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S-520, Advanced Incident Management (ILT)

Course Title
Advanced Incident Management (ILT)
Training Required For
Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 05, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (FSCC, LSCC, PSCC) 310-1 Training Path 05, Complex (FSCC, LSCC, PSCC) 310-1 Training Path 01, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 03, Complex (FSCC, LSCC, PSCC) 310-1 Training Path 03
Course Number
S-520
Other Training Which Supports
Liaison Officer (LOFR)
Course Description

Using classroom lecture and simulated incidents, students will understand the role and function of a Type 1 Incident Management Team, the applicability of management principles to the incident management job, and the special considerations of incident management within geographic areas of the nation.

Course Objective

Given a simulated complex fire situation, students will effectively perform functional and team responsibilities. Individual performance must meet established criteria for successful completion of the course.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
This course is managed by a National Steering Committee. Nationally recognized subject matter experts and practitioners serve as instructors in this course.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

The Complex Incident Management Course (CIMC) was developed in conjunction with Advanced Incident Management, S-520. The two courses were co-developed around similar course and lesson objectives and content. For additional information on CIMC or S-520, go to the NAFRI website at https://www.nafri.gov.

Early Nomination Rationale: Early nomination has been requested to give those nominated the necessary mentoring and pre-work assignments for the course.

Nominations must be submitted with a current fire qualifications record and with a narrative statement giving a brief background of the person nominated. Include a description of the intended use of the skills developed as a result of attending S-520.

Business Steward
QMC Qualifications Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
This course is managed by a National Steering Committee. Nationally recognized subject matter experts and practitioners serve as instructors in this course.
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable

NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

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

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter 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 Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee