Skip to main content

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

Course Description

This is a skills focused course designed to prepare the developing fireline supervisor to undertake safe and effective fire management operations. It is the second course in a series that collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills. The course will train students how to make a thorough, timely assessment of the fire environment and to anticipate changes in fire behavior based on changes in and/or alignment of the fuels, weather, and topography. Students will then practice using this information to support their decision-making and risk management on the fireline.
This BLENDED course is designed to introduce students to the characteristics and interactions of the wildland fire environment (fuels, weather, and topography) that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.  Students will also be shown how such information can be applied.  
The course is a blended training combining an Online Training (OLT) component and an Instructor-led Training (ILT) component. 

Course Objectives

Anticipate changes in fire behavior that will impact on-the-ground decision-making and risk management.

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior.

Training Required For
FELB 310-1 Training Path 01, FEMO 310-1 Training Path 01, HMGB 310-1 Training Path 01, ENGB 310-1 Training Path 01, CRWB 301-1 Training Path 01, UASM 310-1 Training Path 01, HEQB 310-1 Training Path 01, FIRB 301-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Single Resource Boss (CRWB, HEQB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB, and HMGB).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
Business Steward
Fire Behavior Subcommittee FBSC
Course Level
Local
Format
Blended
Course Number
S-290
Other Training Which Supports
IADP Initial Attack Dispatcher, REAF Resource Advisor, Fireline, LOFR Liaison Officer, INVL Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leader
Course Title
Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

Special Delivery Considerations

<p>A live internet connection is required for the delivery of the Instructor-led component of the course.</p>

Special Cadre Considerations

A Fire Weather Forecaster, IMET or similar expert recommended by the local weather service is highly encouraged for the Weather Discussion.
A subject matter expert in local weather and fuels is highly encouraged to lead the Regional Patterns and Fire Behavior Discussions.

Development History

Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #7 (misc. info).

Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

1993, 1994, 2007

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