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Fire Training.
This page is intended to provide information regarding local wildland firefighter training opportunities. The prescribed burns conducted in grassland ecosystems, like Allwine Prairie Preserve, are typical burning activities in the Midwest and Great Plains regions. Volunteering to assist with prescribed burns at Allwine Prairie Preserve currently does not require specialized training, but taking advantage of training opportunites when they do exist provides you with a significant advantage during prescribed burning events.
Most wildland firefighter training opportunities are based on standards provided by the National Wildfire Coordinanting Group (NWCG). The NWCG offers a large series of courses that train firefighters to fight wildland fires. However, the principles taught in these courses are also highly applicable to prescribed burning that is typically conducted in the Midwest and Great Plains. By taking the first series of courses, S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Fire Fighting and Basic Wildland Fire Behavior) and passing a physical fitness test called a Work Capacity Test (also referred to as a Pack Test), you could be on your way to fight wildland fires. Other opportunities also exist closer to home, such as assisting with prescribed burns in the Loess Hills, Iowa with Pottawattamie County.
Nebraska and Iowa Fire Training Courses
The Iowa DNR Forestry website includes a link to the most recent training events. Training in Iowa is generally offered in the winter. This site also offers many references for prescribed burning.
The Nebraska Prescribed Fire Council also offers courses, typically in the winter. Contact David Carr for more information.
The Nebraska Forest Service offers courses periodically as well. Conact Casey McCoy for more information about the Wildland Fire Training opportunities.
Other Local Fire Training Courses
The following agencies and organizations offer some other fire training opportunities outside of Nebraska and Iowa. Click on each title for more information.
Midwest Wildfire Training Academy
The Midwest Wildfire Training Academy, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, often offers a wide range of fire training courses.
Minnesota Wildland Fire Training Information
A link to a range of yearly training information in Minnesota from the Minnesota DNR.
The Nature Conservancy offers a range of fire training courses.
Located in Salida, Colorado, the Colorado Firecamp offers some excellent beginning wildland firefighter courses.
Colorado Wildland Fire and Incident Management Academy
Located in Sterling, Colorado, this Academy also offers a wide range of fire training courses.
National Interagency Fire Training Page
Browse for other fire training opportunities around the Nation.
Local Fire Volunteer and Job Opportunities
Allwine Prairie Preserve Volunteer Prescribed Burn Crew Member
Become a volunteer prescribed burn member at Allwine Prairie Preserve. Visit the Prescribed Burning Home Page to learn how you can volunteer.
Pottawattamie County Burn Crew Day-Hire Member
If you have current S-130/190 certification and you have passed the field-level Work Capacity Test, an excellent opportunity exists for you to gain prescribed burning experience in the Loess Hills, Iowa. Contact Chad Graeve, Natural Resource Specialist at Hitchcock Nature Center in Pottawattamie County, IA, to learn more about this opportunity.