Alaska Fire Service Support Services
The Branches of Logistics Operations and Business and Technology Management provide the Alaska Fire Service (AFS) with a wide spectrum of support services that are crucial to the accomplishment of the Alaska Fire Service mission. Beyond providing day-to-day operational support, many of the support employees obtain incident qualifications through agency sponsored training and participate on fires as part of Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams. The experience, knowledge, and level of commitment the support sections bring to the organization are key to Alaska Fire Service’s success.
- Fire Supply
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The Supply Section manages the National Type I Fire Cache as well the small engine repair, transportation, and the warehouse services units.
This Section also provides support on fire incidents by serving in the position of Cache Demob Specialist (CDSP), Ordering Manager (ORDM), Receiving and Distribution Manager (RCDM), Supply Unit Leader (SPUL), and Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL).
The Transportation Unit (LLAK9F2212) provides operators, a pool of vehicles and fuel facilities for use by the AFS and FDO, is accountable for the vehicles and coordinates GSA billings and repairs. The Unit coordinates with the State of Alaska on a regular basis and provides support during multiple and large fire occurrences. The Unit procures incident vehicles, provides vehicle inspections, accident investigation, and coordinates with AICC, the Zones, and the Fire Operations Duty Office to ensure ground transportation of equipment and personnel resources. The Unit transports warehouse supplies and equipment including hazardous materials for projects and wildland fires.
The Small Engine Repair Unit (LLAK9F2210) is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the AFS and the FDO owned motorized equipment and vehicles. The staff maintains, repairs, and prepares fire pumps, chainsaws and generators, four-wheelers, and snow machines. They maintain and manage a parts store account for equipment repair; provides training and determines useful life of equipment, loss or damage justification.
- Facilities Maintenance
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The Facilities Operation Section is responsible for facilities construction and maintenance for the Alaska Fire Service and the BLM Fairbanks District Office (FDO). This section provides technical guidance, professional maintenance support, and new construction for the AFS and FDO administrative sites throughout Northern Alaska. Facilities Operations also coordinates the capabilities of maintenance mechanics, carpenters, and electricians who install, test, troubleshoot, repair, replace, adjust, and perform preventive maintenance on real property installed equipment.
This Section also provides support on fire incidents with the Qualifications of Base Camp Manager (BCMG), Facility Unit Leader (FACL), and Equipment Inspector (EQPI).
- IT
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The Information Technology Section provides information technology expertise including installation, maintenance, user support and training on corporate Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software, statewide and National Interagency Fire computer systems, custom applications, web services, and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It also manages the Alaska Fire Service's corporate data, both text and spatial, and coordinates data sharing with DOI Agencies, USDA Forest Service, State of Alaska, private organizations and Alaska Native Corporations.
The Information Technology Section also installs and maintains servers, personal computers, the virtual operating environment, printers, network devices and communications equipment, to facilitate the exchange of data and information with remote field sites, BLM, DOI, State of Alaska, National Interagency Fire operations and the public.
- ICECAP - Incident Command System Software
- FAMWEB - National Fire and Aviation Management Web Applications
Web Applications:
- Incident Business
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The Alaska Fire Service Incident Business Lead with the help of AFS Fire Management Zone employees and AFS Business Management employees provides incident business management guidance, training, oversight, and policy direction for BLM Alaska fire management in coordination with federal and state agencies. These individuals also hire emergency support workers and prepare payment documents; process tort, employee, and contract claims for Northern BLM; and prepare emergency equipment rental agreements.
Participation in Fire Teams
Business Incident personnel play a crucial role in the management of large fires. Positions they may encumber:
- Incident Business Adviser (IBA)
- Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)
- Personnel Time Recorder (TIME)
- Compensation and Claims (COMP)
- Injury Specialist (INJR)
- Buying Team Members (BUYT)
Other Finance Links
- Communications
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The Communications Section, in coordination with the State of Alaska, the Interior Telecommunications Coordinating Group - Alaska (ITCG-A), and the Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMR) provides a statewide communication network in support of fire, BLM Resource programs, DOI Agencies, U.S. Customs, and the State of Alaska. This section also provides technical expertise, management design, installation and maintenance of scene of action and the mountain-top backbone communications systems as well as the Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS). The Communications Section maintains a radio cache of portable equipment and manages cache frequencies, repairs, maintains, and performs operational testing of equipment.
The Section also provides communications support on fire incidents by serving in the position of Communications Technicians (COMT) and Communications Lead (COML).
- Business Management
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The Business Management Section provides business support services and technical oversight to the AFS. This Section is responsible for:
- Time and attendance reports and supports management in entering FPPS actions
- Provides document preparation, guidance and AFS policy development on travel related issues.
- Providing acquisition services including leases, agreements, Blanket Purchase Agreements, purchase orders for services, construction, supplies and materials for AFS, FDO, and interagency emergency incidents.
- Provides overall mail and records management including central files
- Manages the forms and supply room
- Coordinates the uniform program
- Provides reproduction services
- Manages the AFS library
The Business Management Section provides emergency incident pay administration, prepares correspondence and billing to state, federal and private entities, and is responsible for receipts, deposits and transfers of funds for the AFS dining and barracks facilities and Bills for Collection payments.
The Business Management Section provides Human Resource Management planning and coordination with the Alaska Combined Service Center in support of AFS personnel management and benefits programs. The Section administers the Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs for the AFS and the Fairbanks District Office (FDO).
This Section also provides support on fire incidents by serving in the position of Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR),Time Unit Leader (TIME), Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), Comp/Claims (COMP), and Injury Specialist (INJR).
- Housing and Food Services
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The Housing and Food Services Section provides dining hall operations, food services, and housing management to the Alaska Fire Service, and other BLM, federal, and state agencies in support of resource and fire management programs. They manage dining hall facilities and related personnel at both the AFS Headquarters on Fort Wainwright and the Ft. Yukon Field Station along with the AFS Barracks. For more information regarding the AFS Barracks, please view the AFS Barracks main webpage.
This Section also provides support on fire incidents with the Qualifications of Base Camp Manager (BCMG), Head Camp Cook (COOK), Food Unit Leader (FDUL), and Facility Unit Lead (FACL).