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S-212 WILDLAND FIRE CHAIN SAWS

TRAINING PROGRAM:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Wildland Fire Chainsaws, S-212, is an instructor-led course intended to be presented at the local level. The course lessons provide introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws, and their tactical wildland fire application. Field exercises support entry level training for firefighters with little or no previous experience in operating a chainsaw, providing hands-on cutting experience in surroundings similar to fireline situations.

TARGET GROUP:

Wildland Fire Chain Saws, S-212, is a required National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training course for individuals desiring to be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) in the National Interagency Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide,PMS 310-1. It is a suggested course for individuals desiring to be qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), or Felling Boss, Single Resource (FELB) in the National Interagency Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1.

PREREQUISITES:

Watch the following video and be prepared to discuss in class.

Certification levels:

BASIC FALLER: FAL3

The Basic Faller (FAL3) is an entry-level chainsaw operator that serves as a member of a firefighting crew or module. The FAL3 engages in low complexity fireline saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing, and should be closely supervised during operations.

Required Training

RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)
S-212, Wildland Fire Chain Saws

Required Experience

Satisfactory performance as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
Completion and Certification of NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3) Position Task Book

INTERMEDIATE FALLER" FAL2

The Intermediate Faller (FAL2) has demonstrated the proficiency to work unsupervised while engaging in moderate complexity fireline saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing.

Required Training

RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

Required Experience

Satisfactory performance as a Basic Faller (FAL3)
Completion and Certification of NWCG Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book

ADVANCED FALLER: FAL1

The Advanced Faller (FAL1) has multiple years of experience in chainsaw operations and has demonstrated proficiency in performing high complexity saw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing. The FAL1 may work independently or supervise/direct other Intermediate (FAL2) and Beginner (FAL3) Fallers during fireline saw operations. The FAL1 may serve as a single resource or as a member of a firefighting crew or module.

Required Training

RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

Required Experience

Satisfactory performance as an Intermediate Faller (FAL2)
Completion and Certification of NWCG Advanced Faller (FAL1) Position Task Book

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING TO CLASS:

REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR THE COURSE

S-212 Student Workbook

Download

LEATHER GOVES

Gloves that are slip-resistant and appropriate for the weather conditions.

Approved Safety Glasses

Wrap-around eye protection (safety glasses or shield).

Hearing protection

Hearing protection (earplugs or muffs) with NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 20 or more.

chain saw chaps

Approved chain saw chaps.

LEATHER BOOTS

Cut-resistant boots with non-slip sole (generally, leather with Vibram-sole.)

Lunch, water and snacks.

OWNERS MANUAL

Owner's manuals can be downloaded from the manufacturer websites

FIRELINE PACK OR BACKPACK

Day pack for field exercises

FALLING AXE, AND WEDGES

A 3-5 pound falling axe, wedges and wedge pouch.

Incident Response Pocket Guide

Chain Saw

A chainsaw equipped with a 20-24" guide bar in good working condition, with chain brake and saw tool kit with owner’s manual for your chain saw.

SCHEDULE FOR S-212 WILDLAND FIRE CHAIN SAWS

DAY 1

0800 - 1300

Morning Classroom Session:

Unit 0 – Introduction

Unit 1 – Safety Requirements .

Unit 3 – Fireline Construction and Mop Up

0800 - 1300

1300 - 1330

Lunch

1330 - 1800

Afternoon Classroom Session

Unit 2 – Chain Saw Parts, Maintenance, and Operation

Unit 4A – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Handling, Bucking, Limbing, and Brushing and Slashing (in the classroom)

Unit 4C – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Felling (in the classroom)

1330 - 1800

DAY 2

0800-0930

Morning Classroom Session:

Recap of Day 1 and Review of Key Concepts

Unit 4B – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Handling, Bucking, Limbing, and Brushing and Slashing (Field Proficiency – introduction, in the classroom)

Unit 4D – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Felling (Field Proficiency – introduction, in the classroom)

0800-0930

0930 - 1100

Travel To Field Location

1100 - 1330

Morning Field Session:

Overview of the Training Objectives and Goals

Safety Briefing and Equipment Check

Unit 4B – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Handling, Bucking, Limbing, and Brushing and Slashing (Field Proficiency – in the field)

1100 - 1330

1300 - 1330

Lunch Break

1330 - 1700

Afternoon Field Session:

Unit 4B – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Handling, Bucking, Limbing, and Brushing and Slashing (Field Proficiency – in the field)

1330 - 1700

1700 - 1800

Afternoon Field Session:

Clean Up and Saw Maintance

After Action Review

DAY 3

0800-0900

Morning Session: Introduction and Safety Procedures

Welcome and Introductions

Overview of the Training Objectives and Goals

Safety Briefing and Equipment Check

0800-0900

0900-1300

Unit 4D – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Felling (Field Proficiency – in the field)

1300 - 1330

Lunch Break

1300 - 1330

1330 - 1730

Afternoon Session: Scenario-based Training

Unit 4D – Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques: Felling (Field Proficiency – in the field)

1730 - 1800

Afternoon Field Session:

Clean Up and Saw Maintance

After Action Review

1730 - 1800

UPCOMING TRAINING