National Incident Radio Support Cache
[edit] NATIONAL INCIDENT RADIO SUPPORT CACHE
This cache is maintained and used primarily for wildland fire, however, it may show up on
any large incident such as floods, hurricanes, law enforcement (it was used for the Republican
and Democratic National Conventions in 2004), and tornadoes. The cache is located and maintained by the National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD) of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho. The use of these frequencies is coordinated by the NIICD Communications Duty Officer to avoid interference with nearby incidents.
[edit] Tactical
Frequency Type Description
168.050 M Tactical 1
168.200 M Tactical 2
168.600 M Tactical 3
164.1375 M Tactical 4
166.725 M Tactical 5
166.775 M Tactical 6
168.250 M Tactical 7
- These frequencies are authorized for use in handhelds and mobiles only. Installation in base stations is not authorized.
[edit] Command
Frequency Type Description
168.700 RM Command 1
168.100 RM Command 2
168.075 RM Command 3
166.6125 RM Command 4
167.100 RM Command 5
168.475 RM Command 6
162.9625 RM Command 7
NOTE: these frequencies can be used direct (simplex), but are most commonly used with repeaters. The repeater input frequencies are not shown. These repeaters fit in a small fiberglass case and are placed on the ground in a high place that provides coverage to all or most of the incident. Portable antennas and solar power are normally employed.
[edit] Logistics
Frequency Type Description
414.650 RM Logistics 1
415.400 RM Logistics 2
415.500 RM Logistics 3
417.300 RM Logistics 4
417.350 RM Logistics 5
417.500 RM Logistics 6
417.800 RM Logistics 7
The use of the following logistics frequencies is unknown at this time.
410.275
411.800
412.600
- These frequencies may also be used for cross band repeaters and links.
- These frequenices are normally used as repeater outputs.
[edit] Air VHF FM
Frequency Type Description
168.625 BM National Air Guard
168.650 BM National Flight Following
166.675 M Air to Air Tactics 1
169.150 M Air to Air Tactics 2
169.200 M Air to Air Tactics 3
170.000 M Air to Air Tactics 4
167.950 M BLM Air to Ground
166.6875 M Air to Ground
171.1375 M Air to Ground
- Air Tactics Frequencies can also be used as Air to Ground and are normally pre-assigned by area.
- NOTE There are additional air to ground frequencies being used in local areas and they are not cleared for use all over the western U.S. as these are. The western U.S. clearance starts at either 95 degrees longitude or at the Mississippi River. In the east these frequencies may be used, but with restrictions and subject to pre-approval by the National Interagency Incident Communications Division Communications Duty Officer.
[edit] Air VHF AM
Frequency Type Description
122.925 BM AA/AG/FW/RW
122.850 BM AA/AG/RW
122.975 BM AA/RW
123.050 BM AA/RW/Helispots
123.075 BM AA/AG/RW/Helispots
123.975 BM National Air Tanker Base
AA = Air to Air
AG = Air to Ground
FW = Fixed Winged (Airplanes)
RW = Rotary Wing (Helicopters)
- 122.925 Is is a national natural resources multi-com frequency and is usually not used on fires as it can be used by any level of government in the U.S.
[edit] Common
Frequency Type
163.100 BM
168.350 BM
- These are used for local tacticals in some areas, however they are common for the entire Federal government
[edit] Incident Command System Initial Callup
Frequency Type
168.550 BM
- Used as a common frequency during initial phase of an incident.
- Also used by smokejumpers as a tactical/air to ground while accomplishing jumping.
Source: The Forest Service Manual, Northern and Southern California Geographical Area Coordination Centers Mobilization Guide, and other sources gained as a retired USFS employee. Fred Richter August 2005