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S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

Course Title
Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)
Training Required For
FELB 310-1 Training Path 01, FEMO 310-1 Training Path 01, HMGB 310-1 Training Path 01, ENGB 310-1 Training Path 01, CRWB 301-1 Training Path 01, UASM 310-1 Training Path 01, HEQB 310-1 Training Path 01, FIRB 301-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

1993, 1994, 2007

Course Number
S-290
Other Training Which Supports
IADP Initial Attack Dispatcher, REAF Resource Advisor, Fireline, LOFR Liaison Officer, INVL Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leader
Course Description

This is a skills focused course designed to prepare the developing fireline supervisor to undertake safe and effective fire management operations. It is the second course in a series that collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills. The course will train students how to make a thorough, timely assessment of the fire environment and to anticipate changes in fire behavior based on changes in and/or alignment of the fuels, weather, and topography. Students will then practice using this information to support their decision-making and risk management on the fireline.
This BLENDED course is designed to introduce students to the characteristics and interactions of the wildland fire environment (fuels, weather, and topography) that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.  Students will also be shown how such information can be applied.  
The course is a blended training combining an Online Training (OLT) component and an Instructor-led Training (ILT) component. 

Course Objective

Anticipate changes in fire behavior that will impact on-the-ground decision-making and risk management.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Single Resource Boss (CRWB, HEQB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB, and HMGB).
Format
Blended
Special Delivery Considerations

<p>A live internet connection is required for the delivery of the Instructor-led component of the course.</p>

Business Steward
PMC Fire Planning Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 10:1 ratio of students to instructors to facilitate activities and discussion and enable positive instructor-student interactions.

Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 30 students. Instructors should maintain a 10:1 ratio of students to instructors to facilitate activities and discussion and enable positive instructor-student interactions.

Special Cadre Considerations

A Fire Weather Forecaster, IMET or similar expert recommended by the local weather service is highly encouraged for the Weather Discussion.
A subject matter expert in local weather and fuels is highly encouraged to lead the Regional Patterns and Fire Behavior Discussions.

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