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S-244, Field Observer (ILT)

Course Description

This course provides students with the skills necessary to perform as a Field Observer (FOBS) and/or a Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO). Topics include roles and responsibilities of the FOBS and FEMO; how to make observations and document those observations; how to produce hand drawn and GPS field maps; and how to navigate using a compass and GPS. The navigation unit has 4½ hours of field exercises and the final field exercise is 8 hours.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate skills and knowledge to gather and report information for incident planning.

Prerequisite Qualifications

FOBS: Qualified as any Single Resource Boss.
OR
FEMO: Qualified as FFT2.

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be a qualified Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as either Field Observer (FOBS) or Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO).
Business Steward
Incident Planning Subcommittee IPS
Course Level
Local
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-244
Other Training Which Supports
FOBS Field Observer, FEMO Fire Effects Monitor
Course Title
Field Observer (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Field PPE
Markers, pencil, and pen
Compass
Calculator
Clinometer
GPS
Belt Weather Kit
Ruler

Version 2007

S-244, Field Observer was revised in 2007; the position task books (PTB) for FOBS and FEMO were modified and combined in 2009. In an effort to capture information found in the revised PTB, the Fire Use Subcommittee (FUSC) has developed optional instructional materials that may be added to currently available course materials. The optional materials are available to be used as instructor-led materials or may be used as self-study materials. The materials are available on the web at frames.gov/partner-sites/niftt/training/nwcg-training-courses and include a sample modified agenda. If used, the material will add approximately 4 hours to the instructor-led course but will not exceed 24 hours to complete the course. The intent of these optional materials is to supplement the existing course not replace it, it is important that the currently approved S-244 objectives be met in order to receive an NWCG certificate.

Development History

S-244 and S-245 replaced I-244 in 10/97.

Version Date

2007

Previous Certification Dates

1997-10

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