S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

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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01-08-2027 8:00 am - 01-10-2027 6:00 pm
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NWCG Training • Blended Learning

S-290

Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

Develop the knowledge and practical decision-making skills to recognize, interpret, and anticipate changes in wildland fire behavior. Complete the required online learning before attending the instructor-led application sessions.

Understand Fire. Anticipate Change. Make Better Decisions.

CourseNWCG S-290

DeliveryBlended

ComponentsOnline + Instructor-Led

LevelIntermediate

Course Information

Connecting fire behavior science to operational decisions.

NWCG S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior builds on foundational fire behavior knowledge and helps students evaluate how fuels, weather, and topography interact to influence fire spread and intensity.

The blended format includes assigned online coursework followed by instructor-led discussions, exercises, and applied fire behavior scenarios. Students should arrive prepared to use the concepts introduced in the online modules.

Emphasis is placed on identifying changes in the fire environment, recognizing indicators of changing fire behavior, interpreting relevant observations and forecasts, and communicating implications for firefighter safety and operational planning.

This course supports professional development for wildland firefighters, prescribed fire practitioners, and personnel involved in fuels and fire management. Completion of S-290 does not independently confer a position qualification.

Core Learning Topics

Fire behavior fundamentals and terminology
Fuel characteristics and fuel moisture
Weather and atmospheric stability
Wind, slope, aspect, and terrain influences
Fire environment observations
Fire behavior indicators and trends
Interpreting forecasts and field information
Anticipating changes in fire behavior
Scenario-based analysis and communication
Operational safety and decision support

Prerequisites & Preparation

Complete the assigned online component before arriving.

Foundational KnowledgeStudents should have completed S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, or meet the current course provider’s stated prerequisites.

Required Online CourseworkComplete all assigned S-290 blended online modules and assessments before the instructor-led sessions. Bring the required completion documentation.

Student MaterialsBring a laptop or tablet if directed, a notebook, calculator if specified, and access to the course materials and assigned exercises.

Attendance & ParticipationParticipate in all required instructor-led sessions, exercises, and evaluations to receive course completion credit.

IMPORTANT: Confirm the current NWCG course prerequisites, approved blended delivery requirements, online access instructions, and instructor-led duration with the training coordinator. The example agenda below is a planning template, not an official NWCG minimum-hour statement.

Blended Course Structure

Online preparation followed by applied classroom instruction.

Part 1 — Online LearningSelf-paced assigned modules introduce the fire environment, fuel and weather influences, and intermediate fire behavior concepts. Complete all required work before the in-person portion.

Part 2 — Instructor-Led ApplicationInstructor-facilitated sessions reinforce key concepts through case studies, group exercises, fire behavior analysis, and operational decision scenarios.

COURSE FORMAT: The schedule below illustrates a two-day instructor-led workshop format. Actual contact hours and schedule must follow the approved blended course package used by the host.

Sample Two-Day Instructor-Led Itinerary

Illustrative agenda; subject to the approved course package and instructor direction.

Day 1 — The Fire Environment & Fire Behavior

Fuels • Weather • Topography • Observations

8:00 AM

Welcome, course expectations, online learning review, and safety briefing.

9:00 AM

Fire behavior fundamentals and the interacting elements of the fire environment.

10:15 AM

Fuel characteristics, loading, arrangement, continuity, and fuel moisture considerations.

11:30 AM

Weather observations, wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric stability, and forecast interpretation.

12:00 PM

Lunch.

1:00 PM

Terrain effects: slope, aspect, elevation, channels, and local wind influences.

2:15 PM

Group exercises analyzing fuels, weather, and topography in representative fire scenarios.

3:30 PM

Identify indicators of changing fire behavior and discuss implications for operational safety.

4:30 PM

Review, questions, and preparation for the next session.

Day 2 — Applied Fire Behavior Analysis

Indicators • Forecasts • Scenarios • Decisions

8:00 AM

Review day-one concepts, current weather, and operational examples.

9:00 AM

Recognizing and communicating changing fire behavior and environmental conditions.

10:15 AM

Interpreting weather forecasts, field observations, and relevant fire environment information.

11:30 AM

Applied analysis of fire spread potential and operational implications.

12:00 PM

Lunch.

1:00 PM

Small-group fire behavior scenarios and decision-making exercises.

2:30 PM

Scenario presentations, discussion, and instructor feedback.

3:30 PM

Required course review and evaluation activities as directed by instructors.

4:30 PM

Final debrief, course closeout, and next steps.

SCHEDULE NOTICE: This is a sample schedule only. Timing, learning objectives, assessments, and instructional sequence must be aligned with the current approved NWCG S-290 blended course materials.

Required Materials

Come ready to apply the online lessons during instructor-led training.

Course Documentation

Proof of assigned online course completion
Course workbook or digital materials
Any required pre-course assignments
Registration confirmation

Learning Equipment

Notebook and pens
Laptop or tablet if required
Calculator if directed
Chargers and power supply

Personal Supplies

Lunch and snacks
Water or refillable bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
Any personal accessibility needs

MATERIALS NOTICE: The host will confirm any required devices, software, worksheets, or printed materials before class.

Applied Learning & Safety

Recognize changes early and communicate clearly.

Students will work through realistic fire behavior examples, discuss environmental indicators, and practice communicating observations and potential operational impacts. Exercises are designed to strengthen situational awareness and sound decision-making.

This course is primarily analytical and classroom-based in its instructor-led component; any field observation activities are subject to the host’s safety plan and instructor approval.

Who Should Attend?

For personnel ready to deepen their understanding of wildland fire behavior.

Wildland FirefightersFirefighters preparing for greater operational responsibility and more complex fire environments.

Prescribed Fire PractitionersPractitioners strengthening their understanding of burn conditions, fire behavior, and safety.

Crew Leaders & TraineesPersonnel developing fire environment assessment and communication skills.

Fuels & Resource ProfessionalsProfessionals involved in vegetation management, planning, and fire operations.