Wildland Fire Engine Program

 The BIA has over 200 engines that—along with dozers, water tenders, and heavy equipment—contribute to fire suppression efforts in Indian Country. Firefighters who staff these engines make up engine crews. They are the backbone of Indian Country’s wildfire response workforce.

Engine crews are made of three to seven firefighters working together to respond to wildfires across Indian Country. Crew members are taught how to safely drive and use heavy water-filled trucks in remote areas to put fires out by spraying water and constructing handline to keep wildfires from spreading. Crewmembers are familiar with how to draft and pump water using various equipment and are experts in packing backpacks to quickly lay out hoses to deliver water to remote areas. 

Firefighters on engine crews start out as Engine Operators (ENOPs) and work their way up to engine bosses (ENGB), who then become engine strike team leaders (STEN). These leaders may oversee two to five engines at a time during wildfire operations. 

Driving Requirements

All BIA employees occupying positions requiring operation of a vehicle must successfully complete the web-based National Safety Council driving course, "Defensive Driving" every three years. In addition, BIA requires all personnel who drive a government vehicle to take BL-300 Basic Drivers Course.  

Engine Operator Certification and Training

In March, 2019, the BIA Wildland Fire Management Program began implementing training and experience requirements for personnel who operate wildland fire engines on behalf of the BIA.

Because of the responsibilities driving fire engines entails, BIA requires firefighters who operate wildland fire engines to have and carry valid state driver’s license certification.  Fire program managers also ensure their engine personnel are aware of state laws and are appropriately licensed, prior to operating any wildland fire engine.

Certification

Firefighters must certify as engine operators (ENOP) before becoming an engine boss (ENGB).  ENGB’s who have an open task book will also need to certify as ENOPs by January, 2021 before earning their ENGB certification.

These requirements provide wildland fire engine personnel training and job experience that teaches firefighters how to safely and expertly drive, operate, and tactically use BIA wildland fire engines.

Engine Training

N-9018 Engine Operator Training

The N-9018 Engine Operator Training covers inspecting, driving, pump operations, maintenance, winterizing, emergency driving policy and multiple tactical use scenarios. It is taught at the unit level by instructors who are certified as Type 4 Incident Commanders (ICT4) and Engine Bosses (ENGB).

BIA Fire Management staff require all second-year and onward engine personnel, including Administratively Determined (AD) firefighters, take the N-9018 course to ensure the safety of engine personnel and other firefighters working around them. Portable Pumps and Water Use (S-211) is also required to further their knowledge and understanding of water use and handling.

Download the N-9018 course material. 

Lights and Sirens Training

In addition to taking the web-based National Safety Driving Course, BL-300, S-211 and N-9018, all personnel who plan to operate wildland fire engines must take a training course on the use of emergency lights and sirens. This course is in accordance with individual state laws and BIA’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Lights and Sirens Training Material is under development as of March, 2019.

Motor Vehicle Policy Information  

• 2019 Fire Vehicle Driver Orientation Course Requirement
• 2019 Engine Operator Position and Curriculum, Lights and Sirens Training, and Licensing for Wildland Fire Engine Operation
• 2011 Amended PD for Indian Affairs Employees
• 2010 Motor Vehicle Operator Eligibility Form
• 2010 Motor Vehicle Operation Policy, Responsibilities, Implementation & Procedures
• 2009 Executive Order 13513 - Reducing Text Messaging While Driving
• 2009 BIA Motor Vehicle Policy Memo
• GSA-3607 MV License & Driving Record
• SF-91
• SF-95

Wildland Fire Engine Program Oversight

BIA's National Engine Program provides standardized, cost-efficient wildland Type 4 and Type 6 fire engines to the BIA and participating Tribes. The BIA, Branch of Wildland Fire Management administers the program through three geographic service centers located in Missoula, Montana, Eagle Butte, South Dakota and Dulce, New Mexico. Each Center Manager reports to the Deputy Director, Operations and is responsible for providing replacement parts, refurbishing, training and fabrication of the engine pumping systems.

There are six objectives that guide the Engine Program:

1. Provide a standardized Model 52 to participating Agencies or Tribes.
2. Provide opportunities to supply trucks for the Model 52 pumping systems.
3. Provide refurbishments and repair services for approved Management Planning Analysis (FMPA) engines.
4. Provide training in the use and maintenance of the Model 52 pumping system.
5. Meet the wildland fire program needs by evaluating new equipment and making necessary improvements through a standardized process.
6. Provide emergency repair services or replacements for the Model 52 on a call when needed basis.

Locations (Map - PDF)

Model 52 Engine Training

The Model 52 Engine Program provides training in the use and maintenance of the Model 52 Pumping system.  This training shows engine operators how to:

• Perform daily engine checks for both a Type 4 and Type 6 Engine
• Reviews where to find the general maintenance schedule according to the Engine model. 
• Clean around duel air filters
• Correctly shut down a BB-4 pump
• How to winterize pumps using air compressors and antifreeze
• How to correctly start and operate the M52 Plumbing System

For these training videos and other Model 52 Program information