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-215
Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface
Develop the situational awareness, structure triage, operational planning, and tactical decision-making skills needed to manage wildland fire threats to communities, homes, and infrastructure.
Course Information
Preparing fire leaders to operate safely and effectively where wildlands meet communities.
NWCG S-215, Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface is an instructor-led course that develops the knowledge and judgment needed to make operational decisions during incidents threatening structures and communities.
Students examine firefighter safety, human factors, pre-incident planning, incident size-up, initial strategy, structure triage, structure protection tactics, resource coordination, and changing operational conditions.
The proposed three-day format combines facilitated instruction, maps, group exercises, and WUI incident scenarios. Students practice evaluating defensibility, prioritizing life safety, selecting feasible tactics, communicating assignments, and adjusting plans as conditions change.
This course supports development for firefighters and emerging leaders assigned to wildland urban interface incidents. Course completion does not independently award an incident position qualification.
Core Course Topics
- Firefighter safety in the WUI
- Human factors and communication
- Pre-incident planning
- Incident size-up and initial strategy
- Structure triage
- Structure protection overview
- WUI tactics and resource use
- Action assessment and plan updates
- After-action review
Prerequisites & Student Preparation
Students should arrive ready for operational discussions and scenario-based exercises.
Three-Day Course Itinerary
Sample schedule: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM each day, including lunch and breaks as directed.
Day 1 — WUI Safety & Incident Size-Up
Safety • Human Factors • Planning • Initial StrategyDay 2 — Structure Triage & Protection Tactics
Triage • Tactical Options • Resource CoordinationDay 3 — Applied WUI Operations & Decision-Making
Scenarios • Reassessment • After-Action ReviewRequired Materials & Equipment
Bring materials needed for classroom instruction and realistic WUI decision-making exercises.
Course Materials
- Notebook and pen
- Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG)
- Course handouts or student workbook
- Assigned pre-course materials
Planning Tools
- Maps or mapping tools if requested
- Calculator or device if requested
- Agency incident forms if requested
- Laptop or tablet if directed
Personal Items
- Water and hydration
- Lunch and snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sturdy footwear
- Field PPE only if specified for an outdoor exercise
Operational Safety & Risk Management
Life safety and firefighter accountability come before property protection.
Students will apply situational awareness, LCES, established agency policy, and risk-based decision-making throughout the course. Structure protection decisions must account for escape routes, defensible space, current and predicted fire behavior, resource capabilities, and changing conditions.
Scenarios are training exercises, not authorization to conduct tactics outside individual qualifications or agency policy. Instructors may modify or stop any practical exercise when conditions are unsafe.
Who Should Attend?
Designed for qualified firefighters and leaders who may make decisions during WUI incidents.
