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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 address those fuel types and takes
the firefighter through all aspects of wildland fire. Courses include
the Kansas Forest Service Basic courses, the Federal Incident
Qualification System (Red Card) courses and several others. Participants of Kansas Forest Service training
programs may be eligible for financial assistance through scholarship reimbursements. To apply, go to the
cost share webpage and follow the
directions.
Kansas Forest Service Basic Courses
The Kansas Forest Service courses are classroom-oriented courses teaching participants to recognize fuel types,
weather and topographic conditions, along with the early warning signs of extreme fire behavior. The courses also
deal with water conservation, fire ground safety and suppression tactics, all with an emphasis on Kansas fuels.
Although designed for entry-level firefighters, the courses are based on nationally recognized courses and are good
for firefighters at any level. All courses are available at no charge to any fire department in Kansas.
Federal Incident Qualification System (Red Card)
The Fire Management Program administers the Federal Incident Qualification System (Red Card). This system provides the Kansas firefighter with the opportunity to become nationally qualified.
Becoming nationally qualified allows firefighters to participate in All Risk Incidents at the Federal level. This system allows for two week deployments
with career opportunities and knowledge enrichment as a firefighter. The experience can be invaluable to a local fire department.
Other Training Opportunities
The Kansas Forest Service provides additional sources of training
for Kansas firefighters. Consult other National Wildfire Coordinating Group course providers. Go to the
Rocky Mountain Coordinating Group website for a calendar of NWCG academies in the region. One may also go to the
10 Fire Orders and 18 Watchout
Situations.
For college credit fire courses, contact your local Junior College for a list of colleges that provide fire science courses or for accreditation courses, contact the
University of Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute.
For additional training opportunities provided by other organizations, check the
Kansas State Firefighters Association's Training Calendar, the
US Forest
Service Wildland Fire Training Calendar, or the
Emergency Management Institute websites.
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