Skip to main content

S-203, Introduction to Incident Information (ILT)

Course Title
Introduction to Incident Information (ILT)
Training Required For
PIO3 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2008

Previous Certification Dates

1998-02

Course Number
S-203
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 Objective

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

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The Lead instructor must be a qualified Type 2 Public Information Officer (PIO2).
Format
Instructor Led
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The DVD “Dealing Successfully with the Media,” referenced in the Instructor Guide, has relevant content; however, it is outdated and has not been posted here.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.

Business Steward
Public Information Officer Subcommittee PIOSC
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as a Public Information Officer (PIO3).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder Course Available Now

Date:  May 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Dispatch Position and Curriculum Management Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-led) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the National Coordination System Committee, this course introduces the structure and function of expanded dispatch, the qualities of an effective dispatcher, and provides hands-on experience with the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system. 

The D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder course aligns with the competencies and duties outlined in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59, and is designed for individuals with no prior experience who may be called upon to support dispatch operations.

References:

D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-Led)

Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page 

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