27th annual wildfire academy at Camp Swift builds national readiness
More than 350 firefighters attend
The 27th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy will take place Oct. 7-20 at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop.
About 350 federal, state, local and private firefighters are expected to travel from across the state and nation to attend the academy, continuing their education and earning National Wildfire Coordinating Group training qualifications.
This academy is one of two Texas Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academies that aim to enhance the knowledge of wildland firefighters by utilizing National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards, while promoting safe and cost-effective operations.
“We are proud to uphold a tradition of quality training that provides every participant with an excellent learning experience,” said Chelsea Fikes, Texas A&M Forest Service academy coordinator. “The true strength of this academy lies in our superior staff and instructors, whose professionalism and dedication ensure that firefighters leave here better prepared, more confident and ready to serve their communities.”
Course takes participants through wide range of skills
Thirty-three courses ranging from basic to advanced are available this year for firefighters and incident managers. Courses include a broad range of subjects, including basic and advanced wildland firefighting, helicopter and air operations, chainsaw use, prescribed fire, engine operations, heavy equipment, and emotional and psychological well-being.
The academy operates using the Incident Command System, a standardized approach to command, control and coordination of emergency responses and planned events. The Incident Command System emphasizes the ability for responders, regardless of their organization or state affiliation, to be trained similarly and use consistent terminology — both foundational elements of this academy.
Training tuition assistance is available to eligible departments through Texas A&M Forest Service under the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
Academy partners include Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Army National Guard, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Department of Emergency Management, Federal Bureau of Prisons and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
Special recognition
The 22nd annual Wildland Firefighter Memorial Service, held during the academy, will take place on Oct. 13. This service honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty while fighting wildfires.
Additional academy information is available on the Texas Interagency Coordination Center website.
