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S-244, Field Observer (ILT)

Course Title
Field Observer (ILT)
Version Date

2007

Previous Certification Dates

1997-10

Course Number
S-244
Other Training Which Supports
FOBS Field Observer, FEMO Fire Effects Monitor
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 Objective

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

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

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

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be a qualified Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
Format
Instructor Led
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.

Business Steward
Incident Planning Subcommittee IPS
Prerequisite Training Notes

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

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as either Field Observer (FOBS) or Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

In order to facilitate field exercises, it is recommended that instructors maintain a maximum 6:1 ratio of students to instructors. Maximum class size is 24 students.

Class Size Recommendations

In order to facilitate field exercises, it is recommended that instructors maintain a maximum 6:1 ratio of students to instructors. Maximum class size is 24 students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Postion Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page 

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

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