Firefighters are invited to attend a wildfire academy at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas in preparation for the 2014 wildfire season.
In an effort to enhance skills and learn new firefighting techniques, responders from across the country will get hands-on experience utilizing the National Wildfire Coordination Group training standards.
“This academy offers a great chance for all firefighters to better their skills in fighting wildfires. These courses help us all protect our communities more effectively and go home safe at the end of the day,” said Phillip Truitt, Texas A&M Forest Service wildland urban interface specialist.
The Central Texas Wildfire Academy held from Feb. 13 – 17 accommodates all skill levels of municipal, rural and wildland firefighters. Participants will have the option to choose classes that interest and best serve them including: introductory, intermediate, advanced and squad boss, ignition operations, and tanker shuttle courses.
The cost is $20 per day, and does not include meals. Firefighters approved for grant funding through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program or the TIFMAS Grant Assistance Program are not required to pay for training.“There are many great grant opportunities from the Texas A&M Forest Service to pay for training if any volunteer fire departments are worried about costs to attend” said Charles Tice, Texas A&M Forest Service, regional fire coordinator.
The academy is a joint effort between the Texas Army National Guard, Dam Volunteer Fire Department and Texas A&M Forest Service.
For more information and registration for the Central Texas Wildfire Academy, visit the Texas Interagency Coordinating Center. To complete a grant application for firefighter training tuition visit texasfd.com. Applications must be received prior to training.
