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From the hardwoods of the east, to the grass and sagebrush of the
southwest, Kansas has a wide variety of fuels and topography. The Kansas
Forest Service provides fire training that cuts across those boundaries
and takes a firefighter through all aspects of wildland fire.
Courses include Basic Wildland Fire, the Wildfire Simulator, an
up-and-coming "Red Card" qualification system, and several other
certification courses. Participants of Kansas Forest Service training
programs may be eligible for financial assistance through scholarships
or reimbursement. Download, complete, and mail in the
Scholarship Request PDF and
Scholarship Reimbursement Request PDF.
Basic Wildland Fire Course
Basic Wildland Fire is a classroom-oriented course, teaching
participants to recognize fuel, weather and topographic conditions,
along with the early warning signs of extreme fire behavior. The course
also deals with water conservation, fire ground safety and suppression
tactics, all with an emphasis on Kansas fuels. Although designed for
entry-level firefighters, the course is based on nationally recognized
courses and is good for firefighters at any level. The course is
available at no charge to any fire department in Kansas.
The Wildfire Simulator Course
The Wildfire Simulator is a popular training course offered throughout
the state. The Wildfire Simulator class is designed to reinforce topics
discussed in the Basic Wildland Fire course. This class, again, stresses
safety and fire behavior. The simulator uses visual and audio equipment
to simulate wildfire situations. These situations require the trainee to
improve and enhance their decision-making ability.
"Red Card" Qualification System
The Fire Management Program is also in the process of developing a
standardized
Red Card qualification system to provide the Kansas firefighter with
the opportunity of becoming nationally qualified. Becoming
nationally qualified allows firefighter's the opportunity to participate
in wildfire suppression activities outside Kansas. The experience gained
in working on a major fire will be invaluable to a fire district.
Other Training Opportunities
The Kansas Forest Service provides additional sources of training
for Kansas firefighters. Utilize the
Video Loan Library for
personalized or group learning on a variety of topics. Look into
the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland
Firefighter Certification and other courses offered through the Kansas
Forest Service. Learn how to properly use a chainsaw to drop a
large tree by reading the
Chainsaws -
Safety, Operation, Tree Felling Techniques PDF. Refresh your
fire safety knowledge by revisiting the
10 Fire Orders and 18 Watchout
Situations.
For formalized training in a classroom setting,
Hutchinson Community College and the
University of Kansas both offer
fire training courses.
For additional training opportunities not affiliated with the Kansas
Forest Service, check the
Kansas State Firefighters Association's Training Calendar, the
US Forest
Service Wildland Fire Training Calendar, or the
National Fire Training
Website.
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