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S-491, Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System (ILT)

Course Description

The course develops the knowledge and skill to operate, maintain and manage the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) at the local unit. Course lecture and exercises support practical and technical application of the intellectually complex subject matter.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to operate, apply, and manage the National Fire Danger Rating System.

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
FBAN 310-1 Training Path 01, LTAN 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
At a minimum, the lead instructor has general knowledge of the entire S-491 course material; has previous experience as a lead instructor or unit leader for S-491; has broad experience applying NFDRS outputs; has the ability to relate each unit and lesson to the next and to the entire course; and is competent to teach any lesson in the course.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
At a minimum, unit and lesson instructors have completed S-491 and preferably attended the advanced NFDRS course (S-591). The unit leader must be competent in all the areas of emphasis within the unit, be able to teach any of the lessons or provide answers to detailed questions about the lesson’s content, and provide leadership to coaches.
Business Steward
S491CSC S491 Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System Course Steering Committee
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-491
Course Title
Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System (ILT)
Total Hours
8

Special Delivery Considerations

The course requires a computer classroom with Internet access to present.

Computer Specialist
It is essential that a computer specialist either be one of the cadre members or be immediately available to the course presentation to resolve any computer, network, or printing problems encountered. Persons selected to fill this capacity must be thoroughly familiar with the hardware (personal computers, network, internet connection, printers, projector) used in presenting the course, with directory structures used, and to a lesser extent the software and its installation.

Special Cadre Considerations

In order to maintain consistency and oversight of course delivery, course coordinators must consult with the NWCG Fire Environment Curriculum Subcommittee (FENC) when selecting lead instructors to present the S-491 course. See roster for contact information. The lead instructor shall be responsible for selecting the remainder of the cadre for the course. The subject matter of this course is highly technical and complex. The lead instructor shall make every effort to select the most qualified individuals to teach individual lessons and lead units, paying special attention to matching the instructor to the content and complexity of those units.

The lesson instructors should be competent and comfortable in presenting the content of the lesson, answering technical questions on the lesson subject matter, and have expertise with the course software sufficient to coach students through course exercises.

Development History

Name changed in 9/01; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #28.

Version Date

2015

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