Approximately 195 local, state and federal emergency responders from seven states will converge at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas to learn about wildland firefighting, dozer operations, Incident Command System, tactical decision-making and interagency business management.

“Interagency training and the ability for multiple agencies to work together is a critical component for effective emergency management,” Pete Goetzinger, regional fire management officer for USDA Forest Service said. 

The academy is administered by Texas A&M Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service as part of a multi-agency effort that encourages interagency collaboration to effectively manage large-scale disasters. 

“Academy students will receive tactical and classroom training on wildfire suppression and emergency management using the Incident Command System, which can be applied to all large-scale emergency events, such as the recent flooding and tornado outbreaks in Texas,” TFS Incident Commander, Ray McDonald said.

The academy curriculum is based on standardized national training developed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group consisting of the Incident Command System, wildland firefighting and emergency operations training.

Training funds can be reimbursed to the students and representative agencies through a grant program administered by TFS.

Classes are currently in session and continue through Friday, June 5 at Angelina College, 3500 South First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

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Editor’s note: Various courses have designated field days during which students are working outside with equipment, rather than in the classroom. Media interested in covering field exercises should call one of the public information officers listed below to schedule a visit and inquire about protective gear to wear in the field. Photos can be found on our Flickr album.

Media involvement is encouraged for field day operations scheduled on the following dates:

Thursday, June 4: Wildland fire chainsaw session off-site at the TFS office in Hudson, Texas

Friday, June 5:  Basic wildland firefighter training at Angelina College.

Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:             

Jan Amen, Public Information Officer
936-546-1004, jamen@tfs.tamu.edu