NAFRI partners with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Course Development Sub Committees, comprised of subject matter experts, to manage and deliver graduate school level curriculums. A total of 15 courses are supported by NAFRI staff. 12 of these are delivered on an annual, biannual and biennial basis.
Complete Course Listing | Upcoming Courses
Course Target Group:
Any state employee designated to fill a state level incident management team position as an Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, Operations Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, Finance Section Chief, Safety Officer, Information Officer, and Liaison Officer.
Course Description:
CIMC - Complex Incident Management Course
Using classroom lecture and simulated incidents the student will understand the role and function of an incident management team, the applicability of management principles to the incident management job, and the special considerations of incident management within geographic areas of the nation. http://www.nafri.gov/pages/description_cimc.htm
Nomination Process
A notification of training letter will be sent to each State Fire Chief’s office advising them of upcoming training and of the training location. The training location will rotate between the three NASF regions (Northeast, South and West). Teams from the host region will have priority of attendance.
State Fire Chiefs will then provide a list of candidates and their team positions to the CIMC Executive Secretary for CIMC Steering Committee review and selection. The CIMC Executive Secretary will then send out final selection letters along with course information and reading materials.
Course Objectives:
The Complex Incident Management Course (CIMC) is a partnership between the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service to provide a national incident management training program that addresses multi-jurisdictional and all-hazard issues, including wildfire, that confront state emergency responders.
Course objectives are to train command staff positions to function as qualified state incident management teams who are able to assist their state forestry organizations and state emergency departments in the management of large or highly complex wildfires and other all hazard incidents. The focus of the course is to better prepare team members to address the unique and challenging management needs associated with these kinds of incidents.
| Total Hours: | 40 |
|---|---|
Course Prerequisites:
I / S-420 and Position Training
Course Target Group:
This course is designed to train individuals who will be called upon to establish and supervise an expanded dispatch organization and who have met prerequisite training and experience at the Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD) level.
Course Description:
D-510, Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP), is designed to train individuals in the function and responsibilities of an EDSP within an Incident Support Organization. Trainees selected for this course must be capable of performing as an EDSD in all functional areas of an expanded dispatch. The course will provide trainees with a working knowledge of the necessary management skills and operational procedures to successfully perform as a Supervisory Dispatcher.
The course is intended to be an interactive experience, requiring the trainee to interact with faculty and fellow trainees. The course consists of a 40-hour pre-course test, discussions, exercises and final exam. The classroom portion of the course is 32 hours.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the Supervisory Dispatcher course the trainee will be able to:
| Pre-selection Assessment: | 40 |
|---|---|
| Prework: | N/A |
| Online Training: | N/A |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 32 |
| Total Hours: | 72 |
Course Prerequisites:
Success in D-510 will depend on the student’s ability in leadership and organizational knowledge and skills. Although not prerequisites the follwoing courses would benefit nominee's attending D510:
Course Target Group:
Senior-level leaders and decision makers, including, but not restricted to, Agency Administrators and Incident Management Organizations (Type 1, Type 2, Area Command, and NIMO).
Course Description:
This is a continuing education opportunity available to senior fire management leaders. The intent is to foster exchange of knowledge and experience in the art of leading during high-risk and complex incidents.
THIS IS NOT A COURSE PACKAGE AVAILABLE FROM THE NWCG PUBLICATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Specific course information can be found at http://www.fireleadership.gov/courses/courses.html.
The NWCG Leadership Subcommittee is coordinating the May 2015 L-580 event. Specific delivery information can be obtained from Kelly Wood @ 208-387-5639 / kwoods@blm.gov.
Selected course materials should address these topics:
• Focus on leadership actions, decision-making, and critical thinking at the strategic level
• Include structured facilitation of interactive group discussions and/or activities
• Involve pre- and/or post-study activities related to the specific event
Course Objectives:
L-580 provides senior-level leaders with a variety of L-580 Steering Committee-approved continuing education opportunities that complement other Incident Management Organization training.
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | Varies |
| Online Training: | N/A |
| Instructor Lead Training: | Varies |
| Total Hours: | Hours will vary |
Course Prerequisites:
Previous attendance at other L-courses is highly recommended.
Satisfactory completion of pre-course work.
Course Target Group:
This course is targeted to resource managers, wildland fire planning personnel and line officers who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of fire management and fire ecology.
Course Description:
Through lectures, case studies, a field trip, and interaction between students and faculty, the course will:
Course Size is limited to 100 Students
Course Objectives:
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | N/A |
| Online Training: | N/A |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 40 |
| Total Hours: | 40 |
Course Prerequisites:
None
Course Target Group:
Current or future Fire Program Managers who have direct responsibility to plan, organize, budget, manage and evaluate Fire Management Programs (e.g. fire operations supervisor, battalion chief, assistant fire management officer, IHC superintendent, helicopter crew supervisor, unit aviation manager, lead dispatcher, dispatch center manager, fuels specialist). This course is intended for students that have managed portions of a fire program, and are prepared to make the transition to overall fire program management.
Course Description:
This training course is designed to meet the needs of current and future unit level Fire Program Managers. It is intended to aid in the application of fire management principles in sound decision making, business management, human resource management, administrative functions, use of state-of-the-art tools and methods in fire management programs, and recognition of the necessity for personal accountability required in fire program management.
Course Objectives:
Upon successfully completing M-581, Fire Program Management, students will be able to identify the principles, policies and procedures to effectively and safely lead, plan, and implement a Fire Management Program. Students will be able to identify the program management, reporting, and personal accountability responsibilities of the Fire Program Manager.
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | N/A |
| Online Training: | 18-24 hours - Online materials for the M581 course can be found at the following link: http://training.nwcg.gov/courses/m581/index.htm |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 32-36 |
| Total Hours: | 50-60 |
Course Prerequisites:
It is recommended students obtain the competencies provided in L-380 Fireline Leadership, RX-310 Introduction to Fire Effects and ICS-300 Intermediate ICS prior to attending this course.
Link to M581 Online Course Modules: http://training.nwcg.gov/courses/m581/index.htm
Course Target Group:
The NFS course is for personnel who have attended the NAFA course and are interested in obtaining advanced level of flight simulation training in the wildland fire airspace environment, and to build on the knowledge obtained in the NAFA course.
Course Description:
The NFS course is designed to provide aerial firefighters an advanced training experience to the NAFA course, utilizing flight simulator hardware and software, sand table exercises and classroom interaction. These simulations and problem solving exercises will enhance the aerial firefighter’s effectiveness and safety awareness by providing complex problem solving tasks while simulating a multi-aircraft fire airspace environment.
Real time fire scenarios will be utilized from simple initial attack to complex fire environments allowing the roles of Airtanker, Leadplane, Type I and II Helicopters, SEAT, MAFFS, Water Scoopers, Very Large Airtankers (VLAT’s) and Air Tactical crews to fight a fire from simulated cockpits and experience various aircraft emergencies and their responses while over a complex fire airspace.
Course Objectives:
To provide aerial firefighters an advanced training experience to the NAFA course, utilizing flight simulator hardware and software, sandtable exercises and classroom interaction. These simulations and problem solving exercises will enhance the aerial firefighters effectiveness and safety awareness by providing complex problem solving tasks while simulating a multi-aircraft fire airspace environment.
Course Target Group:
Personnel interested and available to participate on review teams analyzing all types of accidents and near-misses. The Workshop participation is not limited to Fire and Aviation Management employees.
Course Description:
The Facilitated Learning Analysis(FLA) and Coordinated Response Protocol(CRP) are group learning approaches to review a broad spectrum of unintended outcomes or close calls ranging from fatalities and escaped fires to vehicle accidents.
Through lectures, case studies, and interaction between participants and faculty, the course will:
The workshop is limited to 56 participants
Course Objectives:
| Prework: | 8 |
|---|---|
| Instructor Lead Training: | 32 |
| Total Hours: | 40 |
Course Prerequisites:
None, However preference will be given to individuals with experience in risk management, safety management and accident investigations.
Course Target Group:
The target audience includes individuals:
Course Description:
Advanced NFDRS is the next level of analytical instruction above S491 that focuses on the role of fire danger rating in resource decision making, through development of a fire danger rating operating plan. Participants will be provided the skills to analyze and troubleshoot fire danger rating from the fire weather station scale to multiple fire danger rating areas. The course will provide individuals the technical skills to serve as instructors for geographic area level courses for all wildland fire agencies using NFDRS. Advanced NFDRS is a national level course. As such, participants can expect long days, evening and weekend work. In order to receive credit for course, participants must stay through entire course. Students will need to complete approximately 24 hours of pre-course work.
Course Objectives:
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | 24 |
| Online Training: | 0 |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 64 |
| Total Hours: | 88 |
Course Prerequisites:
Computer Requirements
Students must bring their Agency laptop to use during the course to connect to the terminal server at NAFRI. If you do not have a laptop available to you, there are in limited supply at NAFRI and are on a first come first serve basis; use of your own agency laptop is strongly suggested.
Course Target Group:
This course is directed to Forest Service Forest Supervisor/Deputy Forest Supervisor levels, National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Superintendent/Deputy Superintendent levels, Bureau of Land Management Field Officer/District Manager levels, and Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge Management Project Leader level.
Course Description:
In May 2017, NWCG revised this course code to M582. Currently known as M582 - Leading Complex Fire Programs course.
The course is a comprehensive look at the Agency Administrator’s leadership role within the Fire Management Program, including the Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy. The complex fire situation is highlighted with the intent to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes necessary to effectively manage the situation. Included are the Agency Administrator’s briefing, WFDSS Wildland Fire Decision Support System, and other critical items.
Policy, authority, and responsibility will be clarified, discussed, and reinforced using case examples. Opportunities will be highlighted to provide additional tools for the Agency Administrator to more effectively manage the fire program.
The participant will gain an insight into fire’s role in wildland management. Internal and external relations and interagency cooperation opportunities are discussed. Emphasis is placed on an overall understanding of fire management and the Agency Administrator’s role in it.
Student Requirements to Receive Credit for the Course:
To receive credit for the course, you must attend the entire course. Those arriving late or leaving early will not receive credit for the course. No testing is required.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants have been provided instruction to assist them as follows:
1. Identify Agency Administrator’s responsibilities to provide leadership in fire and fuels management.
| Total Hours: | 40 |
|---|---|
Course Target Group:
Aviation flight crews involved in aerial fire suppression operations on wildland fires using large retardant and water delivery aircraft. This includes contract personnel who have responsibilities as firefighter pilots. Contractor management personnel will be considered on a space available basis. Agency individuals include Leadplane Pilots and Air Tactical Group Supervisors.
Course Description:
The National Aerial FireFighting Academy (NAFA) is a training effort by and for personnel directly involved in aerial retardant and water delivery. This includes Airtanker, Helicopter, Single Engine Airtanker, Lead and Aerial Supervision aircraft.
The intent is to provide participants information needed to safely and effectively work together in the congested airspace over a wildland fire incident. The course information provides a look into the “other pilot’s” job, which provides an important perspective needed to achieve the same goal; put the fire out safely and effectively.
Optimum class size is between 55 to 70 persons. Desired attendance is a composition of: 8 to 10 Air Tactical Group Supervisors (ATGS); 5 Leadplane Pilots; 15 to 20 each Multi-Engine Airtanker Pilots; Single Engine Airtanker Pilots (SEATS); and Type I Helicopter Pilots.
Course Objectives:
Enhance aviation safety by integrating tactics, operations, and experience into aerial firefighting training. To educate both Agency and contract personnel using expertise from both sectors.
Course Prerequisites:
Is a member of NAFA specified target group.
Course Target Group:
This course supports the knowledge and skills needed for prescribed fire burn boss, other single resource bosses, prescribed fire manager, and strategic operational planner and other positions that plan and implement complex decisions at multiple scales in fire management.
RX-510 curriculum is primarily developed for wildfire operations personnel and fire practitioners.
Course Description:
RX-510 Advanced Fire Effects is a science-based course designed to support the integration of fire effects knowledge into land management programs. The course emphasizes the importance of considering fire effects in the design, implementation and monitoring of planned fire treatments over multiple spatial and temporal scales. In addition, many of the principles covered can be used to integrate fire effects in support of the wildfire decision-making process. This course recognizes that planning and implementing the use of fire in any capacity are independent activities, and provides opportunities for the burn boss and planner to work together.
The course is an intensive session that provides college-level lectures, case studies, discussion groups, and testing procedures throughout the week. Instructors include agency and university scientists, agency resource specialists, and fire practitioners. Students have many opportunities to interact with the faculty.
To successfully complete Rx510, students are required to complete the pre-course work and attend all sessions for the entire week.
RX-510 is a national level training course. Students should expect long days.
Class size is limited to 84 students.
Course Objectives:
RX-510 will demonstrate the application of science-based fire effects knowledge in planning, implementing, evaluating and communicating the use of wildland fire to meet ecologically based land management objectives.
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | 8-12 |
| Online Training: | N/A |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 40 |
| Total Hours: | 48-52 |
Course Prerequisites:
Course Target Group:
Course Description:
The primary purpose of this course is to provide the knowledge base for developing short-, mid-, and long-term geospatial fire analysis for the long term analyst (LTAN) and fire behavior analyst (FBAN). S-495 conveys the latest processes and technology to assess weather, climatology, historic fires, fuels, and biophysical attributes to develop deterministic and probabilistic fire growth for various timeframes. Concepts taught will help an LTAN and FBAN perform at an acceptable level on a national basis without regard to geographic boundaries. The course is presented by distance learning, lectures, electronic presentations, and class discussion.
Course Objectives:
| Pre-selection Assessment: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Prework: | N/A |
| Online Training: | 116 |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 40 |
| Total Hours: | 160 |
Course Prerequisites:
Students not seeking certification can access the online self-paced lessons without prerequisites. The self paced modules may be accessed here
Course Target Group:
Any person qualified to fill a national level interagency Type 1 Incident Management Team position as an Incident Command, Planning Section Chief, Operations Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief, Finance Section Chief, Safety Officer, or Public Information Officer, or any person to become certified in one of these positions at the Type 1 completxity level and Agency Administrators preparing for the potential to host Complex Incidents.
Course Description:
Using classroom lecture, dialogue, exercises and simulated incidents, students will develop their understanding and demonstrate the abilities to effectively function in a Command and General Staff (C&G) position of a Type 1 Incident Management Team and/or as an Agency Administrator hosting Complex Incidents. Students will discuss and practice the applicability of management principles to the incident management job, and the special considerations of incident management in differing geographic areas of the nation.
S520 incorporates experiential learning opportunities in the practice and application of critical concepts and responsibilities of Type 1 C&G Staff and Agency Administrators, coupled with active coaching, feedback and performance assessments.
Early Nomination Rationale: Early nomination has been requested to give those nominated the necessary mentoring and pre-course assignments for the course.
For current course information, refer to the NAFRI web site: http://www.nafri.gov
Course Objectives:
Given a simulated complex fire situation, students will effectively perform functional and team responsibilities. Individual performance must meet established criteria for successful completion of the course.
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | 20 |
| Online Training: | N/A |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 40 |
| Total Hours: | 60 |
Course Prerequisites:
Individuals must be functionally certified and qualified at the Type 2 level for the position they will be filling at the course.
Nominees are required to submit a complete nomination package through their Geographic Area Training Representative (GATR), which must include a nomination form, a current fire qualifications record summary and a narrative statement giving a brief background of the person nominated, with a description of the intended use of the skills developed as a result of attending S520. Previous attendance at S-420 is recommended.
Satisfactory completion of UNIT-I (pre-course) work.
Course Target Group:
Personnel desiring to be qualified as fire behavior analyst (FBAN) and or long term fire analyst (LTAN) in wildland fire management operations. Nominees must identify which position(s) they are targeting on their nomination form.
Course Description:
This course was developed using a blended approach to learning, meaning that it contains a mix of online and instructor-led training (ILT). Students are required to complete the online training portion of the course prior to taking the ILT.
S-590 is an intensive course designed to provide prospective FBANs and LTANs with the groundwork they will need to succeed throughout the training process. The course focuses on the interpretation of fire behavior products and emphasizes the importance of communicating this information effectively. Ensuring the operational relevance of fire behavior information and inclusion of operational concerns into forecasts and briefings is highlighted as a key skill to providing useful input for both tactical and strategic decisions as well as being critical to fire fighter safety. The course focuses on the interpretation of fire behavior outputs and models on a variety of time scales ranging from immediate operational concerns to answering longer term strategic questions.
S-590 is a highly interactive class with full participation required from all students. Course material is presented through a combination of online material and exercises. The residence portion of the class addresses key topics interspersed with in depth fire scenarios. During the fire simulations, students will produce products, briefings and documentation under tight time constraints as they would on a fire assignment.
Class size is limited to 50 participants.
Course Objectives:
| Pre-selection Assessment: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Online Training: | 12 |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 64 |
| Total Hours: | 80 |
Course Prerequisites:
Students seeking qualification as a fire behavior analyst (FBAN):
Training Prerequisites
Position Prerequisites
Students seeking qualification as a long term fire analyst (LTAN):
Training Prerequisites
Position Prerequisites
Pre-Selection Assessment
All nominees will need to successfully complete a pre-selection assessment that requires proficiency in the skills taught in S-490. This is a 4 hour time limited and proctored test. Proficiency in the use of BehavePlus is critical to passing the S-590 pre-selection assessment.
Mentoring Program
An active mentoring program exists for FBAN and LTAN mentees to gain experience prior to attending S-590. S-590 Steering Committee, Geographic Area Coordinating Groups, Training Representatives and Coordination Centers work together in the priority placement of mentees with qualified FBANs and LTANs. Participation is not mandatory but has proven to assist confidence in the classroom. After getting support from your supervisor and unit Training Officer, contact your Geographic Area Training Representative to get more information about the mentoring program. The S-590 Course Coordinator may also assist with concerns or issues regarding the mentoring program.
For this program to be successful the following actions must occur:
Computer Requirements
All participants attending S-590 will need to provide their own laptop, portable printer and data cable.
Students should be equipped with the hardware (laptop & printer), and software to function as an FBAN and or LTAN and be self-sufficient at the course as if they were in the field. A detailed listing of hardware and software needs will be included in the course selection letter.
Additional Information
Success in S-590 will depend on the student's communication skills, both written and oral.
Additional skills could be obtained by completing the following:
S-590 is a national level training course and as such participants can expect long days.
Course Target Group:
Those persons in wildland fire agencies who will be available to participate on a national interagency Area Command team as an Area Commander, Assistant Area Commander Logistics, Assistant Area Commander Planning on Area Command Aviation Coordinator.
Course Description:
Using classroom lecture and simulated incident, the student will understand principles and concepts of Area Command, and understand the interaction of Area Command and other incident organizations, agencies, and political entities.
Course Objectives:
Given a simulated multi-incident fire situation, students will effectively perform functional and team responsibilities. Individual's performance must meet established criteria for successful completion of the course.
| Pre-selection Assessment: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Prework: | N/A |
| Online Training: | N/A |
| Instructor Lead Training: | 36 |
| Total Hours: | 36 |
Course Prerequisites:
Individuals must be qualified at the Type 1 level and have successfully completed S-520 or CIMC, except for the Area Command Aviation Coordinator who must complete the position task book prior to attending. Nominations must be submitted with a narrative statement giving a background of the person nominated. Include a description of the intended use of the skills developed as a result of attendance at S-620.
| Course | Dates | Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| S520 - Advanced Incident Management | 12-04-2017 to 12-09-2017 | Elaine Rodriguez |
| CIMC - Complex Incident Management Course | 01-21-2018 to 01-26-2018 | Elaine Rodriguez |
| M580 - Fire in Ecosystem Management | 01-22-2018 to 01-26-2018 | Gary Luce |
| N9053 - Learning from Unintended Outcomes: FLA Workshop | 02-05-2018 to 02-09-2018 | Gary Luce |
| S590 - Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation | 03-06-2018 to 03-15-2018 | JoAnne Ware |
| NFML - Fire Management Leadership | 03-19-2018 to 03-23-2018 | Elaine Rodriguez |
| D510 - Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher | 04-09-2018 to 04-13-2018 | Gary Luce |
| N9053 - Learning from Unintended Outcomes: FLA Workshop | 04-23-2018 to 04-27-2018 | Gary Luce |
| D510 - Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher | 10-15-2018 to 10-19-2018 | Gary Luce |
