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S-440, Planning Section Chief, 2001

Decorative banner: Three photos of wildland fire planning operations. A woman leans over desk to write on a wall chart. A bulletin board with papers taped on it. Three long tables with three computer operators on one side and a group of people sitting on the other.

 

Administration

Certification Date:
Oct 2001
Previous Certification Date(s):
Oct 2001
Course Components:
Title
S-440 Instructor Guide
NFES Number
001962
Product Date
Distribution
Cache
Type
Instructor Guide
Previous Edition
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Title
S-440 CD-ROM Course Materials
NFES Number
002043
Product Date
Distribution
Cache
Type
CD Rom
Previous Edition
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title
S-440 Trainee Workbook
NFES Number
001963
Product Date
Distribution
Cache
Type
Student Workbook
Previous Edition

Material is available in the NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2. The catalog lists the materials needed, along with their cost. For ordering procedures and payment options, please visit Catalogs and Ordering Quicklinks page.

 

Both the Fireline Handbook, PMS 410-1, and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, PMS 210, are now discontinued. Existing references to these documents will need to be removed from course materials and exams.  Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated. Course Coordinators, Lead Instructors, or Unit Training Officers may request access to the final exam and answer key by emailing blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov.  All emailed requests must come from an official NWCG partner email address.

The following update is suggested for the S-440 Unit 7 Test:

  • Questions 2: List five reference documents or sample documents that the PSC should carry in the kit. (5 points).
    • Answer:  Fireline Handbook can be deleted from the answer key. 

The video ICS Incident Planning at Work (NFES 2042) is no longer available. In its place instructors should use the FEMA Planning P Video. It can be downloaded here: https://training.fema.gov/Allhazards/.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Planning Section Chief position. 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.

Applies to 2001 Version.

 

Print PDF

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Website Migration

Date: April 01, 2024
Contact: NWCG Webmaster

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to https://www.nwcg.gov, involving a comprehensive redesign of over 7,000 web pages. This enhancement is focused on improving user experience. The migration to the new NWCG website will commence on April 2, 2024, starting at noon EST and is expected to take a few hours. 

During the migration period, as the www.nwcg.gov domain-name-location updates across the Internet, you might encounter either the current or the new site depending on your location. We request your patience during this transition. If you are not redirected to the new site by April 3, 2024, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.

Please note that while navigating the revamped website, there may be instances of broken links or errors. Our dedicated web migration team has made significant efforts to minimize such issues prior to launch and will promptly address any that arise via use of analytic reports. We value your patience and understanding as we work towards enhancing your overall website experience.

WFSTAR 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Core Component Module Packages Available

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

 

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

  • Determining Core Workload
  • Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
  • Improving Efficiencies
  • Firefighter Health and Wellness
  • Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

NWCG Welcomes NASA

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

 

References:

NASA News Release

NWCG