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S-261, Applied Interagency Incident Business Management (ILT)

Course Title
Applied Interagency Incident Business Management (ILT)
Version Date

2014

Previous Certification Dates

2007-12
1999-03

Course Number
S-261
Other Training Which Supports
PTRC Personnel Time Recorder, ICPI Incident Contract Project Inspector, COMP Compensation/Claims Unit Leader, COST Cost Unit Leader, EQTR Equipment Time Recorder
Course Description

This is an instructor-led course designed for entry-level finance positions. The format is a mix of exercises, facilitated group discussions, and lecture supported by PowerPoint presentations. Students work directly from the NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902 for most of the exercises.

S-261, Applied Interagency Incident Business Management, is designed to be taken after completion of S-260, Interagency Incident Business Management.

Course Objective

At the successful completion of this course, students will describe roles and responsibilities, and demonstrate proficiency in the skills/knowledge required to perform the tasks of the following positions:

Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)
Compensation for Injury Specialist (INJR)
Claims Specialist (CLMS)
Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Finance/Administration Chief Type 2 (FSC2), an administrative officer, or an assistant with incident business management experience.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902
Computer with projector and screen to show electronic presentations, and Internet access (for instructors)
Flip chart, paper, and markers (1 per instructor and 1 per small group)

Version 2014
Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC) and Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR) positions. 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.

Business Steward
FBC Finance/Business Management Committee
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 25 to 30 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 5:1. 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.

Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 25 to 30 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 5:1. 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.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch