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S-440, Planning Section Chief (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to meet a portion of the training needs of the Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2). Topics include information gathering, strategies, meetings and briefings, Incident Action Plan (IAP), interactions, forms, documents, supplies, demobilization, and an optional technology section. In the final exercise, students observe a simulated planning meeting and use the information derived to find errors in an IAP. Students must pass the unit tests and the final exercise to successfully complete the course.

Course Objectives

The student will display the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2).

Prerequisite Qualifications

Qualified as any of the following: Resources Unit Leader (RESL), Situation Unit Leader (SITL), Planning Section Chief Type 3 (PSC3), Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2), Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2), or Logistics Section Chief Type 2 (LSC2).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2).
Business Steward
Incident Planning Subcommittee IPS
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-440
Other Training Which Supports
PSCC Planning Section Chief Complex
Course Title
Planning Section Chief (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

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 Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated.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-440 Unit 7 Test:

Questions 2: List five reference documents or sample documents that the PSC should carry in the kit. (5 points). Answer: Fireline Handbook can be deleted from the answer key.

The video ICS Incident Planning at Work (NFES 2042) is no longer available. In its place instructors should use the FEMA Planning P Video. It can be downloaded here: https://training.fema.gov/Allhazards/.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Planning Section Chief position. 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 2001 Version.

Development History

Replaced I-440 in 10/01.

Version Date

2001

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