Interactive Learning Module
NWCG Position Requirements for Prescribed Fire
Learn common NWCG qualifications, training, experience, task book, fitness, and currency concepts used when staffing prescribed fire operations. Includes common prescribed fire positions and the faller progression: FAL3, FAL2, and FAL1.
Use current source documents. NWCG PMS 310-1 and individual NWCG position pages are the official sources for NWCG position qualification requirements. Agencies, states, tribes, local units, and agreements may add requirements. Always verify the current position page, current task book, and agency certifying official before issuing or accepting a qualification.
1. Quick Start: How NWCG Position Qualification Works
Training
Courses provide knowledge for the position. Required courses may include S-courses, RX-courses, ICS courses, annual fireline safety refreshers, or position-specific training.
Experience
Most positions require prior qualification in another position plus successful performance in the target position under supervision.
Position Task Book
A PTB documents field performance. It must be initiated, evaluated by qualified personnel, completed, reviewed, and certified by the home unit or certifying organization.
2. Interactive Position Finder
| Position | Common Prescribed Fire Role | Typical Minimum Requirements Summary | Fitness |
|---|
3. Position Learning Cards
4. Common Qualification Pathways
New PractitionerFFT2FFT1FIRB / ENGB / CRWBRXB2RXB1 / RXM
The most common prescribed fire leadership pathway starts with firefighter qualifications, then squad/resource boss capability, then ignition, holding, or burn boss roles. Monitoring, safety, and planning roles may branch from the firefighter track.
5. Faller Qualification Module: FAL3, FAL2, FAL1
FAL3 – Basic Faller
Entry-level wildland chainsaw operator. Common prescribed fire use includes limbing, bucking, simple felling, snag mitigation, prep work, holding support, and mop-up support within assigned complexity and supervision.
- Focus: safe basic saw operations.
- Usually works as part of a crew or module.
- Does not replace a higher-level faller for complex hazard trees.
FAL2 – Intermediate Faller
Intermediate faller capable of more complex falling assignments and may perform advanced tasks under direct supervision of a FAL1 when appropriate.
- Focus: larger or more complex trees.
- May serve as single resource or crew/module member.
- Often supports burn prep and hazard tree operations.
FAL1 – Advanced Faller
Advanced faller for the most complex wildland falling assignments, high-risk hazard trees, advanced problem solving, and mentoring lower-level fallers.
- Focus: highest complexity falling.
- May serve as single resource or module member.
- Supports risk management and advanced saw operations.
Faller Progression Roadmap
S-212 / approved saw trainingAgency saw evaluationFAL3Documented experienceFAL2Complex falling experienceFAL1
Exact prerequisites, training equivalencies, transition provisions, and task book requirements must be verified against the current NWCG position pages and PMS 310-1.
| Topic | FAL3 | FAL2 | FAL1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Basic wildland sawyer/faller. | Intermediate faller for more complex saw assignments. | Advanced faller for highest complexity work. |
| Typical Prescribed Fire Use | Prep, limbing, bucking, simple felling, mop-up support. | Burn prep, complex felling, hazard tree reduction, holding support. | Complex hazard trees, advanced falling, mentoring, high-risk saw assignments. |
| Supervision | Works within assigned complexity and crew/module supervision. | May work as single resource or crew/module member; advanced work may require FAL1 supervision. | May work as single resource or crew/module member and help supervise/mentor others. |
| Evaluator Focus | Safety, PPE, saw control, escape routes, basic cuts, communication. | Complexity recognition, falling plan, bind, lean, hazards, precision, supervision needs. | Advanced hazard recognition, complex falling judgment, leadership, risk control. |
6. Qualification Readiness Checklist
7. Final 30 Question Quiz
Answer the questions below. Score 80% or higher to display a printable certificate.
Score: not submitted
Certificate of Completion
This certifies completion of the NWCG Prescribed Fire Position Requirements Tutorial.
Training aid only. This certificate does not issue an NWCG qualification.
Source note: This tutorial is a training aid based on NWCG position qualification concepts and common prescribed fire staffing practices. Verify all requirements against the current NWCG PMS 310-1, individual NWCG position pages, task books, and local agency policy before use.