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S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (ILT)

Course Description

This is the fourth course in a series designed to develop fire behavior and prediction knowledge and skills. This course prepares students for Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation, S-590, which addresses the skills for Fire Behavior Analyst and Long Term Fire Analyst positions. It also prepares students desiring to become qualified as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1). The course material is presented in an instructor-led approach to learning. Examples and exercises are divided between wildfire and prescribed fire applications. Students learn to project fire perimeter growth based on weather predictions, and knowledge of fuels and topography, using a variety of scenarios.

Course Objectives

Use fire behavior models to predict fire growth in varied terrain.

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of Introduction to S-390, Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
FBAN 310-1 Training Path 01, RXB1 310-1 Training Path 01, LTAN 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1).
Business Steward
S490CSC S490 Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations Steering Committee
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-490
Course Title
Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (ILT)
Pre-selection Assessment (PCA) Hours
2-3
Pre-course Work (PCW) Hours
2-4
Total Hours
4-7

Special Delivery Considerations

Updates

The links in the pre-course review materials Part 4–Manual Methods of Fire Behavior Prediction and Part 5–Use of BehavePlus have been updated. The materials can now be found at https://www.frames.gov/partner-sites/behaveplus/home/. The documents found on the S-490 Student CD in the Pre-Course Study Materials folder have not been updated. Students will need to be informed of the changes if they are using the CD.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations course. Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance the course should be familiar with the lesson and its contents and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: https://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml.

Applies to 2010 Version.

Development History

Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #7 (misc. info).

Version Date

2010

Previous Certification Dates

2008-09

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