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FI-210, Wildland Fire Origin & Cause Determination (ILT)

Course Title
Wildland Fire Origin & Cause Determination (ILT)
Training Required For
INVF 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2016

Previous Certification Dates

2005-09

Course Number
FI-210
Course Description

The primary purpose of this course is to provide a consistent knowledge and skill base for the Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF). The concepts taught in this course will help an INVF perform at an acceptable level on a national basis without regard to geographic boundaries. The course is presented by lectures, electronic presentations, field exercises, and class discussion.

Course Objective

Practice wildland fire investigation methods, evidence collection and documentation processes in a realistic environment.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF) and should have actual hands-on experience to teach participants the duties of this position without regard for the type of incident.
Format
Instructor Led
Business Steward
PIC Public Information Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF) and should have actual hands-on experience to teach participants the duties of this position without regard for the type of incident.
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 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. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 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. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

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