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S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (ILT)

Course Description

This INSTRUCTOR-LED course 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 which allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) and an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) as identified in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss), PMS 350-14 and NWCG Incident Position Standards for Incident Commander Type 5, PMS 350-116.

Course Objectives

Establish effective communication and coordination with aerial resources.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Students must be qualified as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
FFT1 310-1 Training Path 01, ICT5 310-1 Training Path 01, UASP 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructors must be qualified Single Resource Boss
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
Business Steward
IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee
Course Level
Local
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-131
Other Training Which Supports
FAL3 Basic Faller, FAL1 Advanced Faller, FAL2 Intermediate Faller
Course Title
Firefighter Type 1 (ILT)

Development History

Course updated in 2020. Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #39 (future of course). Name changed with 11/04 revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #47. Combined with S-133 and S134; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #123.

Version Date

2026

Previous Certification Dates

2016-10

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

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