The Kansas Forest Service provides wildland fire training in partnership with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), the national standard-setting body for wildland fire qualifications and training in the U.S. Through NWCG-certified courses like S-130 (Firefighter Training), S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior), and L-180 (Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service), the Kansas Forest Service equips Kansas firefighters, land managers, and volunteers with the essential knowledge and skills to safely and effectively respond to wildland fires. The Kansas Forest Service also offers courses tailored to Kansas’ unique fire environment, emphasizing local fuels, fire behavior, suppression strategies, and interagency cooperation, helping build professional capacity across the state’s rural and wildland fire communities.
For individuals interested in exploring career pathways in wildland firefighting, the best place to start is by connecting with Christopher Hanson, Workforce Development Specialist with the Kansas Forest Service. Christopher provides personalized guidance on training requirements, certification processes, and career development opportunities within the wildland fire community. Whether you're interested in operational firefighting roles or specialized positions in logistics, planning, or aviation, he can help outline the steps to get started and connect you with the right resources. To begin the conversation and learn more about available pathways, contact our Workforce Development Specialist.
To participate in NWCG wildland fire training, individuals must first create a profile in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), the official online training platform for wildland fire personnel. This portal provides access to a wide range of courses, resources, and virtual training opportunities essential for obtaining Red Card certification and advancing in wildland fire qualifications. Creating a profile ensures that your training records are accurately maintained and allows you to register for instructor-led and self-directed courses.
To get started, visit the Wildland Fire Learning Portal at https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/ and select “Create Account” If you need assistance with the process, Kansas Forest Service Workforce Development Specialist is available to help guide you through account creation and course enrollment.
The Kansas Forest Service provides wildfire training for fire departments, agencies, and organizations across the state.
Our fire staff is qualified to teach a variety of NWCG courses—nationally standardized wildfire training developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). These courses ensure consistent and effective wildfire response across agencies and include:
S-215: Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface
S-112: Introduction to Wildland Fire Chain Saws
ENOP: Engine Operator Course
In addition to NWCG-certified instruction, we offer Kansas-specific wildfire training designed to fit within department schedules. These flexible trainings include Expanding Incident, Ignition, and Aviation classes, all tailored to address the unique wildfire conditions in Kansas.
If you’re interested in Prescribed Fire training, please visit the Prescribed Fire page.
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Fire Protection Specialist or sign up to be notified about employment at the Kansas Forest Service, visit our Employment Opportunities page.
