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Public Information Officer

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This position has been archived.

 

Date: Jan 2023

Position archived.

Date: Mar 2022

Removed: IS-700, NIMS: An Introduction from required training.

Date: Feb 2022

Added: PIO1 position endorsement approved 01/19/2022.

Date: Oct 2021

Remove: ICS-100, Introduction to ICS and ICS-200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents from Required Training.

Added:  S-203, Introduction to Incident Information OR E/L952, All Hazards Position Specific Public Information Officer to Required Training.

Added: Satisfactory performance as a Public Information Officer, Technician (PIOT) to Required Experience.

Added: Public Information Officer Type 2 (PIOT) to "PIOF Maintains Currency for These Positions."

Added: to "Other Training Which Supports Development of Knowledge and Skills:"

Removed:  S-110, Basic Wildland Fire Orientation from "Other Training Which Supports Development of Knowledge and Skills:"

Date: Oct 2015

Added: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents (ICS-300) and Advanced ICS (ICS-400) as required training to align position with FEMA Type 3 standards.
Added: Transition Plan

  • All qualified individuals will remain qualified. Individuals will be granted ICS-300 and ICS-400 in responder’s records at the time of implementation.
  • All PIOF trainees will be required to complete ICS-300 and ICS-400 prior to position qualification.
Date: Jun 2011

Added: Introduction to Incident Information (S-203), Introduction to ICS (ICS-100), Wildland Fire Service (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighter Training (S-130), Human Factors in the and Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130) as Required Training.

Date: Apr 2006

Position created.

The title of Information Officer Type 3 (IOF3) has been changed to Public Information Officer (PIOF). This position is entry level, is not a prerequisite for higher qualifications, and is not tied to the complexity of an incident.

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Primary Committee: Communication Education and Prevention Committee
Steward:
Key Stakeholder(s): Incident Command Subcommittee


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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

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Date: June 10, 2025
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The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

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