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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

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee