2008 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.
S-130/190, L-180 — Firefighter Training, Wildland Fire Behavior and Human Factors on the Fireline.
S-131-A — Firefighter Type 1 Training
S-131-B — 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-234 — Ignition Operations
S-248 — Status/Check-In Recorder
S-260 — Interagency Incident Business Management
S-261 — Applied Interagency Incident Business Management
S-290 — Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
S-330 — Task Force/Strike Team Leader
S-336 — Tactical Decision Making in Wildland Fire
S-339 — Division/Group Supervisor
S-390 — Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
L-280 — Followership to Leadership
L-380 — Fireline Leadership
ISUITE
WCT-A — Work
Capacity Test
WCT-B — Work
Capacity Test
S-130/S-190, L-180 — Firefighter Training, Wildland Fire Behavior and Human Factors on the Fireline.
Lead Instructor:
Drew Daily, Assistant State Fire Coordinator, Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
Joey Gallion, Forest Products Specialist, Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 5:00
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: I-100, “Introduction to the Incident Command System” or equivalent. The course is self-paced and can be accessed on the internet at http://training.nwcg.gov/classes/i100.htm.
Contact Hours:
40
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $300 – After 9 May 08 = $400
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.
Note: Students will need to provide work clothing, leather lace-up boots, work gloves and a hardhat to this class. Gear will not be needed on the first day, instructor will inform students which day(s) gear is required.Return to top
S-131-A — Firefighter Type 1 Training
Lead Instructors:
Joey Gallion, Forest Products Specialist, Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: S-130 and S-190.
Contact Hours:
8
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $60 – After 9 May 08 = $80
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.
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S-131-B — Firefighter Type 1 Training
Lead Instructors:
Chris Peterson, Forest FMO/FAO, Shawneee National Forest
Start:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: S-130 and S-190.
Contact Hours:
8
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $60 – After 9 May 08 = $80
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.
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S-211 —Portable Pumps and Water Use
Lead Instructor:
Joey Gallion, Forest Products Specialist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Start:
Fri, 6 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 5:00p.m.
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $180 – After 9 May 08 = $240
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.
Note: Students will need to provide work clothing, leather lace-up boots, work gloves and a hardhat to this class. Gear will not be needed on the first day, instructor will inform students which day(s) gear is required.
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S-212 — Wildfire Power Saws
Lead Instructor:
Randy Knight, Mark Twain National Forest
Start:
Thu, 5 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 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 9 May 08 = $240 – After 9 May 08 = $320
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.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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S-215 — Fire Operations in the Wildland/Urban Interface
Lead Instructor:
Cliff Berger, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Fri, 6 JUN 08, 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 9 May 08 = $240 – After 9 May 08 = $320
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.
Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.
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S-234 — Ignition Operations
Lead Instructor:
Ben Wyatt, U.S. Forest Service (Ret.)
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Fri, 6 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-290.
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $240 – After 9 May 08 = $320
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.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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S-248 — Status/Check-In Recorder
Lead Instructor:
J. L. Buck, Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Start:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
It is recommended that students have completed I-200, Basic ICS: L-180, Human Factors; and basic computer skills in the Windows environment.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $120 – After 9 May 08 = $160
This course is designed to introduce students to the tools and techniques used to perform the duties of a status check-in recorder (SCKN). The course provides an overview of what a student can expect if dispatched to an incident.
Note: Each student will need to bring a lap-top computer to class capable of running I-Suite incident software.
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S-260 — Interagency Incident Business Management
Lead Instructor:
Ken Knarr, Incident Business Advisor, U.S. Forest Service (Ret.)
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $120 – After 9 May 08 = $160
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.
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S-261 — Applied Interagency Incident Business Management
Lead Instructor:
Ken Knarr, Incident Business Advisor, U.S. Forest Service (Ret.)
Start:
Thu, 5 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Fri, 6 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
None, but the course is designed to be taken after S-260.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 9 May 08 = $120 – After 9 May 08= $160
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).
Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Fireline Handbook” to this class.
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S-290 — Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
Lead Instructor:
Tom Romaine, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Start:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-190
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $240 – After 9 May 08= $320
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.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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S-330 — Task Force/Strike Team Leader
Lead Instructor:
Chris Peterson, Forest FMO/FAO, Shawnee National Forest
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Thu, 5 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Qualified as a Single Resource Boss. Prior to coming to class, students should read and have a working knowledge of the information contained in the “Wildland Fire Suppression Tactics Reference Guide, NFES 1256.
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $210 – After 9 May 08= $270
The course is designed to prepare the student to perform in the position of Task Force Leader (TFLD) or any strike Team Leader. At the successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
- Identify the hazards and risks on various incidents and describe how to mitigate them.
- Recognize, plan, for, and describe how to implement appropriate tactics in various incident situations with various resources organized in strike teams (S/T) and task forces (TF).
- Identify and describe how to implement Task Force/Strike Team Leader responsibilities prior to, during mobilization, incident activities, and demobilization.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply LCES to all aspects of a tactical assignment.
Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Incident Response Pocket Guide” (PMS 461) and “Fireline Handbook” (PMS 410-1) to this class.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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S-336 — Tactical Decision Making in Wildland Fire
Lead Instructor:
Ken Schein, New Mexico Forestry Division (Ret.)
Start:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Qualified as a single resource boss or initial attack incident commander (ICT4).
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $280 – After 9 May 08= $360
The course is designed to prepare experienced single resource bosses and initial attack incident commanders in the tactics necessary at the strike team/task force leader level. It is also valuable for operations supervisors at higher management levels who have not received training in wildfire suppression tactics.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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S-339 —Division/Group Supervisor
Lead Instructor:
Russell Harris, Mark Twain National Forest
Start:
Fri, 6 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Qualified as a Task Force Leader (TFLD) or qualified as an Incident Commander, Type 3 (ICT3) OR qualified as an Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) and in any two strike team leader positions (one must be in STCR or STEN).
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $210 – After 9 May 08= $270
This course prepares the student to perform in the role of division/group supervisor. It will provide instruction in support of the specific tasks of division/group supervisor, but will not instruct the student in general management supervision or in the incident command system (ICS), both of which the student should learn through prerequisite course work. Course topics include: Division/group management, organizational interaction, and division operations.
Note: Students should bring their personal copy of the “Incident Response Pocket Guide” (PMS 461) and “Fireline Handbook”
(PMS 410-1) to this class. PMS 310-1 recognizes the ability of cooperating agencies at the local level to jointly define certification and qualification standards to meet local needs. As such, personnel (on a case by case basis) may be admitted to one or more of the courses being offered through this academy, that have not met all prerequisites for a particular course. Participating agencies will ensure that all personnel mobilized beyond their local geographic area to an incident under federal jurisdiction, meet the NWCG standards established for the position assigned.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in the specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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S-390 — Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations
Lead Instructor:
Steve Maurer , New Jersey Forest Fire Service
Start:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
S-290 and qualified as a single resource boss
Contact Hours:
32
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $280 – After 9 May 08= $360
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.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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L-280 — Followership to Leadership
Lead Instructor:
Gary Smith, Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Start:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sun, 8 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
L-180 and experience on incident assignments in operations or support functions.
Contact Hours:
16
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $120 – After 9 May 08= $160
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.
Note: Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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L-380 — Fireline Leadership
Lead Instructor:
Information not available at this time.
Start:
Tue, 3 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 5:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
Incident personnel with supervisory responsibilities and completed L-180, “Human Factors on the Fireline”.
Contact Hours:
40
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $350 – After 9 May 08= $450
This is leadership development training recommended for junior or unit supervisors and will provide students with a set of tools and techniques to build and maintain cohesive crews and teams. In addition, students will be provided essential guiding principles that will enhance their understanding of the human dimension when leading others in dynamic, high-stress work environments and will motivate them to examine their role as a leader; and their strengths and weaknesses as a leader.
Note: Students will need to bring work clothing, rain gear, lace-up boots, work gloves, and hardhat; for use during field exercises.
Pre-study or Pre-course work Packet – Students enrolled in specified courses will receive a Pre-study packet that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.
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ISUITE
Lead Instructor:
Kevin O'Brian, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Start:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 8:00 a.m.
End:
Friday, 6 JUN 08, 12:00 p.m.
Prerequisites:
ICS qualified or trainee in one or more of the following positions: Planning Section Chief, Resource Unit Leader, Demobilization Unit Leader, Status Check-in Recorder, Finance Section Chief, Time Unit Leader, Personnel Time Recorder, Equipment Time Recorder, Cost Unit Leader. Demonstrate at least intermediate skills with the current Windows operating system.
Contact Hours:
24
Fees:
Before 9 May 08= $180 – After 9 May 08= $240
This course provides in-depth instruction in all I-SUITE modules. Upon successful course completion students will be able to use I-SUITE as a data management tool within the Incident Command System (ICS) to produce planning and fiscal documents on large incidents. The course modules consists of Incident Resource Status System (IRSS), Incident Cost Accounting and Reporting System (ICARS), Incident Time System (ITS), Incident Action Plan (IAP), DEMOB, and Illness/Injury.
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Work Capacity Test - Pack Test - A
Lead Instructor:
Bruce Palmer, Missouri Department of Conservation
Start:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 6:30 a.m.
End:
Wed, 4 JUN 08, 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 9 May 08= $20 – After 9 May 08= $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.
Note: 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.
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Work Capacity Test - Pack Test - B
Lead Instructor:
Bruce Palmer, Missouri Department of Conservation
Start:
Sat, 7 JUN 08, 6:30 a.m.
End:
Sat, 7 JUN 08), 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 9 May 08= $20 – After 9 May 08= $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.
Note: 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.
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