AREA COMMAND (AC) COMPLEXITY ASSESSMENT APPENDIX M
AREA COMMAND (AC) COMPLEXITY ASSESSMENT
Guide for ACT Engagement
Incident: Date:
Check all that apply. (Current date/time and expected over next 72-96 hours.)
Multiple incident management organizations (IMTs of varying types) are assigned
on a single administrative unit or several adjoining units that can be combined into
Local resources and managers need incident management assistance for multi-
jurisdictional incidents that may/will incur a unified command organization and/or
cost share agreements; may be single incident with multiple IMTs.
Response trends, and/or planning level, political, media, or public concerns are
escalating from local to state/regional level and may rise to national levels (e.g.,
PLs, military activation, FEMA, and/or FMAG involvement).
Incident reporting or communication requirements are diverse, time-sensitive,
and/or require consolidation and clarity.
Incident personnel are having difficulty achieving objectives.
Intricate local land and resource management objectives and constraints exist and
require close oversight for compliance.
Special circumstances that warrant additional management oversight and support
(including, but not limited to, serious injuries, fatalities, equipment accidents, or
special non-fire events happening locally) are occurring/impacting agency
Key unit leadership (AAs, LOs, Agency Reps, FMOs, etc.) is absent, operating
beyond scope of training/experience, or multiple acting/detailed members are
present/needed. Fatigue of these individuals is becoming a factor and will not
Significant events (e.g., severe weather, large public events, or substantial increase
of initial attack) are predicted that will impact success.
Complex, long-term or multiple incidents are exceeding acceptable agency
administrator and fire program manager span of control.
Multiple incidents and administrative units are competing for resources. Incident
prioritization, allocation of scarce resources, coordinating the sharing of critical
resources, and application and management of surge resources can reduce
competition and facilitate more efficient operations.
A Theater of Operations concept is present in the thinking, planning, and
operational choices of decision makers. A greater commitment to long-term
strategy/planning is warranted to better utilize resources and manage incidents.
ACT may not be required, but can
be ordered if “YES” items are
significant.
Consider ordering ACT; if
not, monitor indicators
closely and reconsider if
additional “YES” indicators
Release Date: January 2021 Appendix M-1
