Camp Bowie to host 16th annual wildfire academy

Feb. 21, 2017 — BROWNWOOD, Texas — In preparation for the 2017 wildfire season, firefighters from across the state are set to attend a wildfire academy at Camp Bowie in Brownwood.

The 16th Annual Central Texas Wildfire Academy will take place Feb. 22 – 26 and will offer a variety of classes for municipal, rural and wildland firefighters. The academy serves as an opportunity to help firefighters learn new skills valuable to protecting lives and participate in hands-on training based on the National Wildfire Coordinator Group training standards.

“Having students involved in these classes allows people from different agencies across the state to get the same training,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Coordinator Nick Dawson. “This enables us to work safely and more efficiently when we do fight a wildfire together.”

During the week long camp, students will learn new skills ranging from basic wildland firefighting techniques to basic firefighter safety. A prescribed fire will also take place to serve as a hands-on experience to practice safety and efficiency.

The academy is a joint effort between the Texas Army National Guard, Dam Volunteer Fire Department and Texas A&M Forest Service.

For more information on the academy, visit the Texas Interagency Coordination Center training page.

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Note: Photo and interview opportunities are available throughout the academy.  Those wishing to access the prescribed fire area are advised that field-working conditions apply to all visitors, including media. Long pants and sturdy hard-toe shoes are required clothing. RSVP directly to the Academy Public Information Officer.

Contact

Stacy Harvick, Academy Public Information Officer

936-827-2094, sharvick@tfs.tamu.edu.

Texas A&M Forest Service Communications

979-458-6606, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu