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S-404, Safety Officer (ILT)

Course Title
Safety Officer (ILT)
Version Date

2013

Previous Certification Dates

2002-02

Course Number
S-404
Other Training Which Supports
Safety Officer Complex (SOFC)
Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of a Safety Officer Type 1 (SOF1), Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2), and Line Safety Officer (SOFR) on an incident as outlined in the NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, and the position task book developed for the position.

Course Objective

Identify, prioritize, and mitigate hazards and risks on the incident.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

DIVS Division/Group Supervisor

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Course Updates
Version 2013

The Safety Officer Toolkit referenced in the Note to the Instructor in Unit 0, page 0.7, is no longer available for downloading. Instructors are encouraged to provide personal examples of their toolkits.

Business Steward
SRC Safety/Risk Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Safety Officer Type 2 (SOF2).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 25-30 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 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 25-30 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 are required if a field exercise is incorporated. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

Special Cadre Considerations

See S-404 minimum instructor qualifications.

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