The 26th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy will bring firefighters from across the state and nation to the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop Oct. 11-23.

Firefighters dressed in yellow safety gear walk down a path in a wooded area
The 26th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy will bring firefighters from across the state and nation to the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop. (Texas A&M Forest Service)

“Training is considered a top priority for many fire departments and response agencies, whether local, state or federal,” said Meredith McNeil, Texas A&M Forest Service chief response training coordinator. “As an agency, we are honored to help firefighters reach their training goals and better serve their communities.”

Each year, firefighters attend the academy to continue their education and earn National Wildfire Coordinating Group, NWCG, training qualifications. The mission of Texas Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academies is to enhance wildland firefighters’ knowledge, utilizing NWCG standards, while promoting safe and cost-effective operations.

Wildfire suppression training top priority

Thirty classes are available this year emphasizing entry-level and intermediate training in wildfire suppression for firefighters and incident managers. Almost 300 students will attend, representing over 93 organizations and agencies from 12 states.

Additionally, All-Hazard Incident Management Team personnel from municipalities and agencies statewide will fill overhead roles, assuring the smooth progression of the academy and training within their respective emergency management roles.

Training tuition assistance is available to eligible departments through the Texas A&M Forest Service under the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, HB 2604, and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.

Academy partners include the Texas Army National Guard, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Weather Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Texas A&M All-Hazards Incident Management Teams and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.

Special recognition

The 21st annual Wildland Firefighter Memorial Service will be held Oct. 14. This service honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty while fighting wildfires.

For additional academy information, visit Texas Interagency Coordination Center.

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