S-203, Introduction to Incident Information (ILT)

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to serve as Public Information Officers (PIOF). The course covers establishing and maintaining an incident information operation, communicating with internal and external audiences, working with the news media, handling special situations, and long term planning and strategy.

Course Objectives

Students will demonstrate the skills and knowledge of a Public Information Officer (PIOF) by successfully participating in a simulation and passing a written exam.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Not Applicable

Training Required For

PIO3 310-1 Training Path 01

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications

The Lead instructor must be a qualified Type 2 Public Information Officer (PIO2).

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications

Unit instructors must be qualified as a Public Information Officer (PIO3).

Business Steward

Public Information Officer Subcommittee PIOSC

Course Level

Local

Format

Instructor Led

Course Number

S-203

Course Title

Introduction to Incident Information (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Video cameras, phones, or tape recorders to film and record audio and video interviews.
Tripod for cameras or phones.
Instructors should assemble the following from their own collections to use as examples:
Incident Information Kit
News Releases
Fact Sheets
Media Guidelines
Incident Action Plans
List of current useful websites
Educational videos (optional)
News clippings (optional)
News videos (optional)

The NWCG Risk and Complexity Assessment (RCA) will replace the NWCG Complexity Analysis and NWCG Organizational Needs Assessment beginning in January, 2014. The following table illustrates the changes to this course.

An analysis and review of the existing course materials by the NWCG Training Development Program and Subject Matter Experts has concluded that instructors should add a unit that addresses how to manage social media.
Examples of topics that could be discussed in this unit include:

Social Media Tools
Agency Policies Related to Social Media
Delivering Incident Information Using Social Media
How to Integrate with Existing Social Media Platforms
Monitoring Social Media for Incident Information That Others are Posting

The DVD “Dealing Successfully with the Media,” referenced in the Instructor Guide, has relevant content; however, it is outdated and has not been posted here. It may be used if a copy is available. Or refer to the list of alternative resources here:

FEMA Online Course: Public Information Officer Awareness (IS-29).
FEMA Online Course: Social Media in Emergency Management (IS-42).
FEMA Online Course: Effective Communication (IS-242.b). This course not only addresses social media but also several other topics relevant to PIOs. It also has a good list of social media tools and a description of each tool.
National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) PER-304.

Version Date

2008

Previous Certification Dates

1998-02

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.