The second Nebraska Wildland Fire Academy took place at Fort Robinson March 21-29, 2009.  The academy included four National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses:  S130/S190/L180 Basic Wildland Firefighter, S131 Advanced Firefighter, S231 Engine Boss and S290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior. These courses primarily took place on weekends to accommodate the work schedules of the primary audience – local volunteer firefighters. Five Annual Fireline Safety Refreshers were also offered in the evening throughout the week.

To summarize, 136 hours of wildland fire training were offered over the nine-day period. A total of 128 firefighters from 14 rural fire departments, two Nebraska state agencies, six federal agencies and Chadron State College attended the academy. Firefighters even came from as far away as Lincoln and Beatrice, more than seven hours away. The academy also attracted firefighters from South Dakota and Wyoming.

The academy also enjoyed the support of the Panhandle community. Numerous local businesses and entities contributed actual and in-kind contributions of time, funding and facilities.

Our sincere thanks to these folks for greatly contributing to the success of the Nebraska Wildland Fire Academy:

Fort Robinson State Park
Mike Morava
Barb Prosser
Robbie Hughes
Jim Miller

Fort Robinson Museum
Tom Buecker

Fire Marshal Training Division
Brian Busse
Allen Michel
Ralph Moul
Chuck Hoffman
John Falgione

National Weather Service
Shawn Jacobs

Joe & Moni Hourt

Herb Frickey

National Park Service

Nebraska Forest Service
Jess Yahnke

USDA Forest Service
Tristan Fluharty
Matt Tschacher
Matt Lucas
Brent Lakin
Tim Buskirk
Brian Daunt
Erica Lans
Jane Darnell
Melody Herbert
Mary Lata

Chadron State College

National Wild Turkey Federation

And way too many folks to mention by name from
Crawford Volunteer Fire Department
Gering Volunteer Fire Department
Chadron Volunteer Fire Department
Harrison Volunteer Fire Department

Thanks to these local businesses
Dakota Fire Supply
Danko Fire Equipment
Sturdevants Auto Parts
Bauerkempers
Edge Powersports
Crawford Clipper/Harrison Sun

Future NWFA Courses

NFS is working with its partners to develop additional courses for future academies. In addition to the courses listed below, a prescribed burning course is under development.

• S211 Portable Pumps and Water Use
• S212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws
• S234 Ignition Operations