The Minnesota Interagency Coordination Center (MNCC) supports the mobilization of a wide variety of overhead single resources in and out of Minnesota. The informational resources in the drop menus below are intended to help those who mobilize as a single resource to wildfire incidents be current on the expectations and requirements when traveling outside their home unit.
Before You Mobilize
RESOURCE ORDER
The resource order contains a significant amount of important information. Before departing for your assignment, review your resource order reading all of the documentation included in your resource order carefully.
- Review the header information. This section tells you exactly where you are going, what your assigned role is, and other key details.
- Check the Financial Codes block. This identifies the code to charge your time to. For Minnesota State employees - You must have a CC2 code. If one is not provided, contact MNCC Logistics to request one be assigned.
- Verify the contact information in Block 8.
- Review Block 12 for assignment details.
- Check Block 13 for any documentation added after the order was filled.
If anything is unclear on your resource order, call MNCC Logistics before you leave.
Q - I'm going on an assignment, what do I need to bring?
A - Pack your PPE, field gear, and the following items:
- Current Incident Qualifications (Red) Card
- Any taskbook(s) you plan to work on
- Resource Order
- Travel receipt for air travel
- Identification
- Prescription medications, medical devices, and any other essential daily items
To ensure your most critical day-to-day items, such as a few days' supply of prescription medication, medical equipment and other essentials, remain with you during your travel, consider packing them in your carry-on bag.
Q - Can I bring a cell phone and laptop on my assignment?
A - Yes. Your resource order covers government‑issued devices only, which are automatically authorized. You may also bring personal devices, but the incident is not responsible for any damage to personal items and cannot provide compensation if they are lost, damaged, or destroyed.
Traveling to the Assignment
Call 218-322-2735 or click here to check in.
Resources who are dispatched from MNCC and are traveling for their assignments can call the tracking number or use the link to check in 24/7/365.
This status check ensures resources arrive at their destination safely. It is mandatory for USFS resources and strongly encouraged for all other agencies.
Q – I missed my flight, my flight is delayed, or my flight has been cancelled.
- A – When you mobilize by air, you will receive a receipt for the flight booked by dispatch. Follow
these guidelines if issues arise:
- If your flight is cancelled before check‑in and you are told it has not been rebooked, contact dispatch.
- If your flight is delayed, the airline will adjust your itinerary to complete your travel.
- If your flight is cancelled after travel has begun, work directly with the airline to rebook on the next available flight. Do not leave the airport until you have confirmed your new reservation.
- Keep the incident informed of delays using the contact numbers in Block 8 of your resource order or the listed ordering contact.
Q – Will you make a flight home for me?
- A – The incident is responsible for arranging your return travel. If you are instructed to make your own travel arrangements, contact the dispatch center listed in Block 8 of your resource order and request assistance with return travel. If they are unable to help, contact MNCC Logistics for support.
Q - I am driving to/from my assignment, how long can I drive each day?
- A - Driving is limited to:
- 10 hours daily for a single driver.
- 16 hours daily if you have multiple drivers.
- No driving is allowed between 2200 and 0500. Some agencies driving policy may be more restrictive, so follow your agency policy.
Q - Do I get a Rental?
- A- If your resource order authorizes a rental, you will receive a standard or economy class vehicle. DO NOT rent a vehicle on your own. If you did not have a rental arranged and arrive to find you need one, call dispatch.
Q - My rental has a problem such as a flat tire, chipped windshield etc. what do I do?
- A- Do not fix it yourself, if you are at an incident talk with Ground Support. They can help you or provide needed documentation. Call the contact number on your rental agreement, the rental company will work with you to repair the problem or replace the vehicle.
Q - I had an accident with my rental, what do I do?
- A - Contact the number on your rental agreement. When your rental is arranged, a daily government fee is automatically added to the agreement. This covers any claims for accidental damage. Ensure the rental car agency takes note of this when returning the vehicle. *Keep all receipts and documents for 1 year after an accident.
Q - I have an off-road rental authorized or I am not self-sufficient and need a rental.
A - NERV was established to provide off-road vehicles to fire personnel who require them and provide rentals to any resource who cannot pay for one. There is no upfront cost to a resource when getting a NERV rental. NERV or off road/4x4 must be documented in special needs of your resource order. All NERV required paperwork must be completed by the resource before, during and after the assignment.
* NERV HD trucks must be returned to the pick-up location.
When at the Incident
Q - What paperwork should I receive from Finance before demobilizing from the incident?
- A - You should receive an OF-288 form from the incident's finance section during check-out. This is the approved timesheet for your assignment. In some cases, units may only use CTR’s. DO NOT leave the incident without a signed document showing proof of your time on the incident.
Training Resources:
Q - I experienced a medical issue while on assignment. Who do I need to tell?
- A - Report any injury or illness to your incident supervisor immediately. They may direct you to the medical unit or to a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Your home unit must also be notified to ensure the proper documentation is in place to support any continued care upon your return. Do not leave the incident without reporting an injury or illness, even if it seems insignificant.
Q – I am done with my assignment or being reassigned, what do I need to do?
- A – Before leaving the incident, you must complete the demobilization and check‑out process. This process includes:
- Returning all of the accountable property you checked out from the incident.
- Visiting the incident finance section to obtain a signed copy of your final OF‑288.
- Confirming you have your travel arranged.
- Obtaining your performance evaluation — if one is not offered, request one from your incident supervisor.
Q - I am being demobilized but still have time remaining on my assignment. Will you find me a reassignment?
- A - Reassignments are not automatically arranged. You must coordinate directly with the incident and the local dispatch center where you are currently assigned to determine whether a reassignment is available. There is nothing that MNCC can do to coordinate a reassignment.
Q - I am extending past 14 days, what do I need to do?
- A - A standard assignment is 14 days, if you are asked to commit to an incident past 14 days you will need your supervisor's approval. A Resource Extension Request form should be submitted to your home unit. After it’s been approved and signed, a copy should be sent to MNCC to keep them aware of your status.
AD Resources
Q – I have questions about my casual hire form, or I haven’t received one for my assignment.
A – All sponsored USFS and State ADs should contact the Great Lakes AD Hub for paperwork or
hiring-related questions.
Great Lakes AD Hub Email:
sm.fs.r9grtlkadhub@usda.gov
Great Lakes AD Hub Contacts:
- Hannah Rogers: (414) 232‑8525
- Robert Klages: (414) 308‑6426
Q – I am switching positions on an incident, and the AD rate is different. Do I need a new casual hire form?
A – No. The new position code and AD rate should be recorded on your CTR and/or OF‑288. A new casual hire form is not required.
