This document provides an overview of the S-215 Wildfire Operations in the Interface training course. The course aims to develop relevant training for the wildland fire community to safely and effectively operate during interface incidents. The training will cover using situation awareness, structure triage, pre-planning tools, fire behavior, and interface-specific tactics. The course introduces instructors and students, outlines expectations, and reviews reference materials. It also defines and discusses different types of wildland-urban interface and compares structure protection policies across agencies.

1. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
Mission:
To develop relevant National Wildfire Coordinating Group training
in a cost-effective manner to meet the needs of the wildland fire
community.
Vision:
To develop professional training packages which provide a solid
training foundation and enhanced training experience to the
wildland fire community.
Email comments or suggestions pertaining to this or any NWCG course to:
BLM_FA_NWCG_Evaluation@blm.gov
Online: training.nwcg.gov

2. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
Unit 0 - Introduction
S-215
Slide 0-2

3. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Introduce the course coordinator, instructors, and students.
• Discuss course logistics.
• Provide a course overview.
• Discuss course expectations.
• Identify course reference materials.
• Define the “interface.”
• Compare and contrast differing agency policies in relation to
interface incidents.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-3

4. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Instructors
• Students
–Incident Experience
with
Wildland/Urban
Interface
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-4

5. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
•
•
•
•
Unit 0 - Introduction
S-215
Course Agenda
Sign-In Sheet
Housekeeping
Other Concerns
Slide 0-5

6. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
Course objective:
• At the successful completion of this course,
students will be able to operate safely and
effectively during an interface incident by:
•
•
•
•
•
Unit 0 - Introduction
Using situation awareness
Performing structure triage
Using pre-planning tools
Understanding fire behavior
Using tactics unique to the interface
Slide 0-6

7. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Participate in all classroom and field
discussions, exercises, and
scenarios.
• Obtain a score of 70% or higher on
the final exam.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-7

8. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Exercise: Student expectations for
the course
• In 10 minutes, develop a list of your
expectations.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-8

9. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Wildland Fire Incident Management
Field Guide
• Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG)
• Wildland Fire Qualification System
Guide
• Red Book
• Student reference materials in
Appendix D
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-9

10. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Classic interface
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-10

11. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Mixed
interface
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-11

12. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Occluded interface
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-12

13. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Interface fires can occur in almost any
community and as it pertains to us; the
structures are just another fuel type.
• Although these fuels may differ across
the country, one factor remains
constant; the risk to firefighters who
suppress fires.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-13

14. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
What is your
agency’s policy?
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-14

15. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• What is your agency policy for
structure protection?
• Compare and contrast differing
agency policies.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-15

16. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Structure protection is still wildland
firefighting.
• Structure firefighting occurs when
structure protection fails.
• Consider where firefighting policy
and public perception differ.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-16

17. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
• Introduce the course coordinator, instructors, and students.
• Discuss course logistics.
• Provide a course overview.
• Discuss course expectations.
• Identify course reference materials.
• Define the “interface.”
• Compare and contrast differing agency policies in relation to
interface incidents.
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-17

18. S-215 - Wildfire Operations in the Interface
S-215
Questions?
Unit 0 - Introduction
Slide 0-18