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S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Blended)

Course Description

This course was developed using a blended approach to learning. Students are required to complete the online training portion of the course and pass an online assessment prior to taking the ILT. The focus of this online training is to teach knowledge and concepts. The ILT will reinforce the content learned online and provide opportunities to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios and practical exercises. Upon completion of the ILT, students must then take and pass a final assessment in order to receive credit for the course. The final assessment covers content from both the online and ILT portions of the course.

Course Objectives

Perform the tasks of an Engine Boss in making the tactical decisions required to safely manage an engine on an incident.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of S-230, Crew Boss (Single Resource) (CRWB) (instructor led or blended delivery).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Instructor Led
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN) or Task Force Leader (TFLD).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB).
Business Steward
IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee
Course Level
Local
Format
Blended
Course Number
S-231
Course Title
Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Blended)

Special Delivery Considerations

Student Information (Blended-Course Work, 2012 Version)
This is an NWCG-certified course. View the NWCG certification statement for this course.

This is a blended course (estimate 12-16 hours). Additional information about the course can be found on the Overview section.

Online Component
This course is available in the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Log on as a guest to search for this course or go directly to https://www.wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=3529

2004 Version
The Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide, NFES 1256, referenced in the Instructor Guide in the Course Instructions as pre-course work is no longer available through the Publications Management System. If using the Sample Selection Letter in the Course Instructions section, please delete pre-­course work requirements for this course.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the single resource boss position courses. Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance the course should be familiar with the lesson and its contents and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: https://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml.

Version Date

2012

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