Wildland Fire Academy

Stoke Ambition with Training in Wildland Firefighting Techniques and Equipment

Students digging a fire line in the field

Program Overview

College of Western Idaho (CWI), in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States Forest Service (USFS), and Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), proudly presents the annual Wildland Fire Academy. This program is designed for those passionate about a career in wildland firefighting, a profession offering diverse job experiences and invaluable skills.

During the academy, you will receive specialized training for both grass and timber wildfires, with an emphasis on safety procedures. The program includes both classroom learning and live fire training, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Over one week, you will take classes utilizing the National Wildfire Coordinating Group curriculum, ranging from classroom instruction to hands-on training. This five-day course, is specifically designed for entry-level students, providing a solid foundation in wildland firefighting.

Degree or Certificate Type

Certificate

Instructor and student talking outside next to Wildland Fire truck

Learning Opportunities

  • Diverse Firefighting Skills: Learn to operate firefighting equipment like chainsaws, wildland fire engines, and water pumps.
  • Safety Procedures & Live Fire Training: Master safety procedures and engage in live fire training.
  • Weather Reading & Fire Line Techniques: Gain skills in reading weather conditions and efficiently digging fire lines.
  • Tree Felling & Equipment Operation: Learn safe tree felling techniques and operate various firefighting equipment.
  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group Curriculum: Participate in courses covering a broad spectrum of wildland firefighting topics.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Certificate of Completion

Registration

Step 1

  • Choose your desired Wildland Fire Academy course, then Add to Cart.
  • Courses are added throughout the year. If your desired course is not listed, check back or request more information to learn more.

Step 2

  • Create a new profile, or sign in with your existing username and password if prompted.
  • Complete checkout.
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News

College of Western Idaho's annual Wildland Fire Academy is returning to give students and the next generation of firefighters a great training experience!

Read more about Training the Next Generation of Wildland Firefighters

Forty wildland fire recruits spent the week of May 23 at College of Western Idaho training and learning new skills to battle fires this summer.

Read more about Rookie Fire School Returns to CWI

Firefighting recruits spent a week at the end of May training at CWI to battle wildfires this summer.

Read more about Wildland Fire Training

Under a cloudless sky, rookie wildland firefighters feverishly dug a fire line as a wall of flames approached. The flames were fictitious, created with long lines of red spray paint in a field north...

Read more about Rookie Fire School
View all news

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