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S-481, Incident Business Advisor (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students to become an Incident Business Advisor (INBA) resource for all hazard incidents. Topics include preparation for an assignment, interactions/activities, and relationship to cost objectives.

Course Objectives

Describe the basic framework of the INBA position.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Business Advisor (INBA).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Business Advisor (INBA).
Business Steward
Incident Business Committee IBC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-481
Other Training Which Supports
INBA Incident Business Advisor
Course Title
Incident Business Advisor (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

Additional Materials and Equipment Needed
These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).

Computer with appropriate software, projector, and screen
DVD player and monitor (if unable to use computer DVD drive)
Push pins or tape
Tables, chairs, pencils, and/or pens for students
IBA kit
DVD: “Fish, Catch the Energy, Release the Potential”
Check with local human resource office, geographic area, and local training officer to see if they have a copy to borrow. The Video can be purchased at the following site, check for government discounts: fishphilosophy.com

Course Updates
Both the Fireline Handbook, PMS 410-1, and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, PMS 210, are now discontinued. Existing references to these documents will need to be removed from course materials and exams. Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated. Course Coordinators, Lead Instructors, or Unit Training Officers may request access to the final exam and answer key by emailing blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov. All emailed requests must come from an official NWCG partner email address.

The following update is suggested for the S-481 final exam:

Question #23: List three reference documents utilized during an IBA assignment.(6 pts)
o Answer: In the answer key, the Fireline Handbook and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide need to be deleted as potential answers.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236, replaced the NWCG Complexity Analysis and NWCG Organizational Needs Assessment. The following table illustrates the changes to this course.

Applies to 2008 Version.

Special Cadre Considerations

A minimum of three instructors of an interagency mix (including state) is recommended. Instructors must be able to provide an interagency perspective and facilitate student interaction.

Development History

Course number assigned in 5/05; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #71. Course hours changed with 2013 revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #120.

Version Date

2014

Previous Certification Dates

2008-06

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