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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
Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP), Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF), Liaison Officer (LOFR), Wildland Fire Investigation Team Leader (INVL)
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

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

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