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S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (B)

Course Description

 
 

Course Objectives

Use fire behavior prediction systems and knowledge of the fire environment to anticipate fire behavior and to inform risk management, strategic planning, and tactical decision making.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Qualified as any single resource boss.

Prerequisite Training

Any delivery format of S-290 (ITL,OLT, or Blended) is acceptable.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
ICT3 310-1 Training Path 01, RXB2 310-1 Training Path 01, DIVS 310-1 Training Path 01, LTAN 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must have completed S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations and be a qualified Division/Group supervisor (DIVS), Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1);
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Strike Team Leader (STCR, STEQ, STEN), Task Force Leader (TFLD), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).
Business Steward
Fire Behavior Subcommittee FBSC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Blended
Course Number
S-390
Course Title
Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (B)

Special Cadre Considerations

A Meteorologist is highly recommended to instruct the weather sections of this course. Recommend the lead instructor be a qualified Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN).

Development History

<p>Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #7 (misc. info). Course hours changed with 2005 revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #49. 2006 version updated with changes in 2/07. Delivery format changed to Blended with 2025 revision.&nbsp;</p>

Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

2007 - 09
2006-09
1994-07
1993-10

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