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S-620, Area Command (ILT)

Course Description

Using classroom lecture and simulated incident, students will understand principles and concepts of Area Command, and understand the interaction of Area Command and other incident organizations, agencies, and political entities.

Course Objectives

Given a simulated multi-incident fire situation, students will effectively perform functional and team responsibilities. Individual’s performance must meet established criteria for successful completion of the course.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Individuals must be qualified at the Type 1 level, except for the Area Command Aviation Coordinator who must complete the position task book prior to attending.

Prerequisite Training

Successfully completed S-520 or CIMC.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
ACLC 310-1 Training Path 01, ACDR 310-1 Training Path 01, ACPC 310-1 Training Path 01, ACAC 310-1 Training Path 01
Business Steward
S520 S620 Course Steering Committee S520S620CSC
Course Level
National
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-620
Course Title
Area Command (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

Nominations must be submitted with a narrative statement giving a background of the person nominated. Include a description of the intended use of the skills developed as a result of attendance at S-620. For current course information, refer to the NAFRI website at https://www.nafri.gov.

Special Cadre Considerations

This course is managed by a National Steering Committee.

Development History

NAFRI course. Replaced I-620.

Version Date

N/A

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module