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S-443, Infrared Interpreter for Incident Management (ILT)

Course Title
Infrared Interpreter for Incident Management (ILT)
Course Number
S-443
Other Training Which Supports
Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD), Infrared Interpreter (IRIN)
Course Description

S-443 is typically offered once a year to provide students with the knowledge and skills required of an Infrared Interpreter (IRIN) as well as how and where the IRIN fits into the information flow of an incident. The students use infrared imagery from the Phoenix system to interpret and map the heat perimeter and heat concentrations, calculate acreage burned and produce summary products. Understanding of topographic map reading and basic fire behavior are preferred but not required. The course combines lecture/discussion, multiple exercises, and there is a pass/fail final exam.

Course Objective

Upon completion of this course, the student will have the knowledge, skills, and resources to support wildland fire incidents as an IRIN trainee. This includes:

Understand capabilities and limitations of thermal infrared imagery.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
IRIN
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

<p>This course is not available through the publications management system. For more information contact&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">the S-443 Infrared Interpreter for Incident Management Course Steering Committee.<br><a href="https://datagovernance.doi.gov/edg/tbl/by%20the%20S-443%20Infrared%20In…;

Business Steward
IMC Integration Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
IRIN
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Special Cadre Considerations

The National Infrared Program Manager is responsible for selecting the cadre for the course, and will typically serve as lead instructor. All instructors will be fully qualified Infrared Interpreters (IRIN) with substantial incident experience as IRINs.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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