# Fire Incident Command Radio Traffic Competency Framework

Competency framework for fire service personnel operating radio communications within the Incident Command System (ICS). Drawn from NFPA 1221, NFPA 1026, NFPA 1061, NFPA 1001, NFPA 1002, NFPA 1500, ICS-100/200/300/400, FEMA/DHS NIMS, FCC Part 90, and APCO/NENA interoperability standards.

## Framework Details

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| **Status** | draft |
| **Version** | 1.0 |
| **Competencies** | 40 |

## Competencies

| Statement | Domain | Bloom Level | Context |
| --- | --- | --- |--- |
| Understand and apply emerging radio technologies in fire service communications | Radio Regulatory and Technical Knowledge | - | - |
| Apply radio communications for active shooter and hostile event (ASHER) incidents | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Use radio communications to support unified command operations | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Apply radio communications in an Incident Command Post (ICP) environment | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Manage radio communications for planned events (special events, pre-planned incidents) | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Apply crew resource management (CRM) principles to radio communications | ICS Communications Fundamentals | - | - |
| Develop and deliver radio communications training for fire service personnel | Training and Competency Development | - | - |
| Apply APCO and NENA standards for public safety communications interoperability | Radio Interoperability | - | - |
| Use radio communications to support command and control of multiple companies | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Perform radio communications under reduced visibility and high-noise environments | Radio Equipment Operation | - | - |
| Communicate with aviation resources (air-to-ground communications) | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Understand and use radio documentation and logging requirements | Radio Regulatory and Technical Knowledge | - | - |
| Manage communications during transfer of command | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Perform radio communications during high-rise fire operations | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Apply NFPA 1561 Emergency Communications requirements for incident management systems | ICS Communications Fundamentals | - | - |
| Apply communications procedures for mass casualty and EMS incidents | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Conduct radio after-action review of communications performance | ICS Communications Fundamentals | - | - |
| Maintain situational awareness through active radio monitoring | ICS Communications Fundamentals | - | - |
| Apply radio security and encryption practices for sensitive communications | Radio Regulatory and Technical Knowledge | - | - |
| Understand and apply FCC licensing and regulatory requirements for fire service radio systems | Radio Regulatory and Technical Knowledge | - | - |
| Conduct radio communications during wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) incidents | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Conduct radio communications for technical rescue and special operations incidents | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Conduct radio communications for hazardous materials incidents | Specialized Incident Communications | - | - |
| Use radio to support personnel accountability systems | Emergency Radio Procedures | - | - |
| Request and coordinate additional resources via radio | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Transmit and manage progress reports during incident operations | Incident Reporting | - | - |
| Maintain radio discipline and manage radio traffic congestion | Radio Transmission Procedures | - | - |
| Recognize and manage radio dead zones and coverage failures on the fireground | Radio Interoperability | - | - |
| Apply radio interoperability procedures for multi-agency incidents | Radio Interoperability | - | - |
| Operate within a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) communications environment | Communications Unit Operations | - | - |
| Operate as Communications Unit Leader (COML) | Communications Unit Operations | - | - |
| Complete and use the ICS-205 Incident Radio Communications Plan | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Manage radio traffic as Incident Commander | Command-Level Radio Operations | - | - |
| Transmit and receive Evacuation (Emergency Evacuation Signal) notifications | Emergency Radio Procedures | - | - |
| Transmit and respond to a Mayday radio transmission | Emergency Radio Procedures | - | - |
| Transmit and acknowledge tactical assignments via radio | Incident Reporting | - | - |
| Transmit and receive initial size-up and on-scene reports | Incident Reporting | - | - |
| Use standard radio transmission procedures and plain language | Radio Transmission Procedures | - | - |
| Operate portable and mobile radio equipment in an incident environment | Radio Equipment Operation | - | - |
| Identify and describe the ICS radio communications structure | ICS Communications Fundamentals | - | - |

## Competency Details

### Understand and apply emerging radio technologies in fire service communications

Understand the role of emerging technologies including LTE/FirstNet broadband, integrated voice and data systems, location-aware radio, and AI-assisted dispatch in enhancing fire service communications, and evaluate their applicability and limitations in operational environments.

**Keywords:** FirstNet, LTE, broadband, location-aware radio, AI dispatch, emerging technology, CISA

### Apply radio communications for active shooter and hostile event (ASHER) incidents

Apply radio communications procedures for active shooter, hostile events, and other tactical law enforcement-involved incidents including radio discipline to avoid compromising operations, coordination with law enforcement on shared channels, and medical branch communications.

**Keywords:** active shooter, ASHER, hostile event, ALERRT, law enforcement coordination, TEMS

### Use radio communications to support unified command operations

Apply radio communications procedures within a Unified Command structure including shared command net management, inter-agency communications protocols, and joint information release coordination.

**Keywords:** unified command, ICS-400, NIMS, multi-agency, command net, joint information

### Apply radio communications in an Incident Command Post (ICP) environment

Function effectively in an Incident Command Post communications environment, including use of multiple radios, radio logs, and coordination with the Operations Section, Planning Section, and Communications Unit.

**Keywords:** ICP, Incident Command Post, ICS-300, NIMS, radio log, command post communications

### Manage radio communications for planned events (special events, pre-planned incidents)

Develop and implement a radio communications plan for planned events such as parades, sporting events, or pre-planned high-risk evolutions, including pre-assigned channels, staging communications, and coordination with law enforcement and EMS.

**Keywords:** special events, planned events, pre-planned incident, NIMS, event communications, coordination

### Apply crew resource management (CRM) principles to radio communications

Apply CRM principles from aviation and high-reliability organizations to fire service radio communications including assertive communication, inquiry, advocacy, and conflict resolution when safety-critical information must be communicated up the command chain.

**Keywords:** CRM, crew resource management, assertive communication, NFPA 1026, high-reliability, fireground safety

### Develop and deliver radio communications training for fire service personnel

Design, develop, and deliver radio communications training for fire department personnel including initial recruit training, in-service drills, and scenario-based exercises that address identified performance gaps.

**Keywords:** radio training, NFPA 1041, fire instructor, communications training, scenario-based training

### Apply APCO and NENA standards for public safety communications interoperability

Understand and apply APCO Project 25 (P25) standards, NENA standards, and Next Generation 911 (NG911) frameworks as they apply to fire service radio interoperability with law enforcement and EMS partners.

**Keywords:** APCO, P25, NENA, NG911, interoperability, public safety communications, SAFECOM

### Use radio communications to support command and control of multiple companies

As a company or sector officer, use radio communications to manage multiple companies or units simultaneously, including issuing assignments, tracking unit status, and reporting to the IC, while maintaining personal situational awareness.

**Keywords:** company officer, sector officer, multi-unit command, NFPA 1026, ICS-200, tactical communications

### Perform radio communications under reduced visibility and high-noise environments

Maintain effective radio communications while wearing SCBA or other PPE that impairs speech intelligibility, in high-noise environments such as during active fire suppression or power tool use, using techniques to maximize message clarity.

**Keywords:** SCBA, PPE, radio clarity, noise environment, NFPA 1500, speech intelligibility

### Communicate with aviation resources (air-to-ground communications)

Apply air-to-ground radio procedures for coordination with aerial firefighting, air medical, and law enforcement aviation resources, including correct frequencies, protocols, and safety considerations for operating near aircraft.

**Keywords:** air-to-ground, aviation, air attack, NWCG, FAA, helicopter, aerial firefighting

### Understand and use radio documentation and logging requirements

Understand the legal and operational requirements for radio communications documentation including dispatch recordings, incident logs, and the use of ICS forms to document radio assignments and resource status.

**Keywords:** radio logging, documentation, NFPA 1221, incident records, ICS forms, dispatch recording

### Manage communications during transfer of command

Properly manage the radio notification and acknowledgement process for transfer of command between ICs, ensuring clear documentation of command transfer on the command net and updating all units of the incoming IC identity.

**Keywords:** transfer of command, NFPA 1561, IC transfer, command net, ICS protocol

### Perform radio communications during high-rise fire operations

Apply radio communications procedures specific to high-rise incidents including the use of building emergency systems, fire command centers, dedicated radio channels per floor or zone, and coordination with building management and tenants.

**Keywords:** high-rise, fire command center, building systems, NFPA 1, floor zone communications

### Apply NFPA 1561 Emergency Communications requirements for incident management systems

Understand and apply NFPA 1561 requirements for emergency service incident management communications, including mandatory radio assignments, accountability, emergency traffic designations, and command transfer protocols.

**Keywords:** NFPA 1561, incident management, emergency traffic, command transfer, radio assignment

### Apply communications procedures for mass casualty and EMS incidents

Apply radio communication procedures for mass casualty incidents (MCIs) including medical sector communications, hospital notification via radio or ReddiNet, and coordination with EMS and medical control.

**Keywords:** MCI, mass casualty, EMS, medical control, hospital notification, NFPA 1561, medical sector

### Conduct radio after-action review of communications performance

Review recorded radio traffic from incidents and training exercises to identify communications failures, near-misses, discipline issues, and best practices, and incorporate findings into corrective training.

**Keywords:** after-action review, AAR, radio critique, communications improvement, NFPA 1026, training feedback

### Maintain situational awareness through active radio monitoring

Maintain active radio monitoring of assigned nets to track unit locations, incident conditions, and resource status, and use this information to update personal situational awareness and inform decisions.

**Keywords:** situational awareness, radio monitoring, NFPA 1026, fireground awareness, SA

### Apply radio security and encryption practices for sensitive communications

Understand when encryption or secure communications are appropriate in fire and emergency operations, how to operate encrypted radios, and the protocols for managing encryption keys and ensuring interoperability with non-encrypted partner agencies.

**Keywords:** encryption, secure communications, radio security, CISA, key management, interoperability

### Understand and apply FCC licensing and regulatory requirements for fire service radio systems

Understand the FCC Part 90 licensing framework governing public safety radio systems, including frequency coordination, license requirements, and prohibited uses, and apply this knowledge when programming, operating, or procuring radio equipment.

**Keywords:** FCC, Part 90, radio license, frequency coordination, public safety radio, radio regulation

### Conduct radio communications during wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) incidents

Apply radio communication procedures for wildland and WUI incidents including use of NWCG communications protocols, air-to-ground coordination, geographic identifiers, and ICS single resource and division communications.

**Keywords:** wildland, WUI, NWCG, air-to-ground, air attack, division communications, S-205

### Conduct radio communications for technical rescue and special operations incidents

Apply radio communications procedures for technical rescue incidents including coordination between surface teams, confined space or below-grade teams, and medical teams, and use of voice-activated communications systems where required.

**Keywords:** technical rescue, NFPA 1670, confined space, special operations, rescue communications, voice-activated

### Conduct radio communications for hazardous materials incidents

Apply radio communication procedures specific to hazardous materials incidents including use of dedicated HazMat net, coordination with HazMat team, CHEMTREC notification via dispatch, and decontamination communication protocols.

**Keywords:** hazardous materials, HazMat, CHEMTREC, NFPA 472, decontamination, HazMat net

### Use radio to support personnel accountability systems

Use radio communications to support personnel accountability systems including PASSPORT, ICS-204, or electronic PAR systems, transmitting and receiving accountability check-ins, tag-ins, and PAR results.

**Keywords:** personnel accountability, PASSPORT, PAR, ICS-204, NFPA 1500, accountability officer

### Request and coordinate additional resources via radio

Transmit requests for additional resources including specific type and number of units, location, and staging instructions, and coordinate resource assignments through the IC or Operations Section Chief using established ICS resource request procedures.

**Keywords:** resource request, mutual aid, staging, ICS-200, NFPA 1026, additional alarm

### Transmit and manage progress reports during incident operations

Provide structured progress reports to the IC or supervisor at regular intervals and upon task completion, including benchmarks such as water on fire, all clear, under control, and loss stopped.

**Keywords:** progress report, benchmark, all clear, under control, loss stopped, NFPA 1026

### Maintain radio discipline and manage radio traffic congestion

Apply radio discipline practices including limiting unnecessary transmissions, waiting for channel clearance before transmitting, and managing congestion on busy tactical nets to prevent critical traffic from being blocked.

**Keywords:** radio discipline, traffic congestion, channel management, NFPA 1221, tactical net, busy channel

### Recognize and manage radio dead zones and coverage failures on the fireground

Identify areas of poor or no radio coverage during incident operations and implement mitigation strategies including relay techniques, portable repeaters, and fallback communications procedures.

**Keywords:** dead zone, coverage failure, radio relay, portable repeater, NFPA 1221, building penetration

### Apply radio interoperability procedures for multi-agency incidents

Demonstrate knowledge and application of radio interoperability techniques including shared frequency use, patching, gateway devices, and ISSI/CSSI connections to enable communications between agencies operating on different radio systems.

**Keywords:** interoperability, SAFECOM, patching, gateway, ISSI, mutual aid, multi-agency

### Operate within a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) communications environment

Understand the role of the PSAP/dispatch center in incident communications, including how radio traffic is monitored, recorded, and relayed, and how to communicate effectively with telecommunicators during an incident.

**Keywords:** PSAP, dispatch, telecommunicator, NFPA 1221, NFPA 1061, emergency communications center

### Operate as Communications Unit Leader (COML)

Perform the duties of the Communications Unit Leader including assessing communications needs, developing the ICS-205, coordinating with the Logistics Section, managing the Incident Communications Center, and ensuring interoperability for multi-agency incidents.

**Keywords:** COML, Communications Unit Leader, NFPA 1061, ICS-300, interoperability, ICC

### Complete and use the ICS-205 Incident Radio Communications Plan

Develop, complete, and distribute the ICS Form 205 Incident Radio Communications Plan, accurately documenting assigned frequencies, channels, and functions for all ICS positions on the incident.

**Keywords:** ICS-205, communications plan, frequency assignment, NIMS, ICS forms, radio plan

### Manage radio traffic as Incident Commander

As IC, manage and prioritize radio traffic across command and tactical nets, delegate radio monitoring to the Communications Unit or aide, limit unnecessary radio traffic, and maintain situation awareness through effective radio communication management.

**Keywords:** IC, incident commander, radio management, command net, NFPA 1026, ICS-200

### Transmit and receive Evacuation (Emergency Evacuation Signal) notifications

Initiate, transmit, and respond to the Emergency Evacuation Signal (EES/air horn signal and radio transmission) per NFPA 1500 and department protocol, including PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) following evacuation.

**Keywords:** evacuation, EES, PAR, personnel accountability, NFPA 1500, emergency signal

### Transmit and respond to a Mayday radio transmission

Recognize, initiate, and respond to Mayday transmissions in accordance with NFPA 1500 and department protocol, including correct Mayday format (LUNAR), emergency channel activation, and IC response procedures.

**Keywords:** Mayday, LUNAR, emergency transmission, firefighter rescue, NFPA 1500, PAR

### Transmit and acknowledge tactical assignments via radio

Receive, acknowledge, and confirm tactical assignments from the IC or supervisor via radio, including unit identification, task, location, and any resource needs, using read-back/hear-back procedures to confirm accuracy.

**Keywords:** tactical assignment, read-back, hear-back, acknowledgement, ICS radio, NFPA 1026

### Transmit and receive initial size-up and on-scene reports

Deliver a complete, structured on-scene size-up report via radio using the standard format (CAN or LUNA or department-equivalent), conveying conditions, actions, needs and resource status to the IC and dispatch.

**Keywords:** size-up, on-scene report, CAN report, LUNA, initial report, NFPA 1026

### Use standard radio transmission procedures and plain language

Transmit radio messages using clear, concise plain language per NIMS and department protocols, avoiding jargon, codes, or ambiguous terminology that can create confusion during emergency operations.

**Keywords:** plain language, radio procedure, NIMS, transmission, 10-codes, clear text

### Operate portable and mobile radio equipment in an incident environment

Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and effective operation of portable (handheld) and mobile radio equipment used on the fireground, including volume/squelch adjustment, channel selection, PTT technique, and antenna orientation.

**Keywords:** portable radio, mobile radio, PTT, channel selection, radio operation, NFPA 1221

### Identify and describe the ICS radio communications structure

Describe the role of radio communications within the Incident Command System, including command nets, tactical nets, and ground-to-air communications, and explain how they support span of control and unity of command.

**Keywords:** ICS, radio, command net, tactical net, NIMS, communications structure

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*Generated from TLA Toolbox on 4/5/2026*