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S-590, Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation (Blended)

Course Description

S-590 is an intensive course designed to provide prospective Fire Behavior Analyst (FBANs) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTANs) with the groundwork they will need to succeed throughout the training process. The course focuses on the interpretation of fire behavior products and emphasizes the importance of communicating this information effectively. Ensuring the operational relevance of fire behavior information and inclusion of operational concerns into forecasts and briefings is highlighted as a key skill to providing useful input for both tactical and strategic decisions as well as being critical to firefighter safety. The course focuses on the interpretation of fire behavior outputs and models on a variety of time scales ranging from immediate operational concerns to answering longer term strategic questions.

Course Objectives

Describe the FBAN/LTAN responsibilities and interactions with managers, management teams, meteorologists, and others.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Students seeking qualification as a Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN):
Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
Students seeking qualification as a Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN):
Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB)

Prerequisite Training

Students seeking qualification as a Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN): S-490, Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
Students seeking qualification as a Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN):
S-490, Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
S-491, Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating System
S-495, Geospatial Fire Analysis, Interpretation and Application

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
FBAN 310-1 Training Path 01, LTAN 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
This course is managed by a National Steering Committee. Nationally recognized subject matter experts and practitioners serve as instructors in this course.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
This course is managed by a National Steering Committee. Nationally recognized subject matter experts and practitioners serve as instructors in this course.
Business Steward
S590CSC S590 Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretations Course Steering Committee
Course Level
National
Format
Blended
Course Number
S-590
Course Title
Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation (Blended)
Total Hours
16

Special Delivery Considerations

This course was developed using a blended approach to learning. Students are required to complete the online training portion of the course prior to taking the ILT.

S-590 is a highly interactive class with full participation required from all students. Course material is presented through a combination of online material and exercises. The residence portion of the class addresses key topics interspersed with in depth fire scenarios. During the fire simulations, students will produce products, briefings and documentation under tight time constraints as they would on a fire assignment. Class size is limited to 50 participants. For current course information, refer to the NAFRI website at https://www.nafri.gov.

Computer Requirements
All participants attending S-590 will need to provide their own laptop, portable printer and data cable. Students should be equipped with the hardware (laptop and printer) and software to function as an FBAN and/or LTAN and be self-sufficient at the course as if they were in the field. A detailed listing of hardware and software needs will be included in the course selection letter.

Computer Requirements
All participants attending S-590 will need to provide their own laptop, portable printer and data cable. Students should be equipped with the hardware (laptop and printer) and software to function as an FBAN and/or LTAN and be self-sufficient at the course as if they were in the field. A detailed listing of hardware and software needs will be included in the course selection letter.

Additional Information
Success in S-590 will depend on the student's communication skills, both written and oral.

Additional skills could be obtained by completing the following:

M-410, Facilitative Instructor or other public speaking and technical writing courses.
Participating in the S-590 Mentoring Program.
Instructing portions of S-490, Advanced Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations course.
Attending S-495, Geospatial Fire Analysis Interpretation and Application course.
Review of and practice with the BehavePlus program.
S-590 is a national level training course and as such, participants can expect long days.

Development History

NAFRI course. Combined with RX-590.

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