Skip to main content

S-244, Field Observer (ILT)

Course Title
Field Observer (ILT)
Version Date

2007

Previous Certification Dates

1997-10

Course Number
S-244
Other Training Which Supports
FOBS Field Observer, FEMO Fire Effects Monitor
Course Description

This course provides students with the skills necessary to perform as a Field Observer (FOBS) and/or a Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO). Topics include roles and responsibilities of the FOBS and FEMO; how to make observations and document those observations; how to produce hand drawn and GPS field maps; and how to navigate using a compass and GPS. The navigation unit has 4½ hours of field exercises and the final field exercise is 8 hours.

Course Objective

Demonstrate skills and knowledge to gather and report information for incident planning.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

FFT2 Firefighter Type 2

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be a qualified Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Field PPE
Markers, pencil, and pen
Compass
Calculator
Clinometer
GPS
Belt Weather Kit
Ruler

Version 2007

S-244, Field Observer was revised in 2007; the position task books (PTB) for FOBS and FEMO were modified and combined in 2009. In an effort to capture information found in the revised PTB, the Fire Use Subcommittee (FUSC) has developed optional instructional materials that may be added to currently available course materials. The optional materials are available to be used as instructor-led materials or may be used as self-study materials. The materials are available on the web at frames.gov/partner-sites/niftt/training/nwcg-training-courses and include a sample modified agenda. If used, the material will add approximately 4 hours to the instructor-led course but will not exceed 24 hours to complete the course. The intent of these optional materials is to supplement the existing course not replace it, it is important that the currently approved S-244 objectives be met in order to receive an NWCG certificate.

Business Steward
PMC Fire Planning Management Committee
Prerequisite Training Notes

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as either Field Observer (FOBS) or Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

In order to facilitate field exercises, it is recommended that instructors maintain a maximum 6:1 ratio of students to instructors. Maximum class size is 24 students.

Class Size Recommendations

In order to facilitate field exercises, it is recommended that instructors maintain a maximum 6:1 ratio of students to instructors. Maximum class size is 24 students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee