The National Wildfire Coordination Group and the U.S. Fire Administration have jointly developed and implemented a new online course that will enable firefighters, incident responders and others to learn and understand the basics of the Incident Command System.

ICS is the organizational framework that enables responders to efficiently manage all aspects of an emergency response or critical situation. It was developed in California in the 1970s after a disastrous fire season exposed numerous shortcomings communication and coordination between various local, state and federal agencies. After California developed the system, ICS was adopted nationwide by wildland fire agencies in the late 1970s and has since become the standard organizational model for all federal emergency responses.

I-100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, is an effective way for people new to or interested in wildland or structural firefighting to learn how agencies and departments organize responses to incidents — regardless of their physical location. Working at their own pace, learners can complete the course in just two to three hours. Designed for entry-level firefighters, the course also can benefit fire crew supervisors, non-fire agency employees who want to take on collateral duties in fire suppression, and the news media. The course also can be used by commanders when the U.S. military is called on to assist with firefighting.

For more information on NWCG training courses, visit the National Wildfire Coordination Group's training Web site. The NWCG Field Manager's Course Guide also will provide additional information on this and other NWCG training courses.