The Type 3 Burn Boss is an agency-specific position used by TNC under certain circumstances. The position is intended for use on prescribed burns in landscapes where small, isolated fire dependent natural areas are surrounded by landcover that is mostly nonflammable. Typically, these sites exist in rural locations with low population in the surrounding areas, structures and smoke-sensitive areas are infrequent, and chance of large-scale fire spread is minimal. Fire Managers have the authority to determine which burns may be conducted by an RxB3, provided the burn meets the Criteria for RXB3 use.

Criteria for RXB3 use:

• burn plan limits prescription parameters to those that make the possibility of spread or spotting outside the project area (off-site) negligible. Favorable conditions include those burn parameters that would maximize ability to control the prescribed fire and the ability to control spot fire or escapes.
• no aerial ignition
• Complexity Analysis conducted: if using the NWCG complexity analysis, no individual element may rank higher than "low"; if using the TNC complexity analysis, the burn has been rated as low complexity, and the first four elements of complexity analysis (safety, difficulty of containment, fuels and fire behavior, and wildland/urban interface) are rated no higher than 2, and the remaining elements of the complexity analysis are rated no higher than 3
• multiple fuel models will be allowed at the discretion of the Fire Manager
• Prescribed Burn Unit Plan must explicitly list RxB3 as acceptable for the burn

This position differs significantly from the RXB3 of many US federal agencies by having additional required training and experience. A person qualified by a federal agency as an RxB3 is not necessarily qualified for use as a TNC RxB3 because of the Conservancy's higher standard.

Responsibility and Authority

• directs prescribed fire operations on some low complexity burns
• a RxB3 cannot make field modifications to a burn unit plan without direct approval from their Fire Manager
• may be assigned responsibility for completing Non-broadcast Burns
• coordinates fire suppression activities if necessary, e.g. prescribed fire contingency response, or the shut-down of a test fire or burn
• may prepare Prescribed Burn Unit Plans and assist with other fire planning
• may serve as a course instructor for entry to mid-level wildland fire courses

How to become a Burn Boss Type 3

A Trainee must meet prerequisite experience, and an RXB3 must meet minimum total experience, physical fitness, and required training listed below, and complete the RXB3 Position Task Book (PTB) as a trainee on three or more prescribed burns that are supervised by a Type 1 or 2 Burn Boss.

Prerequisite experience to qualify as a RXB3 position Trainee:

Firing Boss plus an additional Single Resource Boss (Engine Boss is prefered)

Minimum total experience to qualify as a RXB3:

Participation in a total of at least 20 wildland fires (prescribed and wildfire accepted), whose primary purpose is not training

Minimum Required Physical Fitness: Moderate

Required Training:

Other Training which supports development of knowledge and skills:

Position Task Book:

Conservancy Fire Manager must Initialize and Agency Certify the RXB3 PTB. The Fire Management Coordinator must Initialize and Agency Certify all task books for a designated Fire Manager.

Position Currency

To remain qualified in a RXB3 position:

• Complete Recurrent Training- RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher, and Basic First Aid refresher (typically every 2-3 years)
• Complete annual fitness testing
• Successfully lead a RXB3 prescribed burn within a five (5) year timeframe

Position Documentation

The Fire Manager has the final authority and responsibility for designating an individual as a TNC Burn Boss Type 3. The designation must be made in writing with a memo or letter signed by the Fire Manager, and a copy sent to the Fire Management Coordinator. Sample memo. Meeting all of the above standards for RxB3 does not automatically qualify and give a person authority to conduct prescribed burns. The designation will depend on the recommendations from fellow burners and careful evaluation of leadership qualities by the Fire Manager. If an RxB3 moves to another program, he or she must be redesignated by that program's Fire Manager.

A Burn Boss is responsible for maintaining awarded training certificates, Position Task Books, fitness test documentation, and a log or record of their wildland fire experience. Upon designation as a Burn Boss, copies of these documents must be sent to the Fire Management Coordinator's central files, record of all Burn Bosses meeting minimum qualification standards. Copies may also be kept in a state or local office in support of a trainee's development or while maintaining a qualified individual's information in the IQCS database.

Under no circumstances should any Conservancy staff, volunteer, or contractee conduct a burn for which he/she has not been approved in writing as a qualified Burn Boss.

If a Burn Boss shows persistent deficiencies in fulfilling this role, the Fire Manager may conduct a review of that person's qualification status. TNC Burn Boss status may be permanently or temporarily revoked.

Last updated May 20, 2011.