The Nature Conservancy, the Fire Learning Network and numerous Loess Hills partners will be hosting a Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) April 3-14, 2013 for the positions of RXB2, FIRB, ENGB, FFT1 and FEMO. Trainees will be working with experienced firefighters from federal, state, county, private and non-governmental organizations and agencies.
A registration form and contact information are provided below. This event will be held in the beautiful Loess Hills of western Iowa.
What to Expect
We will complete moderate complexity burns in prairies, savannas and woodlands. Goals for burning are to restore and maintain a mosaic of plant communities in the Loess Hills Landform, bringing plant species composition and vegetation structure within its natural range of variability. In the past five years these trainings have proven to be very effective at providing participants with numerous days of prescribed fire experience and competency evaluations in position task books. Knowledge will be gained not only through fireline experience, but also from presentations and personal interactions covering a broad range of ecological and socio-economic topics. The first operational period will include orientation to equipment and exercises designed to build crew cohesion. Burn boss trainees are expected to arrive a day early to tour units and prepare Incident Action Plans. Approved NWCG burn plans and maps will be provided to RXB2 and FIRB trainees in advance of their arrival.
What is Expected of You
You will be both a trainee and a trainer, rotating between these roles throughout the assignment. You will be in a dynamic environment that will change frequently as dictated by weather and other factors. You are expected to remain flexible, tolerant, patient and respectful of others. We also depend on participants to provide equipment to accomplish the burning. If you can bring equipment such as a Type 6 engine, UTV with sprayer or pick-up truck with drip torches and torch mix containers, or extra radios we encourage you to do so.
Logistics
Costs incurred during the assignment, including travel and salary, are the responsibility of the participant or their home unit. Additional information will be provided once you have registered for the training. You will be expected to arrive at the Omaha airport during a specified time window, or, if driving, report directly to the Incident Command Post. If you are flying, you should obtain refundable tickets, in the event operations are cancelled due to weather.
What You Need to Bring
Full PPE (including fire shelter), programmable radio, current qualification card, position task books, travel coffee mug, sleeping bag and personal items such as sunscreen, cold weather layers (e.g. Nomex overcoat, cotton long underwear). In the event you need a particular piece of equipment notify the coordinator so arrangements can be made to outfit you accordingly.
Contact
If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete this form and send it to the Conservancy's Kyle Lapham. Kyle can also be contacted at:
27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 52242 / 712-328-5836 office / 712-309-6473 mobile
Additional 2013 Training Exchanges
The Fire Learning Network will sponsor training exchanges in New Mexico and California in September and October, respectively. For more information, send this completed application form to Jeremy Bailey.
Learn more about the Loess Hills project and the Great Plains Fire Learning Network.