Skip to main content

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Blended)

Course Title
Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Blended)
Version Date

2012

Course Number
S-231
Course Description

This course was developed using a blended approach to learning. Students are required to complete the online training portion of the course and pass an online assessment prior to taking the ILT. The focus of this online training is to teach knowledge and concepts. The ILT will reinforce the content learned online and provide opportunities to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios and practical exercises. Upon completion of the ILT, students must then take and pass a final assessment in order to receive credit for the course. The final assessment covers content from both the online and ILT portions of the course.

Course Objective

Perform the tasks of an Engine Boss in making the tactical decisions required to safely manage an engine on an incident.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

FFT1 Firefighter Type 1

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN) or Task Force Leader (TFLD).
Format
Blended
Special Delivery Considerations

Student Information (Blended-Course Work, 2012 Version)
This is an NWCG-certified course. View the NWCG certification statement for this course.

This is a blended course (estimate 12-16 hours). Additional information about the course can be found on the Overview section.

Online Component
This course 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://www.wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=3529

2004 Version
The Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide, NFES 1256, referenced in the Instructor Guide in the Course Instructions as pre-course work is no longer available through the Publications Management System. If using the Sample Selection Letter in the Course Instructions section, please delete pre-­course work requirements for this course.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the single resource boss position courses. 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
IOSC Incident Operations Subcommittee
Prerequisite Training Notes

S-230, Crew Boss (Single Resource) (Blended)

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Instructor Led
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 10:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 10:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

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