2007 Midwest Wildfire Training Academy Courses
The Big Rivers Forest Fire Management Compact is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources, and the USDA Forest Service’s Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry. A USDA Forest Service National Fire Plan Grant for the Wildland Academy will minimize the cost for students to attend the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses being offered. The grant accounts for the difference in registration costs between standard MU FRTI and MWTA courses.
All courses offered during the Wildland Academy will be taught to NWCG standards. MWTA faculty meet the instructor prerequisites as outlined in NWCG Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide (310-1). These courses are open to all students that meet the qualification requirements as outlined in the course description.
I-100, L-180, S-130/190 — Introduction to ICS, Human Factors on the Fireline, Firefighter Training and Wildland Fire Behavior
S-131 — Firefighter Type 1 Training
S-211 — Portable Pumps and Water Use
S-212 — Wildfire Power Saws
S-215 — Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface
S-230 — Crew Boss (Single Resource)
S-231 — Engine Boss
S-234 — Ignition Operations
S-244 — Field Observer
S-260 — Interagency Incident Business Management
S-261 — Applied Interagency Incident Business Management
S-270 — Basic Air Operations
S-300 — Incident Commander Extended Attack
S-390 — Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
S-491 — Intermediate National Fire Danger Rating
System
I-300 — Intermediate Incident Command System
I-400 — Advanced Incident Command System
L280 — Followership to Leadership
R.O.S.S. — Resource Ordering and Status System
BHV — BEHAVE,
Fire Modeling Techniques
NGPS — Navigaation
GPS
WCT — Work
Capacity Test
I-100, L-180, S-130/S-190 — Introduction to ICS, Human Factors on the Fireline, Firefighter Training and Wildland Fire Behavior
Lead Instructor:
Jim Whitenack, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 9 JUN 07, 5:00
Contact Hours:
40
Fees:
Before 04 May 07 = $275 – After 04 May 07 = $375
This introductory course is designed to train entry-level firefighter, as
well as, refresh the structural and wildland firefighter. You will be
introduced to and gain knowledge of the basic incident management organization,
firefighting techniques, suppression equipment, safety, strategy/tactics along
with fire behavior, and establish an awareness of human performance issues
that impact fireline job performance. If weather permits, field exercises
will be performed for valuable hands-on-training. Prerequisites:
None.
(Note: Students will need to bring work clothing, leather lace-up boots, work
gloves and hardhat to this class)
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S-131 — Firefighter Type 1 Training
Lead Instructors:
Drew Daily, Assistant State Fire Coordinator Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
Chris Peterson, Forest FMO/FAO, Shawnee National Forest
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
(Repeat on Sun, 10 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.End:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
(Repeat on Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: S-130 and S-190.
Contact Hours:
8
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $55 – After 04 May 07 = $75
This course is designed to meet the training needs of both Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss (FFT1) and Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5). The course is interactive, and contains several exercises, which encourage group and class discussion. Topics include: fireline reference materials, documenting activities, fireline communications, tactics, and safety. (Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
S-211 —Portable Pumps and Water Use
Lead Instructor:
Joey Gallion, Forest Products Specialist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Start:
Fri, 8 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00p.m.
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $165 – After 4 May 07 = $225
This course is presented in a combined classroom/field exercise format providing
training for a portable water pump operator. The course consists of three
skill areas: supply, delivery, and application of water. Students will be required
to demonstrate their knowledge of correct water use, basic hydraulics, and
equipment care. The field exercise requires set-up, operation, and maintenance
of pump equipment. Prerequisites: None
(Note: Students will need to bring work clothing, lace-up boots,
work gloves and hardhat to this class)
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S-212 — Wildfire Power Saws
Lead Instructor:
Randy Knight, U.S. Forest Service
Start:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 12:00 noon
Prerequisites:
Qualified as a firefighter type 2 (FFT2) and current certification in Basic First Aid and CPR.
Contact Hours:
28
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $220 – After 4 May 07 = $300
This course is a combined classroom/field exercise format providing skill
training for work as a power saw operator on wildfires. Cutting techniques
and procedures presented are of uniform applicability throughout the United
States.
(Note: Students will be required to bring their saw with
an 18 to 24 inch bar, an extra chain, saw tool, saw file, flat file, raker
gauge, 2 wedges, saw chaps, ear and ear protection, hardhat, work gloves, work
clothes and 8 inch top lace-up boots to this class. The saw engine should
be about 3.75 cubic inch or 60cc.
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S-215 — Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface
Lead Instructor:
Gerald Vickers, Regional Fire Management Specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Fri, 8 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Student must have basic knowledge of structure and wildland firefighting operations. They must also be familiar with and understand their agency firefighting policy as it relates to interface fires.
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 24 May 07 = $220 – After 4 May 07 = $300
This course provides training for initial attack incident commanders and company officers confronting wildfire, which is presenting a threat to life, property, and improvements. The trainee will learn safe and effective strategies and tactics to minimize harm presented by wildfire to the urban interface.
(Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
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S-230 — Crew Boss (Single Resource)
Lead Instructor:
Joey Gallion, Forest Products Specialist Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Qualified as firefighter type 1 (FFT1) and completed S-290.
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $165 – After 4 May 07 = $225
This course is designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of duties associated with the single resource boss position from initial dispatch through demobilization to the home unit. Topics include: operational leadership, preparation and mobilization, assignment preparation, risk management, entrapment avoidance, safety and tactics, offline duties, demobilization and post incident responsibilities.
(Students should bring their personal copy of the ”Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
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Lead Instructor:
Russell Harris, Mark Twain National Forest, Poplar Bluff R.D.
Start:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Crew Boss, single resource (S-230) and qualified as a firefighter type 1 (FFT1).
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $110 – After 4 May 07 = $150
This is a skill course designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of the duties associated with engine boss, single resource (ENGB). Topics include: Engine and crew capabilities and limitations, information sources, fire size-up considerations, tactics, and wildland/urban interface.
(Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
Return to topS-234 — Ignition Operations
Lead Instructor:
Ben Wyatt, U.S. Forest Service (Ret.)
Start:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-290.
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $220 – After 4 May 07 = $300
This is an entry-level course providing training in the functional roles and
responsibilities connected with firing operations. The course covers
planning, ignition procedures and techniques, and equipment applicable to wildland
and prescribed fire. It also addresses the role of the ignition specialist
or firing boss as the organization manages escalation from a non-complex to
a complex fire situation.
Note: This course is not intended to qualify or certify any person in the
use, storage or transport of any firing device.
(Students should bring their own copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
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Lead Instructor:
Margaret Olson, Mark Twain National Forest
Start:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 9 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-290 and successful completion of pre-course work.
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $165 – After 4 May 07 = $225
This course provides the student with the skills necessary to perform as a Field Observer (FOBS) and/or a Prescribed Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO). Topics include: roles and responsibilities of the FOBS and FEMO; how to make observations and document those observations; how to produce hand drawn and GPS field maps; and how to navigate using a compass and GPS. The navigation unit has 4.5 hours of field exercises and the final field exercise is 8 hours.
Students should bring work clothing, lace-up boots and their own copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to class. Students should anticipate wet weather while on field exercises.
Return to topS-260 — Interagency Incident Business Management
Lead Instructor:
James Meredith , Finance Section Chief – Atlanta Team, National Incident Management Organization
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $110 – After 4 May 07 = $150
This course is targeted for entry-level logistics and finance/administration positions, helicopter managers and single resource positions in the incident command system. At the successful completion of the course students will demonstrate the proficiency in incident business management practices concerning:
Rules of conduct for incident assignments
- Recruitment of casuals
Pay provisions, timekeeping, commissary, travel
Compensation for injury
Acquisition of equipment, supplies, services, and property management
Types and the necessity of cooperative agreements
Reporting, investigating, documenting accidents and claims
(Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class). Prerequisites: None.
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S-261 — Applied Interagency Incident Business Management
Lead Instructor:
James Meredith , Finance Section Chief – Atlanta Team, National Incident Management Organization
Start:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Fri, 8 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: None, but the course is designed to be taken after S-260.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07 = $110 – After 4 May 07= $150
This course is designed for entry-level financial positions. It is designed to provide skills/knowledge required to perform the tasks of the following positions: Commissary Manager (CMSY), Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC) Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), Compensation for Injury Specialist (INJR), and Claims Specialist (COMP).
Return to topS-270 — Basic Air Operations
Lead Instructor:
Randy Miller, US Forest Service (Ret)
Start:
Sat, 9 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
None
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $110 – After 4 May 07= $150
This course covers aircraft types and capabilities, aviation management and
safety for flying in and working with agency aircraft, tactical and logistical
uses of aircraft, and requirements for helicopter
take-off and landing areas. Note: The regulations, procedures and policies
addressed in this course are primarily those governing federal agency and ICS
operations. State, county, or other political subdivisions using this course
will need to consult their agency having jurisdiction with respect to regulations
procedures and policies.
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S-290 — Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
Lead Instructor:
Tom Romaine, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Fri, 8 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-190
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $220 – After 4 May 07= $300
This course is designed to prepared the student to undertake safe and effective fire management operations on prescribed and wildland fires. It is the second course in a series that collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills. S-133, Look Up-Look Down-Look Around is an integral component of this course. (Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
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S-300 — Incident Commander Extended Attack
Lead Instructor:
Ken Schein, New Mexico Forestry Division (Ret.)
Start:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Qualified as an incident commander type 4 (ICT4) and as a task force leader (TFLD) or qualified as a strike team leader and any two single resource boss positions (one must be a crew boss (CRWB) or engine boss ((ENGB).
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $130 – After 4 May 07= $170
This course is designed to meet the training needs of the incident commander type 3 (ICT3). It is presented in a lecture/discussion format and supplemented with group exercises. There are six instructional units covering information gathering, planning, supporting organizations, operations, transitioning, and demobilization/administrative requirements. (Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.)
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S-390 — Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
Lead Instructor:
Steve Maurer , New Jersey Forest Fire Service
Start:
Thu, 7 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-290 and qualified as a single resource boss
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $260 – After 4 May 07= $340
This course is designed to introduce fire behavior calculations by manual methods, using nomograms and the Fire Behavior Appendix B. The student gains an understanding of the determinants of fire behavior through studying inputs (weather, slope, fuels, and fuel moisture). The student also learns how to interpret fire behavior outputs, documentation process, and fire behavior briefing components.
Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook, including Appendix B” to this class.) Return to top
S-491 —Intermediate National Fire Behavior Calculations
Lead Instructor:
David Cristenson, Woodruff Dispatcher
Start:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 12:00 noon
Prerequisites:
Demonstrate at least intermediate skills with the current Windows operating system, Possess a valid Weather Information Management System (WIMS) logon identification, Successfully completed S-290, and successfully completed the pre-qualifying work with a minimum passing score of 70% or higher.
Contact Hours:
36
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $325 – After 4 May 07= $425
The course develops the knowledge and skill to operate, maintain and manage the NFDRS at the local level. Course lecture and exercises support practical and technical application of the intellectually complex subject matter. The course uses a computer classroom with Internet access. Note: Students MUST bring a laptop computer to class with operating wireless card and have the program “Fire Family Plus” installed and working: http://www.fire.org/index.php?option=content&task=category§ionid=2&i and access “softwawe”.
Early application for this course is desirable to allow students time to complete pre-work, have it graded and be confirmed for the class.
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I-300 — Intermediate Incident Command System
Lead Instructor:
Chris Peterson, Forest FMO/FAO, Shawnee National Forest
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Thu. 7 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Basic ICS (I-200)
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $195 – After 4 May 07= $255
The course expands on Basic ICS (I-200) and consists of modules 7 through 11. It provides more description and detail of the organization and operation of the ICS, management of resources, describes the duties of all positions including the Air Operations organization, and provides examples of how the essential principles are used in incident and event planning.
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I-400 — Advanced Incident Command System
Lead Instructor:
Bruce Palmer, Missouri Department of Conservation
Start:
Fri, 8 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 12:00 noon
Prerequisites:
Intermediate ICS (I-300).
Contact Hours:
20
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $195 – After 4 May 07= $255
This course directs the student towards an operational understanding of large single-agency and complex multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional incident responses. Presented in an intense, participative workshop environment, this course focuses on area command and staff issues, as well as, the planning, logistical and fiscal considerations associated with complex incident management and interagency coordination. It comprises four of the 17 instructional modules making up the ICS curriculum. Modules are: Command and General Staff (module 12), Unified Command (module 13), Major Incident Management (module 14), Area Command (Module 15)
L-280 — Followership to Leadership
Lead Instructor:
Gary Smith, Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Start:
Sat, 9 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 10 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
L-180 and experience on incident assignments in operations or support functions.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $110 – After 4 May 07= $150
The course is designed as a self-assessment opportunity for individuals preparing to step into a leadership role. The course combines one day of classroom instruction followed by a second day of exercises with students working through a series of problem solving events in small teams (Field Leadership Assessment Course). Topics include: Leadership values and principles, transition challenges for new leaders, situational leadership, team cohesion factors, and ethical decision-making.
Return to topR.O.S.S. — Resource Ordering and Status System
Lead Instructor:
Maggie Schuetter, Hoosier National Forest
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Contact Hours:
8
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $55 – After 4 May 07= $75
This course id the introduction to using the Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS). It is used for dispatching resources and supplies. This will be a hands on class, in a computer lab, learning the basics. Students will be doing exercises based on real situations, using a practice server. The course is an excellent follow-up to D-110 since all interagency wildland fire dispatchers use the ROSS program.
Return to topBEHAVE-Fire Modeling Techniques
Lead Instructor:
Bob Both, US Forest Service (Ret)
Start:
Tue, 5 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
(Repeat Thurs, 7 JUN 07), 8:00 a.m.
End:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
(Repeat Fri, 8 JUN 07), 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-290 and be familiar with the Windows operating system.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $110 – After 4 May 07= $150
This course is designed to give the trainees the technical background and
hands-on experience in using Nomograms and PC based Fire Behavior Prediction
Systems (Behave-Plus, FOFEM, FEIS). Introduction of the 40 new Standard
Behavior Fuel Models will be included. Potential applications of this
course are dispatch of initial attack forces, wildfire growth predictions,
prescribed fire planning, and training.
NGPS-Navigation GPS
Lead Instructor:
Margaret Olson, Mark Twain National Forest
Start:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 5:00 p.m.
Contact Hours:
8
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $55 – After 4 May 07= $75
This course is intended for field going individuals, new to the use of recreation grade GPS units. The course will cover the basics of how GPS works, coordinate systems and datum, settings on the unit, how to get coordinates from a map or GIS system and the basics of navigation.
Note: Students will need to bring their own GPS unit to class. It
will be helpful if each student, brings to class the Instruction Manual for
their specific GPS unit.
Work Capacity Test - Pack Test
Lead Instructor:
Bruce Palmer, Missouri Department of Conservation
Start:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 6:30 a.m.
(Repeat on Sat, 9 JUN 07), 6:30 a.m.End:
Wed, 6 JUN 07, 7:30 a.m.
(Repeat on Sat, 9 JUN 07), 7:30 a.m.Prerequisites:
Students will be required to complete a Health Screening Questionnaire (HQS) and provide Base Line Physical information prior to having the test administered. Base Line Physical information will be taken at the Academy.
Contact Hours: 1
Fees:
Before 4 May 07= $20 – After 4 May 07= $40
WCT is required annually of all personnel who will be serving in wildland or prescribed fire positions that require a fitness level. The currency for the WCT is 12 months. The WCT will be administered for the “Arduous” work category; which requires carrying a 45-pound pack over three (3) miles in 45 minutes or less. Forty-five pound packs will be provided by the Academy.
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