UPCOMING COURSES
01-08-2027 8:00 am - 01-10-2027 6:00 pm
S-112 Courses
Pleasant Valley Grange -Placerville Ca.
Price: Free
S-200
Initial Attack Incident Commander
Build the decision-making, leadership, risk management, and incident organization skills needed to manage initial attack operations on emerging wildland fires.
Course Information
Prepare to manage the first critical decisions of an emerging incident.
NWCG S-200, Initial Attack Incident Commander, develops the knowledge and judgment needed to assume command of an initial attack wildland fire incident. The course emphasizes initial size-up, incident priorities, risk management, command organization, resource coordination, and timely communication.
Students work through evolving incident scenarios to practice establishing command, developing an initial plan, communicating objectives, identifying trigger points, and adjusting tactics as incident complexity changes.
Instruction connects incident command principles with operational realities such as changing fire behavior, access, values at risk, aviation and ground resources, and the need to transition or transfer command.
Qualification note: Course completion alone does not confer Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) or any other incident qualification. Agency certification and applicable qualification requirements are separate.
Course Topics
- Initial attack incident commander responsibilities
- Incident size-up and complexity assessment
- Life safety and incident priorities
- Establishing command and incident organization
- LCES and operational risk management
- Initial incident objectives and tactical planning
- Resource ordering and deployment
- Communications and reporting
- Fire behavior and changing conditions
- Contingency planning and trigger points
- Transfer of command and incident documentation
- Scenario-based command decisions
Prerequisites & Student Preparation
Designed for firefighters progressing toward initial attack leadership.
Two-Day Course Itinerary
Illustrative expanded schedule; actual delivery follows the approved course materials.
Day 1 — Initial Command & Incident Size-Up
Incident Priorities • Size-Up • Command • ResourcesDay 2 — Managing the Incident & Transfer of Command
Changing Conditions • Communication • Contingencies • TransitionRequired Materials & Equipment
Come prepared for classroom instruction and incident simulations.
Classroom Materials
- Notebook and pen
- Course handouts
- Current Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), if requested
- Pre-course assignments
Scenario Resources
- Maps and incident worksheets, if assigned
- Calculator or device, if requested
- Radio or simulation materials provided by host
Personal Items
- Water and hydration
- Lunch and snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Personal medications
Incident Command & Safety
Safe initial attack decisions begin with accurate size-up and clear communication.
Course scenarios reinforce firefighter and public safety, maintaining situational awareness, communicating incident objectives, identifying changing hazards, and recognizing when to disengage or request additional resources.
Students practice clear command briefings, accountability, and timely transfer of command when the incident exceeds initial attack capabilities.
Who Should Attend?
For experienced practitioners preparing for incident command responsibilities.
