More than 100 firefighters from across the country will converge on the West Virginia University campus Saturday, June 9-Friday, June 15, when WVU plays host to the Mid-Atlantic Wildfire Training Academy.
The academy, the first organized by the WVU Division of Forestry and Natural Resources in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Forest Fire Compact, will train firefighters to be on the front lines of massive wildfires like the ones raging along the Georgia-Florida border.
Compact officials say the academy will result in more and better-trained firefighters to meet increasing regional and national demands.
We are offering courses that will train wildland firefighters who will be available to fight fires and respond to disasters across the region and beyond,said John Berst, regional compact project coordinator.Over the past 10 years, this area has been a major source of manpower for western fires, hurricane recovery and the shuttle disaster. We are striving to meet the national standards that need to be met for the men and women to be able to go to these situations.
The Mid-Atlantic Forest Fire Compact represents seven states (West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia), but courses are open to firefighters from throughout North America.
Instructors, certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), will share their expertise in wildland firefighting and disaster preparedness, Berst said. Both introductory and advanced classes will be offered in Percival Hall, which houses the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, on WVU s Evansdale Campus.
The academy will include demonstrations of firefighting techniques, such as the use of chainsaws and water delivery systems, and instruction in proper use of equipment. Participants may also receive training in new technologies and emerging methods of managing forest fires.
Classes will be limited in size to promote the best learning experience, and those who successfully complete the program will receive a NWCG certificate. In addition, participants can earn continuing forestry education units (CFEUs) toward professional certification.
The academy also serves fire agency administrators and provides ongoing training in policy, administration and public relations. For more information, visithttp://www.mawfta.com