S-131 Firefighter Type 1 / Squad Boss

Funding for this project provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Business and Workforce Development Grants as part of the California Climate Investments Program

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UPCOMING COURSES

S-112 INTRODUCTION TO CHAIN SAWS
01-08-2027 8:00 am - 01-10-2027 6:00 pm
S-112 Courses
Pleasant Valley Grange -Placerville Ca.
Price: Free

NWCG Training • Crew Leadership

S-131

Firefighter Type 1 / Squad Boss

Develop the leadership, communication, situational awareness, and tactical decision-making skills needed to supervise a small group of firefighters during wildland fire and prescribed fire operations.

Lead the Squad. Manage Risk. Make Sound Decisions.

CourseNWCG S-131

Duration2 Days — Proposed Format

Training FormatInstructor-Led + Scenarios

Skill LevelDeveloping Crew Leaders

Course Information

Build the judgment and leadership skills needed to lead firefighters safely.

NWCG S-131, Firefighter Type 1, is designed for firefighters preparing to take on increased responsibility for supervising small groups during wildland fire operations. It develops the knowledge and decision-making skills associated with the Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) role, often described as squad boss.

Students explore leadership, communication, crew coordination, situational awareness, risk management, and tactical responsibilities. Instructor-led discussions and realistic scenarios reinforce the importance of anticipating hazards, providing clear direction, and adjusting assignments as conditions change.

The proposed two-day delivery allows additional time for practical leadership exercises, briefings, group problem-solving, and instructor feedback. These skills are relevant to both wildfire response and prescribed fire implementation.

Important: Completing S-131 does not, by itself, qualify a student as FFT1 or complete an FFT1 Position Task Book.

Course Topics

FFT1 responsibilities and supervision
Leadership and human factors
Crew organization and accountability
Briefings and communication
LCES and operational risk management
Fire Orders and Watch Out Situations
Situational awareness and fire behavior
Tactical assignments and priorities
Decision-making under changing conditions
Team coordination and resource needs
After-action reviews and feedback
Scenario-based leadership practice

Prerequisites & Preparation

Intended for firefighters with foundational wildland fire training and field experience.

Prior TrainingStudents should have completed foundational wildland firefighter training and be familiar with fireline operations. Confirm the current NWCG S-131 course prerequisites with the training provider before registration.

Operational ExperienceExperience working as a crew member is strongly beneficial for leadership scenarios and discussions.

Pre-Course WorkComplete any reading, online assignments, or preparation issued by the instructor before class.

ParticipationBe prepared to participate in group exercises, deliver briefings, analyze scenarios, and receive feedback.

QUALIFICATION NOTICE: S-131 course completion is training, not an FFT1 qualification or Red Card. Position qualification also requires applicable experience, task book evaluations, and certification by the appropriate agency or authority. Course prerequisites and delivery requirements must be confirmed against the current NWCG course package.

Two-Day Course Itinerary

Proposed expanded delivery schedule; actual instruction follows the approved course package.

Day 1 — Leadership, Communication & Risk

Roles • Human Factors • Briefings • Situational Awareness

8:00 AM

Welcome, course objectives, introductions, leadership expectations, and safety briefing.

9:00 AM

FFT1 / squad boss responsibilities, chain of command, crew organization, and supervisory accountability.

10:00 AM

Leadership principles, human factors, communication, and maintaining crew cohesion.

11:00 AM

Operational briefings, receiving assignments, and confirming intent and expectations.

12:00 PM

Lunch.

1:00 PM

LCES, the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders, 18 Watch Out Situations, and risk-based decisions.

2:15 PM

Recognizing changing fire behavior, terrain, weather, and crew fatigue; reassessing hazards.

3:15 PM

Scenario workshops: assignment briefings, hazard identification, and crew-level decisions.

4:15 PM

Team debrief, lessons learned, and preparation for day two.

Day 2 — Squad Operations & Decisions

Tactics • Crew Supervision • Scenarios • Debrief

8:00 AM

Operational briefing, safety review, and leadership role assignments.

8:45 AM

Leading a squad: task organization, work priorities, span of control, and accountability.

10:00 AM

Tactical decision-making during fireline construction, holding, mop-up, and changing conditions.

11:00 AM

Radio communication, reporting progress, requesting resources, and escalating safety concerns.

12:00 PM

Lunch.

1:00 PM

Rotating tabletop or field-based leadership scenarios with instructor coaching.

2:30 PM

Simulated crew assignments: briefing, execution, contingency decisions, and after-action review.

3:45 PM

Student presentations, scenario feedback, and review of course learning objectives.

4:30 PM

Final course review, assessment and completion documentation as applicable.

SCHEDULE NOTICE: This is an illustrative two-day training plan, not a claim that NWCG mandates two days. Instructors may modify timing, exercises, and assessments to meet the approved course materials and student needs.

Required Materials & Equipment

Bring materials appropriate for classroom and any scheduled outdoor exercises.

Classroom Materials

Notebook and pen
Course handouts or digital materials
Current IRPG, if assigned
Pre-course assignments
Device or calculator if requested

Field PPE (If Scheduled)

Approved wildland helmet
Eye protection and gloves
Fire-resistant clothing as directed
Sturdy field boots
Other PPE specified by host

Personal Gear

Water and hydration
Lunch and snacks
Weather-appropriate layers
Personal medications
Small field pack, if needed

EQUIPMENT NOTICE: Classroom scenarios may not require full wildland PPE. The host will identify any field exercises and required equipment in the registration instructions.

Operational Leadership & Safety

Effective squad leadership starts with awareness, communication, and accountability.

Students practice recognizing hazards, maintaining LCES, communicating intent, monitoring crew condition, and taking action when the assignment or environment becomes unsafe. Exercises emphasize clear briefings, sound judgment, and the responsibility to speak up about changing risks.

Any outdoor exercises are supervised by instructors and may be modified or suspended for weather, terrain, participant readiness, or other safety concerns.

Who Should Attend?

For experienced crew members preparing to lead others.

Wildland FirefightersFirefighters preparing for FFT1 responsibilities and future qualification.

Prescribed Fire PractitionersCrew members who supervise ignition, holding, mop-up, or other small-group assignments.

Fuels & Forestry CrewsPersonnel who coordinate small teams during field operations.

Developing Squad LeadersPractitioners seeking stronger communication, accountability, and operational decision-making skills.