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S-212, Wildland Fire Chainsaws (ILT)

Course Description

This is an instructor-led course intended to be presented at the local level. The course lessons provide introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws, and their tactical wildland fire application. Field exercises support entry level training for firefighters with little or no previous experience in operating a chainsaw, providing hands-on cutting experience in surroundings similar to fireline situations

Course Objectives

Define and apply chainsaw safety standards as required by OSHA and agency handbooks, manuals, directives, and owner’s manuals.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Instructor qualifications are agency determined.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Instructor qualifications are agency determined.
Business Steward
Hazard Tree and Felling Subcommittee HTTFS
Course Level
Local
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-212
Course Title
Wildland Fire Chainsaws (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

2012 Version
The FFT2 qualification has been removed as a prerequisite for attendance to S-212, effective 1 June 2023. Please see Curriculum Management Issue Paper # 141.

The homepage for the Hazard Tree Subcommittee referenced in the S-212 course has changed to the Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee. The new web address is https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/hazard-tree-and-tree-felling-subcommitt…. The website is referenced in the following locations:

Instructor Guide page 4C.3
PowerPoint slide 4C-3
Appendix A page 6
A video has been added to the Pre-Course Work page for S-212. The video is called "Fuel Geysering: Predictable?". It discusses recent events regarding refueling accidents. Reference to the video will need to be included in the course selection letter. Cadres should include a short discussion on the video during the course. The video and discussion point examples can be found in the WFSTAR catalog here: https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/training-courses/rt-130/hazards/haz512.

Development History

Named changed from Wildfire Powersaws with 2/04 revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #30.

The FFT2 qualification has been removed as a prerequisite for attendance to S-212, effective 1 June 2023. Please see Curriculum Management Issue Paper # 141.

Version Date

2012

Previous Certification Dates

2004-02
1991-12
1978-01

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