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S-481, Incident Business Advisor (ILT)

Course Title
Incident Business Advisor (ILT)
Version Date

2014

Previous Certification Dates

2008-06

Course Number
S-481
Other Training Which Supports
INBA Incident Business Advisor
Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students to become an Incident Business Advisor (INBA) resource for all hazard incidents. Topics include preparation for an assignment, interactions/activities, and relationship to cost objectives.

Course Objective

Describe the basic framework of the INBA position.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Business Advisor (INBA).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Additional Materials and Equipment Needed
These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).

Computer with appropriate software, projector, and screen
DVD player and monitor (if unable to use computer DVD drive)
Push pins or tape
Tables, chairs, pencils, and/or pens for students
IBA kit
DVD: “Fish, Catch the Energy, Release the Potential”
Check with local human resource office, geographic area, and local training officer to see if they have a copy to borrow. The Video can be purchased at the following site, check for government discounts: fishphilosophy.com

Course Updates
Both the Fireline Handbook, PMS 410-1, and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, PMS 210, are now discontinued. Existing references to these documents will need to be removed from course materials and exams. Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated. Course Coordinators, Lead Instructors, or Unit Training Officers may request access to the final exam and answer key by emailing blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov. All emailed requests must come from an official NWCG partner email address.

The following update is suggested for the S-481 final exam:

Question #23: List three reference documents utilized during an IBA assignment.(6 pts)
o Answer: In the answer key, the Fireline Handbook and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide need to be deleted as potential answers.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236, replaced the NWCG Complexity Analysis and NWCG Organizational Needs Assessment. The following table illustrates the changes to this course.

Applies to 2008 Version.

Business Steward
FBC Finance/Business Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Business Advisor (INBA).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The exercises work best when class size is a minimum of 10 students and does not exceed 20 students. Since many people taking the IBA course have little or no fire experience, it is recommended that changing group members for each exercise will expose attendees to a variety of experience levels, opinions, and backgrounds.

Class Size Recommendations

The exercises work best when class size is a minimum of 10 students and does not exceed 20 students. Since many people taking the IBA course have little or no fire experience, it is recommended that changing group members for each exercise will expose attendees to a variety of experience levels, opinions, and backgrounds.

Special Cadre Considerations

A minimum of three instructors of an interagency mix (including state) is recommended. Instructors must be able to provide an interagency perspective and facilitate student interaction.

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