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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

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program