Training for Practitioners

WFSTAR Annual Refresher

The intent of RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) is to focus line-going personnel on operations and decision-making issues related to fireline safety in order to recognize and mitigate risk, maintain safe and effective practices, and reduce accidents and near misses.

Target Group
RT-130 is required for designated positions in order to maintain currency, for all personnel assigned to positions with fireline duties, and for any position assigned to the fireline for non-suppression tasks.

Firefighters who receive initial fire training are not required to take RT-130 in the same calendar year.

Course Description & Required Materials 

WFSTAR Annual Refresher

The intent of RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) is to focus line-going personnel on operations and decision-making issues related to fireline safety in order to recognize and mitigate risk, maintain safe and effective practices, and reduce accidents and near misses.

Target Group
RT-130 is required for designated positions in order to maintain currency, for all personnel assigned to positions with fireline duties, and for any position assigned to the fireline for non-suppression tasks.

Firefighters who receive initial fire training are not required to take RT-130 in the same calendar year.

Course Description & Required Materials 

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.

Target Group:

Personnel desiring to be qualified as any single resource boss or Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO).

Course Description & Required Materials 

The S-219 Firing Operations course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform firing operations safely and effectively on wildland fires and prescribed burns. This course is designed to meet the training requirements outlined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards.

Students will learn the roles, responsibilities, and tactical considerations associated with ignition operations, including hand ignition techniques, use of firing devices, and coordination with suppression resources. Emphasis is placed on fire behavior, situational awareness, communication, and maintaining control during ignition operations.

The course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises. Students will apply ignition techniques such as strip firing, backing fire, flanking fire, and spot ignition under instructor supervision. Safety, risk management, and adherence to established firing plans are reinforced throughout the course.

Successful completion of S-219 supports qualification pathways for positions such as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Firing Boss (FIRB), in accordance with NWCG PMS 310-1 standards.

Course Description & Required Materials 

This BLENDED course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the Basic Faller (FAL3) position, as described in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS-212.

Online Training (OLT) Component: The focus of the online training is to teach knowledge and concepts. Students are required to complete the Online component of the course and pass the assessment prior to taking the Instructor-led component. The course lessons provide introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws, and their tactical wildland fire application. The Online component should take approximately 4 hours to complete.

Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Component: The Instructor-led training will reinforce the content learned online and provide opportunities to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios and practical exercises. Field exercises support entry level training for firefighters with little or no previous experience in operating a chainsaw, providing hands-on cutting experience in surroundings similar to fireline situations.

Course Description & Required Materials 

This BLENDED course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to perform the duties of the Basic Faller (FAL3) position, as described in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS-212.

Online Training (OLT) Component: The focus of the online training is to teach knowledge and concepts. Students are required to complete the Online component of the course and pass the assessment prior to taking the Instructor-led component. The course lessons provide introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws, and their tactical wildland fire application. The Online component should take approximately 4 hours to complete.

Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Component: The Instructor-led training will reinforce the content learned online and provide opportunities to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios and practical exercises. Field exercises support entry level training for firefighters with little or no previous experience in operating a chainsaw, providing hands-on cutting experience in surroundings similar to fireline situations.

Course Description & Required Materials