The Burn Boss Type 3 directs prescribed fire operations on low complexity burns with a Consequence Ranking of low (Green). This is an agency-specific position, one not defined in the PMS 310-1 qualifications guide.

Criteria for RXB3 use:

• Complexity Analysis final ranking of "low" using a TNC complexity analysis.
• Conservancy Consequence Analysis ranking of low (Green)
• No aerial ignition; Drones are allowed for surveillance and holding patrol using a qualified drone pilot and specific mention of the use of drones in the Prescribed Burn Plan (or the Prescribed Fire Manager's pre-burn approval of such addition to the approved burn plan)
• Prescribed Burn Plan limits prescription parameters to those that provide for wide safety margins. E.g. plans consider: conservative yet effective fire behavior prescriptions; wide fire breaks; and more personnel than minimally adequate.
• Prescribed Burn Unit Plan must explicitly list RXB3 as acceptable

This position differs significantly from the RXB3 of many US government agencies in that the Conservancy requires additional training and experience. A person qualified by a government agency as an RXB3 is not necessarily qualified  as a Conservancy RXB3 because of additional TNC qualifications requirements.

Responsibility and Authority

• Directs prescribed fire operations on some low complexity burns
• Directs Non-broadcast burns
• Coordinates necessary fire suppression activities, e.g. prescribed fire contingency response
• Confirms crew member training, qualifications and position currency
• Prepares Prescribed Burn Plans and assists with other planning
• Serves as instructor for entry to mid-level wildland fire courses
• Responsible for safe and effective fire operations
• Instructs the science and practice of ecological burning

How to become a Burn Boss Type 3

An RXB3 must meet minimum training, experience and physical fitness requirements listed below, and complete the RXB3 Position Task Book [Agency-specific PTB] as a trainee on three or more prescribed burns that are supervised by a Type 1 or Type 2 Burn Boss.

Required Training:

• S-200 Initial Attack Incident Commander
• S-390 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations

Other Training (not required) which supports development of knowledge and skills:

• S-219 Firing Operations
• RX-310 Introduction to Fire Effects
• RX-300 Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, or Workshop on Ecological Burning 

Required experience:

• Firing Boss (FIRB)
• An additional Single Resource Boss, Engine Boss (ENGB) is preferred
• Participation in a total of at least 10 prescribed burns whose primary purpose is not training

Required Physical Fitness:
Moderate

Position Task Book:
Conservancy Prescribed Fire Manager must Initialize and Agency Certify the RXB3 position task book.

Position Currency

To remain qualified in a RXB3 position:

• Complete Recurrent Training- RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher
• Complete RT-300 Burn Boss Safety Refresher every two years
• Complete First Aid / CPR refresher
• Complete annual Physical Fitness testing
• Successfully lead a prescribed burn within a five (5) year timeframe

Position Documentation

The Prescribed 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 Prescribed Fire Manager, and a copy sent to the Director of Fire Management. See: Sample memo. Meeting all of the above standards for RXB3 does not automatically give a person authority to conduct prescribed burns for the Conservancy. The designation will also depend on the recommendations of fellow burners and careful evaluation of the individual's leadership qualities by the Prescribed Fire Manager. An individual may be restricted to burning in certain fuel types or in specific sites or geographic areas. If a burn boss moves to another program, they must be designated in writing by the new program's Prescribed Fire Manager.

A Burn Boss is responsible for maintaining awarded training certificates, completed Position Task Books, fitness test documentation, and a log or record of their wildland fire experience. Copies may also be kept in a state or local office for documenting an individual's information in the IQCS database.

Under no circumstances should any Conservancy staff, volunteer, or contractor conduct a burn for which they have not been approved in writing to perform as a qualified Burn Boss.

If a Burn Boss shows persistent deficiencies in fulfilling their role, the Fire Manager or the Director of Fire Management may conduct a review of that person's qualification status and may permanently or temporarily revoke Conservancy burn boss status.

Last updated December 30, 2025.