Course coordinators and instructors should be thoroughly familiar with the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1. The NWCG Standards for Course Delivery establishes standards for all aspects of NWCG training course management and delivery. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, and the course-specific guidance stated in the NWCG Training Catalog.
See S-219 minimum instructor qualifications.
The recommended class size is 15-20 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1. Cadre members should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of three instructors should present this course; however, more instructors are required if a field exercise is incorporated. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.
The characteristics of the classroom and supportive facilities have a significant impact on the learning environment. The classroom should be chosen and viewed well in advance of the presentation.
Conduct initial, pre-course, daily, and close-out instructor cadre meetings. These provide opportunities to plan, organize, preview materials, review training and exercises, and identify and address concerns and issues. Consider using an informal After Action Review process. Instructor cadre meetings are critical for instructors who do not have previous experience with the course. Additional information is located in the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1.
All presentations should be downloaded and tested before the start of class to ensure compatibility with software.
PowerPoint presentations are built in an older version of Microsoft Office. Some features may not work correctly with newer software or systems.
For help, visit the Microsoft Office website or contact your local IT support personnel.
Use the NWCG Course Evaluation Feedback form to collect information critical to future training improvements.
Students and cadre members are asked to contribute course evaluations. Input is welcome on all aspects of the training course, including course content, pre-course work, reference materials, quality of instruction, delivery methods, and testing procedures.
This is a blended course (estimate 18-24 hours). Additional information about the course can be found on the Overview page.
This Blended Course Work 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://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=593.
Refer to the course selection letter for the location, dates, and times of the instructor-led component of the course (estimate 16-18 hours).
On page 11 of the S-219, Firing Operations Instructor Guide it states that the final exam consists of 32 questions. The exam consists of 40 questions. The first page of the exam found in Appendix C states that the exam is worth a total of 100 points. The exam point total is actually 109 points. Exam questions 33 – 40 do not have a point value listed next to them on the exam itself, however, they do have point values for each and are listed below. Students must have a total of 77 points or higher to receive a minimum passing percentage of 70%.
Question 33 – 1 point
Question 34 – 1 point
Question 35 – 1 point
Question 36 – 1 point
Question 37 – 2 points
Question 38 – 1 point
Question 39 – 1 point
Question 40 – 1 point
An error has been identified in the Unit 3 PowerPoint. The second bullet on slide 76 incorrectly references the NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations, PMS 510, and states that the Firing Boss “Must” be onboard the helicopter. The NWCG Standards for Aerial Ignition Guide, PMS 501 states on page 10 of 42 (bullet 14 under Advantages) the Firing Boss “CAN” be onboard during ignition sequences.