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Burning for learning - New wildland firefighters train in Prince William Forest Park

Instructor lectures in classroom in front of screen with headline about wildalnd fire. — Trainees learn the basics of wildland fire management.
NPS / Sarah Swanson

During the week of June 17, staff from across the National Capital and Northeast regions met at Prince William Forest Park to learn the basics of wildland firefighting. The 27 students at the 2019 Basic Wildland Fire Academy learned about fire behavior, how to use firefighting hand tools, and about the procedures to deploy on wildfire assignments. They also learned important lessons on safety, communications, and the incident management system chain of command.

Trainees listen to instructor speak about handtools near fire engine. — Zeke Seabright speaks about firefighting tools in Prince William Forest Park.
NPS / Sarah Swanson

“I appreciate that so many parks in the National Capital and Northeast regions recognized the value of this training and made time for their staff to attend,” said Zeke Seabright, National Capital Region Fire Management Officer. “Not only will these trainees be able to help their home parks with prescribed fires or on local incidents, but they’ll be able to deploy nationwide when the need arises.”

Firefighter trainees practice putting on wildland firefighting gear. — Trainees gear up with with wildland fire equipment.
NPS / Catherine Clifone

As soon as they complete the work capacity (pack) test, class participants will be qualified to serve as Type II wildland firefighters or in a variety of support roles on wildland or prescribed fire assignments across the United States. This summer, they will join thousands of staff who have made careers or served on temporary assignments managing fire on public lands. You can learn more about serving in the NPS’s Wildland Fire Program online.