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S-261, Applied Interagency Incident Business Management (ILT)

Course Description

This is an instructor-led course designed for entry-level finance positions. The format is a mix of exercises, facilitated group discussions, and lecture supported by PowerPoint presentations. Students work directly from the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902 for most of the exercises.

S-261, Applied Interagency Incident Business Management, is designed to be taken after completion of S-260, Interagency Incident Business Management.

Course Objectives

At the successful completion of this course, students will describe roles and responsibilities, and demonstrate proficiency in the skills/knowledge required to perform the tasks of the following positions:

Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)
Compensation for Injury Specialist (INJR)
Claims Specialist (CLMS)
Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Prerequisite Qualifications

None

Prerequisite Training

None

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Finance/Administration Chief Type 2 (FSC2), an administrative officer, or an assistant with incident business management experience.
Business Steward
Incident Business Committee IBC
Course Level
Local
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-261
Other Training Which Supports
PTRC Personnel Time Recorder, ICPI Incident Contract Project Inspector, COMP Compensation/Claims Unit Leader, COST Cost Unit Leader, EQTR Equipment Time Recorder
Course Title
Applied Interagency Incident Business Management (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902
Computer with projector and screen to show electronic presentations, and Internet access (for instructors)
Flip chart, paper, and markers (1 per instructor and 1 per small group)

Version 2014
Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC) and Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR) positions. 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.

Development History

Replaced I-261, I-262, I-263, I-264 and I-266. Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #13. Name changed from Practical Exercises for Finance in 10/98; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #19. Modified course hours; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #122.

Version Date

2014

Previous Certification Dates

2007-12
1999-03

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