The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire and Maine is pleased to announce we will be hosting a FREE Wildland Fire Fighting Training course this year. This course is required training for entry level wildland firefighters. We’re looking for volunteers willing to assist on controlled burns in ME and NH. Please come and join us!

This introductory course is designed to provide entry-level firefighting skills, instruction in the primary factors affecting the start and spread of wildfire and prepare new firefighters for local and national fire response. Students will be introduced to, and gain knowledge of, basic incident management organization, firefighting techniques, suppression equipment, safety, strategy and tactics, along with basic fire behavior. Field exercises will be performed for valuable hands-on training.

Download the event flyer for full details.

Dates and Time Requirements:

Students will be required to complete on-line training (taken at your own pace, approximately 35 hours) between March 5 - June 10 and attend the following sessions:

March 5, 12:00-1:00 p.m., online: Student instructions and expectations

April 21, 12:00 -1:00 p.m., online: Mid-point check-in

June 11, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm field day

Students will also be required to attend a prescribed fire with The Nature Conservancy as a trainee in order to become a qualified Fire Fighter Type 2.

Physical Fitness Requirement: A pack test determined by federal standards will be conducted during the field day. The Arduous pack test includes a 3-mile hike with 45lbs. in under 45 minutes or the Moderate pack test includes a 2-mile hike with 25lbs in 30 minutes.