S-212 Intermediate Faller

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 • FAL2 Qualification Pathway

S-212

Intermediate Faller

The new 2026 NWCG S-212 online course paired with optional, instructor-supervised FAL2 field skills and task book evaluation days for experienced, qualified Basic Fallers.

Assess the hazard. Lead the saw team. Cut safely.
CourseNWCG S-212 (2026)
Online Training13 Self-Paced Units
Field Academy2 Proposed Skills Days
PrerequisiteQualified FAL3

Course Information

A pathway from basic saw operations toward intermediate faller proficiency.

S-212, Intermediate Faller is the updated NWCG course released in 2026. The official course is delivered online through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal and provides knowledge supporting the Intermediate Faller (FAL2) position.

The Good Fire Training Network's proposed three-day FAL2 Field Skills & Task Book Evaluation Academy supplements online learning with instructor-supervised practical exercises. It is a locally organized field training and evaluation opportunity, not an official mandatory three-day component of NWCG S-212.

Experienced sawyers practice assessing moderate-complexity cutting assignments, recognizing overhead and ground hazards, developing cutting plans, coordinating saw teams, and performing appropriate felling, bucking, limbing, and brushing tasks within their demonstrated abilities.

Students may receive documented performance feedback and eligible FAL2 task book evaluations when approved evaluators and appropriate assignments are available. Participation or course completion does not guarantee task book sign-offs or FAL2 certification.

Training Focus

  • Human factors and saw-team safety
  • Operational risk assessment
  • Tree condition, lean and defects
  • Overhead hazards and escape routes
  • Moderate-complexity cutting decisions
  • Felling plans and work-area control
  • Compression, tension and binds
  • Intermediate bucking and limbing
  • Saw-team communication
  • Performance coaching and evaluation
  • FAL2 position task book documentation

Prerequisites & Student Preparation

This is not an introductory chainsaw course.

Qualified Basic Faller (FAL3)

Students must hold a current FAL3 qualification before enrolling in the new S-212 online course. Field academy enrollment should be restricted to qualified, experienced sawyers.

Online S-212 Completion

Complete the official 13-unit S-212 Intermediate Faller course and bring proof of completion before attending the locally offered field academy.

FAL2 Task Book

Students seeking task evaluations should bring an agency-initiated, current FAL2 Position Task Book (PMS 311-91) and supporting qualification documentation. Arrange initiation with your certifying organization in advance.

Physical & Operational Readiness

Participants must be capable of safely working on uneven terrain with saw equipment and demonstrating established basic-faller skills. Instructors may restrict activities based on conditions or performance.
Important qualification distinction: The 2026 S-212 course is officially online and lists FAL3 as its prerequisite. The three-day skills academy described below is a proposed supplemental offering. NWCG indicated changes to the FAL2 qualification pathway are scheduled for the January 2027 PMS 310-1 update; confirm current agency requirements before advertising qualification outcomes.

Three-Day FAL2 Field Skills Itinerary

Sample instructor-led field academy schedule; adjust to conditions, site hazards and evaluator availability.

Day 1 — Risk Assessment & Intermediate Saw Skills

Hazard Recognition • Cutting Plans • Bucking & Limbing

8:00 AMRegistration, qualification and task book review; academy objectives and safety briefing.
8:45 AMSite-specific risk assessment, emergency response plan, PPE and saw inspections.
9:30 AMTree and worksite assessment: lean, defects, overhead hazards, terrain and environmental conditions.
10:45 AMSaw-team communications, work-area control, escape routes, cutting plans and go/no-go decisions.
12:00 PMLunch.
1:00 PMInstructor demonstrations and supervised limbing, bucking and brushing skill stations.
2:30 PMCompression, tension, binds and stored-energy assessment; supervised practice matched to ability.
4:00 PMEquipment care, individual feedback and debrief.
5:00 PMEnd of day.

Day 2 — Intermediate Felling & Saw-Team Operations

Tree Selection • Felling Plans • Supervised Cutting

8:00 AMMorning briefing, weather and hazard reassessment, PPE and equipment checks.
8:45 AMStudent-led tree assessments, felling plans, team assignments and instructor review.
10:00 AMInstructor demonstrations of intermediate felling considerations and hazard controls.
11:00 AMSupervised felling exercises appropriate to student experience and site conditions.
12:00 PMLunch.
1:00 PMRotating saw-team assignments with communication, work-area management and coached cutting.
2:30 PMAdditional felling and cutting practice; reassessment of changing hazards and safe decision-making.
4:00 PMEquipment inspection, coaching feedback, and preparation for day-three evaluations.
5:00 PMEnd of day.

Day 3 — Applied Field Skills & FAL2 Evaluations

Independent Assessment • Demonstrated Performance • Task Book Review

8:00 AMOperational briefing, weather check, emergency plan and equipment inspections.
8:45 AMIndividual hazard assessment and cutting plan presentations to authorized evaluators.
10:00 AMSupervised practical assignments: saw-team coordination, cutting decisions and appropriate felling tasks.
12:00 PMLunch.
1:00 PMContinued field exercises and individual performance evaluation opportunities.
2:30 PMRemediation and additional demonstrations where safe and appropriate; evaluator documentation.
4:00 PMEquipment cleanup, individual feedback, task book review and next steps toward FAL2 qualification.
5:00 PMAcademy concludes.
Schedule notice: No tree or task is guaranteed. Instructors and evaluators may modify, stop or cancel cutting exercises because of weather, site conditions, hazards, student readiness or available material.

Required Materials & Equipment

Bring the equipment listed in your final course confirmation.

Required PPE

  • Approved hard hat
  • Eye and hearing protection
  • Appropriate work gloves
  • Chainsaw protective chaps
  • Long-sleeve work shirt and pants
  • Sturdy appropriate boots
  • Any additional agency-required PPE

Saw Equipment

  • Serviceable chainsaw, if assigned
  • Proper chain and guide bar
  • Scrench and maintenance kit
  • Chain files and sharpening tools
  • Approved fuel and bar oil
  • Wedges and authorized tools
  • Required equipment inspection records

Personal & Training

  • Proof of FAL3 qualification
  • S-212 completion record
  • Initiated FAL2 PTB, if applicable
  • Water, lunch and snacks
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Notebook and pen
  • Personal medications
Equipment notice: Do not assume saws, PPE, fuel or other gear are supplied. Confirm loaner equipment availability with the host before the field days.

Field Safety & Qualification

Demonstrated judgment matters as much as cutting performance.

Chainsaw work and tree felling involve serious hazards. All field exercises are conducted under authorized instructor or evaluator oversight, with a site-specific risk assessment, established exclusion zones, communications, emergency planning and stop-work authority.

NWCG's July 2026 FAL2 task book update specifies that FAL2 task evaluators must be qualified as FAL2 or FAL1. Evaluators should only sign tasks they directly observe and determine have been performed to the applicable standard. Final qualification and issuance of an Incident Qualification Card remain decisions of the student's authorized certifying organization.

Official course reference: NWCG S-212, Intermediate Faller.

Who Should Attend?

Experienced sawyers preparing for intermediate-level assignments.

Qualified FAL3 Sawyers

Basic Fallers ready to expand their knowledge and prepare for FAL2 responsibilities.

FAL2 Trainees

Personnel with initiated task books seeking supervised field experience and legitimate evaluation opportunities.

Prescribed Fire Practitioners

Qualified sawyers supporting fuels preparation, fireline operations and vegetation management.

Wildland Fire & Forestry Crews

Experienced personnel developing safe intermediate cutting judgment and saw-team coordination.

Assess the Risk. Build Proficiency. Work Safely.

Intermediate faller development through online learning and supervised field experience.

Good Fire Training Network

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