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S 230 Crew Boss Single Resource Instructor Led

This is a classroom course designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of duties associated with the single resource boss position from initial dispatch through demobilization to the home unit. Topics include operational leadership, preparation and mobilization, assignment preparation, risk management, entrapment avoidance, safety and tactics, offline duties, demobilization, and post incident responsibilities.

S-230 Course Components

  • Pre-course work - 2 hours
  • Instructor-led training - 24 hours

S-230 Course Materials

Introduction

  1. Introduction of the course coordinator and instructors
  2. Introduction of the students
  3. Schedule of events
  4. Course Process
  5. Measuring performance for this course
  6. Expectations
  7. Crew boss traits
  8. Course overview

Unit 1: Operational Leadership

Objectives:

  1. Describe the values and principles of operational leadership
  2. Identify the qualities of good leadership

Unit 2: Mobilization

Objectives:

  1. Identify the readiness and special equipment items that are required for the Crew Boss.
  2. List eight pieces of information to request from dispatch prior to departure.
  3. Identify five key elements of information needed to complete a Passenger/Cargo manifest.
  4. Explain the importance of evaluating crew readiness and establishing crew organization.
  5. Provide examples of appropriate travel procedures and conduct.

Unit 3: Arrival at the Incident

Objectives:

  1. Describe the intra-crew coordination considerations for the incident check-in process.
  2. List five key pieces of information that should be gathered when receiving an assignment or briefing.
  3. Describe the components of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and how the components relate to the Crew Boss role in planning for safe and effective fire suppression activities.
  4. Assess crew logistical needs based upon the operational period assignment.
  5. List the essential items that must be covered during a crew briefing prior to assignment.

Unit 4: Fireline Operations

4A: Risk Management

Objectives:

  1. Identify the five steps of the risk management process.
  2. Apply the five step risk management process to given scenarios.

4B: Entrapment Avoidance

Objectives:

  1. Describe the role LCES has in the risk management process.
  2. Describe a protocol for negotiating a perceived unsafe assignment.
  3. Given a set of fireline conditions, identify valid trigger point(s).
  4. Define levels of engagement.
  5. Describe a procedure for recognizing escape routes and safety zones when engaging a fire.
  6. Given a set fireline condition, estimate minimum safety zone size using the Missoula Fire Lab model.
  7. Identify human factors that contribute to fireline decision errors.
  8. Given a fire scenario, determine the appropriate level of engagement as conditions change.

4C: Safety and Tactics

Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate the proper use of LCES in the fire environment in relation to the Crew Boss role.
  2. Organize, plan and describe the actions that are required when a crew is deployed for fireline suppression activities.
  3. Given an Incident Response Pocket Guide, safely complete a simulated fireline assignment.
  4. Describe safety precautions that should be addressed by the Crew Boss in downhill and indirect fireline construction.
  5. Describe applicable methods to employ in fireline construction that will facilitate rehabilitation.
  6. List the items to check when inspecting a completed fireline.
  7. List crew procedures used in staging areas.
  8. Describe Crew Boss responsibilities for accidents, injuries, and near misses.
  9. Identify supply needs and explain the process for re-supplying a crew while on the fireline.
  10. Complete an After Action Review (AAR).

Unit 5: Off Line Duties

Objectives:

  1. Describe the responsibilities the Crew Boss considers prior to returning to the incident base from a tactical assignment.
  2. List the key responsibilities of the Crew Boss following tactical assignments while at the incident base or camp.
  3. List the key responsibilities of the Crew Boss when the crew is out of service.

Unit 6: Demobilization and Post Incident Responsibilities

Objectives:

  1. Describe procedures for re-supply of fire expended items.
  2. List the steps necessary for the demobilization of a crew from an incident.
  3. List the key responsibilities of a Crew Boss prior to disassembly of crew at the initial mobilization point.

Final Exam Information

Objectives:

  1. Obtain 70% or higher on the final examination to pass the course.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal