S-203, Introduction to Incident Information (ILT)

Course Title

Introduction to Incident Information (ILT)

Training Required For

PIO3 310-1 Training Path 01

Version Date

2008

Previous Certification Dates

1998-02

Course Number

S-203

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to serve as Public Information Officers (PIOF). The course covers establishing and maintaining an incident information operation, communicating with internal and external audiences, working with the news media, handling special situations, and long term planning and strategy.

Course Objective

Students will demonstrate the skills and knowledge of a Public Information Officer (PIOF) by successfully participating in a simulation and passing a written exam.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications

The Lead instructor must be a qualified Type 2 Public Information Officer (PIO2).

Format

Instructor Led

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Video cameras, phones, or tape recorders to film and record audio and video interviews.
Tripod for cameras or phones.
Instructors should assemble the following from their own collections to use as examples:
Incident Information Kit
News Releases
Fact Sheets
Media Guidelines
Incident Action Plans
List of current useful websites
Educational videos (optional)
News clippings (optional)
News videos (optional)

The NWCG Risk and Complexity Assessment (RCA) will replace the NWCG Complexity Analysis and NWCG Organizational Needs Assessment beginning in January, 2014. The following table illustrates the changes to this course.

An analysis and review of the existing course materials by the NWCG Training Development Program and Subject Matter Experts has concluded that instructors should add a unit that addresses how to manage social media.
Examples of topics that could be discussed in this unit include:

Social Media Tools
Agency Policies Related to Social Media
Delivering Incident Information Using Social Media
How to Integrate with Existing Social Media Platforms
Monitoring Social Media for Incident Information That Others are Posting

The DVD “Dealing Successfully with the Media,” referenced in the Instructor Guide, has relevant content; however, it is outdated and has not been posted here. It may be used if a copy is available. Or refer to the list of alternative resources here:

FEMA Online Course: Public Information Officer Awareness (IS-29).
FEMA Online Course: Social Media in Emergency Management (IS-42).
FEMA Online Course: Effective Communication (IS-242.b). This course not only addresses social media but also several other topics relevant to PIOs. It also has a good list of social media tools and a description of each tool.
National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) PER-304.

Business Steward

PIC Public Information Management Committee

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications

Unit instructors must be qualified as a Public Information Officer (PIO3).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Not Applicable

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP)

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date: September 8, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date: August 13, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date: July 30, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more.

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

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: