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S-236, Heavy Equipment Boss (Single Resource) (ILT)

Course Title
Heavy Equipment Boss (Single Resource) (ILT)
Version Date

2013

Course Number
S-236
Other Training Which Supports
HEQB Heavy Equipment Boss, Single Resource
Course Description

This is a skill course designed to meet the training needs of a Heavy Equipment Boss, Single Resource (HEQB) on an incident as outlined in the NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, and the position task book developed for the position. Primary considerations are tactical use and safety precautions required to establish and maintain an effective dozer operation. A field exercise is required as part of the course.

Course Objective

Identify the process of preparing for an all-hazard assignment.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

FFT1 Firefighter Type 1

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Strike Team Leader, Heavy Equipment Boss (STEQ) or Task Force Leader (TFLD).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Monitor large enough to be seen by entire class.
Three pieces of Heavy Equipment and a Mechanic on hand if possible available for field day inspection process.
Link to the Mechanized Equipment for Fire and Fuels Operation
Calculators (1 per student) for final test and for exercises.

Business Steward
OMC Operations Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified Heavy Equipment, Single Resource Boss (HEQB).
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

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