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S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Online)

Course Description

S-290 is available via two delivery methods (online and ILT), either of which is sufficient for student completion. This is a classroom-based skills course designed to prepare the prospective 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. Fire environment differences are discussed as necessary; instructor should stress local conditions.

Course Objectives

Describe the interaction of fuels, weather, and topography on wildland fire behavior, fireline tactics, and safety.

Prerequisite Training

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

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Instructor Led
Business Steward
Fire Behavior Subcommittee FBSC
Course Level
Local
Format
Self-Directed (Online)
Course Number
S-290
Course Title
Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Online)

Special Delivery Considerations

This course is an online version of the classroom course developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and can be completed in approximately fifteen hours. The course is broken into thirteen individual units that consist of an introduction and twelve unit topics.

Note to wildfire firefighter personnel taking this course to fulfill NWCG training requirements:

To receive credit from the NWCG for completing this course, do not attempt this training unless you have been directed to do so by a wildland fire agency or fire department, and you are working with a course administrator.

The NWCG will only acknowledge completion of this course by those who are affiliated with an NWCG member agency (through direct membership or agreement) or a member of a fire department. If you are part of a local governmental agency or if unsure of your affiliation, please contact your State Forestry office to request their "sponsorship" for NWCG training.

Development History

Currently maintained by COMET; NWCG version under development

Version Date

2010

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