Skip to main content

S-440, Planning Section Chief (ILT)

Course Title
Planning Section Chief (ILT)
Version Date

2001

Course Number
S-440
Other Training Which Supports
PSCC Planning Section Chief Complex
Course Description

This course is designed to meet a portion of the training needs of the Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2). Topics include information gathering, strategies, meetings and briefings, Incident Action Plan (IAP), interactions, forms, documents, supplies, demobilization, and an optional technology section. In the final exercise, students observe a simulated planning meeting and use the information derived to find errors in an IAP. Students must pass the unit tests and the final exercise to successfully complete the course.

Course Objective

The student will display the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of the Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2).

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

SOF2 Safety Officer Type 2

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

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 Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated.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-440 Unit 7 Test:

Questions 2: List five reference documents or sample documents that the PSC should carry in the kit. (5 points). Answer: Fireline Handbook can be deleted from the answer key.

The video ICS Incident Planning at Work (NFES 2042) is no longer available. In its place instructors should use the FEMA Planning P Video. It can be downloaded here: https://training.fema.gov/Allhazards/.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Planning Section Chief position. Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance the course should be familiar with the lesson and its contents and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: https://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml.

Applies to 2001 Version.

Business Steward
PMC Fire Planning Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 25 to 30 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 5:1. Cadre members should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of three instructors should present this course; however, more instructors are required if a field exercise is incorporated. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 25 to 30 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 5:1. Cadre members should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of three instructors should present this course; however, more instructors are required if a field exercise is incorporated. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

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