committee member must be able to make a commitment of 2-3 meetings a year
  • These will be 2-year assignments
  • Charter Update
  • Draft was finalized and presented to PNWCG
  • The committee is with the Fire Operations Working Team
  • Sally Michael was selected as the NWDCSC Chairperson for the group **CONGRATULATIONS SALLY**
  • Sub Geographic Training Areas
  • Eastern Washington-OKF, COF, COA, CWC, SPA, SPD, YAA, NES, SES
  • Western Washington-PSC, GPF, NWS, SWS
  • East Slope-COC, LIFC, KFC, ODF UNITS
  • NE Oregon-PIC, NOC, BIC, MAF, VAD, ODF UNITS
  • NW Oregon-SAD, EIC, SUF, MHF, ODF UNITS
  • SW Oreogn-GPC, UPF, MED, ROD, CBD, RRF, ODF UNITS
  • Timeline
  • The dispatchers from the above areas met at the dispatchers workshop and decided on nominees that will be selected to represent the sub geographic training areas
  • Nominees with supervisors’ approval were faxed to Steve Arasim at NWC who compiled the list and forwarded them to Sally Michael and Joe Stutler (Chair of the PNWCG Working Group for selection
  • Selections were finalized and transmitted to the field on 4/13/00. Following are the individuals who will comprise the group: Sally Michael (USFS-OKF), Katie McConnell (USFS-BIC), Ricky Smith (BLM-LFC), Niki Graham (BLM-CBD), Roberta Runge (BLM-SAD), Gary Peters (BIA-YAA), Randy Baley (ODF-98S), Lane Jolly (DNR-WAS), Tisha Anderson (DNR-OLS), and Sue Clay (USFS-NWC)
  • ODF Dispatch Steering Committee Proposal-Randy Baley
  • ODF Steering Committee Proposal was authored by Phil Rapp
  • Write up was distributed to everyone
  • Proposal was presented to managers in Salem and they liked the proposal
  • The group was mainly formed for agency issues
  • ROSS PARTNERS TESTING PROGRAM-Rod Chaffee
  • Scope
  • All business functions related to resource ordering and status
  • Reporting and tracking of all tactical, logistical service and support resources mobilized by the wildland dispatch community
  • The application can be used by in all emergencies (FEMA, etc.)
  • Operated within a multi-tiered dispatch organization
  • Provides messaging for dispatch (DMS)
  • All dispatch offices and caches representing all wildland Resource Agencies nationwide (States, BIA, BLM, FS, FWS, NPS)
  • ROSS Features
  • Web based for easy access for all users
  • Automation of business processes related to resource status and ordering
  • Communicates with external applications for most current information
  • Standard and AD-Hoc reports (tabular, graphics and GIS mapping)
  • Shared data between dispatch offices
  • Automated order notification system
  • Dispatch messaging
  • Easy to access through LAN, ISP or direct dial
  • Communications With External Applications
  • Incident Qualifications systems
  • Aviation systems
  • Geographical names
  • NIMA Data (National Imaging and Mapping Agency)
  • Cache systems
  • Project Status
  • Business/technical requirements completed
  • Dispatch messaging implemented
  • Lockheed-Martin working on the modules right now
  • Current and Upcoming Tasks
  • Application build test and document Phase 10/99 thru 10/00
  • Field test system and data administration modules 4/00 thru 9/00
  • Produce system and data administration modules at test sites10/00
  • Field test dispatch and travel modules 10/00 thru 12/00
  • Produce dispatch and travel modules at field test sites begins approximately 01/01
  • Nationwide production training and rollout begins 01/01
  • Keys to Success
  • Dispatch involvement and support
  • Coordination with IRM staffs
  • Interagency briefings
  • Planning and maintaining project management process
  • Financial health
  • Attention to details
  • Great intra-team communication
  • Excellent contractor-Lockheed/Martin
  • If You Need HELP
  • ROSS team voice mail (208-373-4099)
  • Jon Skeels (303-275-5746)
  • Neal Hitchcock (208-387-5662)
  • Website:
  • Internet mail:
  • DIMS Help desk:
  • Steve Tarver from Eugene Interagency Dispatch Center has been dealing with testing the program. Some testing has been going on in Denver with Lockheed/Martin and programmers. Once the bugs are worked out and get running, then you can get on at your home unit and do some testing. If you want to be involved, contact Steve Tarver
  • DMS/MANAGING DISPATCH MAIL-Blanche France
  • Where The System Is At
  • The system is up and working
  • DMS Server Relocation
  • DMS server moved to Kansas City
  • Domain name change to dms.nwcg.gov
  • Password and profile management now on web site at
  • Dispatch office mail addresses is
  • Need to reconfigure mail software
  • Need to check auto forward setups on either applix or lotus notes
  • Overall Network Issues That Effects DMS and ROSS
  • Network Bandwidth
  • Slow network speeds when accessing internet
  • Backup access to DMS/ROSS serve-the-server is on the internet
  • NWC will send out a suggested “i.e. commit” mailing list to the dispatch centers
  • On NWC web page, Blanche has posted some helpful hints on DMS
  • FASTRAC/I-SUITE-Ginny Vinson
  • Definition of FASTRAC
  • Fuels Analysis Smoke Tracking
  • Purpose of FASTRAC
  • Integrates CONSUME which utilizes exiting data to produce both planned and smoke emissions for burn activities
  • Transmits smoke management data to the States
  • Transmits fuels activities data to an internet web site for field units
  • Allows for monitoring activities and unit changes effects over time
  • Provides a method to manage simple and complex burns
  • It is suggested that dispatchers have really clean and complete data, so the information will be there when the times come
  • When putting in data, make sure you have the latest revision
  • What Needs To Be Completed
  • Design parameters interface-selection criteria
  • Phase II completion by June
  • Enhance reporting capability
  • Include additional enhancements from the November training session
  • Integration of FS and BLM
  • Basic integration of GIS products
  • Integration of the fuels applications fuel, fuel inventory programs and debris prediction
  • Report function of FASTRACS is available now
  • If you want training in FASTRACS please let Ginny (SORO) know
  • I-SUITE (INCIDENT SUITE OF APPLICATIONS)
  • I-SUITE program includes Incident Time System, IRSS, and incident cost (ICARS)
  • I-SUITE shares a common data base
  • Implements bar code technology
  • May take the place of IRSS in the future
  • Planned release date of 5/1/00
  • REDCARDS/INTERAGENCY QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATION SYSTEMS-Nan Smith
  • Status
  • Bea Guerrero (Mt. Hood NF) is a representative on the committee working on the national interagency redcard system. The committee will present the findings to the Fire Directors, Dispatchers, Fuels Mgmt Specialists, Representatives from GACC’s, and other users in Boise in April
  • A decision may be made in May
  • PREDICTIVE SERVICES UPDATE AND DISCUSSION-Mike Fitzpatrick
  • Situation Reports
  • No major changes in the situation report for 2000
  • We use the situation reports to decide preparedness levels
  • Situation reports still remains a vital element
  • Mike stressed that he needs these in a timely manner
  • REMEMBER they are needed daily by 1700 beginning 6/5/00
  • The website has not changed
  • If your computer is down, then just call Mike and he can input
  • Situation Report Tips
  • Read the User’s Guide and make sure people in your office know where to find it and has read it
  • Look at FAQ’s on the web page for help with typical problems
  • If problems occur, call Mike Fitzpatrick at 503-808-2733
  • If Mike is not around call Help Desk 1-800-253-5559
  • PREDICTIVE SERVICES (Formerly Intelligence Services)
  • Morning Reports-Fire Weather Synopsis/NFDR Indices
  • Can request preparedness for 3, 10 and 30 days out
  • Shared resource summary
  • NWC web site-intelligence page
  • NFDR climate time series graphs
  • Assessments-weekly, monthly or as needed
  • NWC FIRE WEATHER PROGRAM MANAGEMENT-Paul Werth/Bob Tobin/John Saltenberger
  • Program Objectives
  • Ensure that the state of the art meteorological and climatology are offered
  • Program’s Major Components
  • Develop new, and existing, fire weather products
  • Evaluation and monitoring
  • Applied research
  • Briefing and consultation
  • Liaison
  • Climatology
  • Technology transfer
  • New Fire Weather Products
  • Daily summary of fire weather forecasts put on web page and also input to National situation report
  • Assessments in conjunction with the Predictive Services section at NWC
  • Evaluation/Monitoring
  • Monitor and evaluates the quality of all NWS fire services
  • Looking at RAWS stations and network
  • NFDRS weather observation/forecast and observed indices
  • Timelines of fire weather forecast
  • Applied Research
  • Critical fire weather patterns for the entire geographic area
  • Climatological summaries for RAWS stations (i.e. hourly rate of change for common weather elements)
  • RAWS summaries by fire weather zones
  • RAWS model output statistics (MOS) using MM5 forecast model
  • Revised Haines Index
  • Using RAWS MOS in spot forecasts
  • Development of new Red Flag criteria that is fuel model dependent (uses live and dead fuel moisture, Haines Index, NDVI)
  • The use of exiting non-fire weather networks (i.e. DOT, SNOTLE)
  • John Saltenberger
  • Weather briefing conference calls take place daily during fire season from 0900-1000
  • John encourages everyone to participate in the conference call
  • Portland weather web page address:
  • LARGE FIRE SUPPORT HELICOPTERS-Greg Conaway
  • Type 1 Helicopters
  • Helicopters are busy doing other work besides fire, so won’t see as many available this year
  • Fewer than 10 available this coming fire season
  • Helicopters Available
  • Possible 13 awards for type II helicopters up in the next 60 days
  • The Northwest will be the host for two large fire support helicopters (Wenatchee, Wa and John Day, Or)
  • 15 to 16 type II’s helicopters available
  • Hopefully spraying will be done with the helicopters, so they will be on the bases for fire season
  • Forest Service personnel can only ride in jet turbine helicopters
  • INFRARED HELICOPTERS SERVICES-Jim Payne
  • Dealing with Call when Needed (CWN) aircraft
  • When dispatchers get orders for CWN aircraft, really need to be using the closest resource that is the cheapest instead of going with a name request
  • Perform a cost analysis between vendors (if all is equal) to ensure the most cost effective resource is assigned to the incident
  • Make sure there is documentation when name requests occur
  • The above message was passed on at the aviation awareness workshop and will pass on at the Incident Commanders meeting.
  • This not only happens with CWN aircraft
  • If you have a problem with a certain vendor then let Jim Payne know of this
  • AERIAL SUPERVISION MODULES (ASM’S)
  • Definition
  • The Region 6 Forest Service is trying to get a module together that would include an air attack group supervisor in a lead plane
  • This is new to the Forest Service
  • Approved this year to beta test
  • Air attack group supervisor announcement went out and have 6 applicants. Will select a primary and backup
  • Right now there is a 50/50 chance that this program will get up and “fly”
  • The module will be able to do the air attack and lead plane mission
  • Primary goal is to enhance the initial and extended attack on fires in one platform
  • Will let people know what platform will have this module and if it will stay with the platform during the fire season
  • For next year if everything is successful then will come up with 3 mnemonics so dispatchers will know how to order it or what is coming to them.
  • One mnemonic would be just for the lead plane and another mnemonic would be for the lead plane with ATGS
  • The programs that has been at Redmond for the last several years with an ATGS will not be there this year
  • Once the program gets going, will also be using it as a training platform for other lead plane pilots and ATGS
  • An ATGS1 will be on these modules
  • Hopefully this will be in place by April 17, 00
  • Note: Recent (post workshop) changes have occurred in this program. Additional information will be forwarded in the near future
  • SMOKEJUMPER PROGRAM-Tom Fitzpatrick
  • Update
  • Redmond will have 35 smokejumpers
  • Winthrop will have 20 smokejumpers
  • Aircraft at Redmond will be C-23a Sherpa
  • Aircraft at Winthrop will be a Casa
  • Cut off wind speed for jumpers could be 15 mph, but it all depends on the situation. The spotters are the ones that decide on the situation to jump
  • When requesting smokejumpers, provide correct information regarding latitude/longitude, frequencies, complete information on estimated fire size, ground contacts, other aircraft in area, hazards, location by landmark and any special requests (chainsaw, pumps, etc.)
  • RAPPEL PROGRAM-Kevin Brown
  • Update
  • Nationally, there are approximately 400 rappellers supporting 35 rappel bases
  • Chelan rappel will move to Wenatchee and will have a type II aircraft with a crew of 6
  • Wallowa-Whitman NF(Sled Springs)-Bell 212 with crew of 15
  • Umatilla NF (Frazier)-crew of 15
  • Malheur NF (John Day)-type II with crew of 6
  • Siskiyou NF (Merlin)-new contract for aircraft with a crew of 14
  • Stats From 1999
  • Responded to 192 incidents which breaks down into 1250 hours
  • Transported 650 people
  • Transported ½ million lbs. of cargo
  • 974,000 gallons of water
  • 73% of the incidents were repelled
  • Standard Operations
  • Crews are normally functional between June 1 thru September 30
  • Will flight follow with dispatch until the start of the rappel, then will go to radio silence for about 10-15 mins. After the rappel is completed than will come back on Forest frequency and let dispatcher know the rappel is completed and who the incident commander is
  • R-6 website:
  • REGIONAL AIRSPACE UPDATE-Julie Stewart
  • What’s New In Airspace
  • Airspace guide is almost done. The guide is designed to assist individuals with any type of airspace situation. Chapters 3 thru7 and 11 will be helpful to dispatchers involved in the deconfliction of airspace
  • Should be on the net in late spring of 2000
  • Will stay where it is at on the web for right now
  • Hopefully into the future, that some of the airspace training will be put on CD ROM’s with training guides
  • Latitude/Longitude issue-2 regions have had this issue, so Julie will file a Safecom and try to get this issue cleared up
  • Trying to get information about updated military route schedules to dispatchers
  • Talked about the new aviation safety posters that are out
  • Remotely operated aircraft (ROA’s) ultra lights are considered to be one of these…Fort Lewis is considering flying ROA’s. Won’t see many this year, but Julie projected in the future we will
  • Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide can be ordered from NOAA Distribution Branch, N/CG333, National Ocean Service, Riverdale, Maryland 20737-119, Phone 301-436-6990
  • Safecom information is now available on the web at or
  • Military Update
  • Aviation bi-annual newsletter-
  • 304 rescue landing zones-very close in finding solutions
  • C-17’s arriving at McCord a few at a time
  • Aircraft rodeo that usually is held at McCord was moved to the SW
  • There is a secret website that shows all the TFR’s. Have to get a secret code to get on. Julie has been working with the military about getting legal access to this. Will distribute to everyone once this gets straightened out
  • TFR’s
  • The report needs to be timely
  • Needs to know who saw the incident, where, when, aircraft identification, who on the ground might have seen this and what they saw
  • Have the person who saw the inclusion write up the report that same day and submit
  • Near Mid-Air Collisions
  • Needs to be reported ASAP, even before the aircraft has landed
  • Needs to be reported to air traffic controller ASAP
  • Information needed is the time that the incident happen, where, how, what direction the aircraft was coming from and heading, distance from aircraft, aircraft identification and who on the ground might have seen this occur
  • CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM)-Scott Fisher
  • Definition
  • Study and understanding of personalities in aircraft
  • Came about around 1980
  • Program consist of how people handle stressful situations
  • Why
  • It’s a tool we can use to become safer and more effective
  • Issue was brought up about using some of this training for the ATGS and lead plane platform
  • There is training for crew resource management
  • AUTOMATED FLIGHT FOLLOWING SYSTEM-Chris Hice
  • Flight Following Steering Committee
  • Drafted Flight Functional specifications Version of 17 Dec 99
  • The existing manual system relies on periodic position reports from an aircraft to a dispatcher via radio.