Annual Wildfire Academy Takes Place at Camp Swift

Firefighters from across the country will soon converge at Camp Swift in Bastrop, to attend one of the nation’s largest wildfire academies.

The 17th Annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy, held from Oct. 24 –Nov. 6, is designed for all levels of municipal, rural volunteer and wildland firefighters. The academy has hosted thousands of attendees from all over the world.

Offering 36 different classes ranging from basic to advanced firefighting and leadership to emergency vehicle and dozer operations, attendees have the option to choose the class most applicable for their needs.

“’We’re proud of the success of this Texas interagency wildfire academy,” Jan Amen, academy public information officer said. “Students from previous years are coming back as instructors with vast experience. Our focus is safety and teaching firefighters how to safely respond to fires and minimize unnecessary risks”

The cost is $60 per day and includes breakfast, lunch and course materials. Volunteer firefighters can be reimbursed for this cost through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a grants program funded by the state and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.

“This is one of the premiere interagency fire academies in the nation,” Chris Angerer, academy incident commander said. “We offer a variety of classes for the many different fire service disciplines. Students get vital information, training and needed qualifications to help them progress in the wildland firefighting field.”

The academy is a joint effort coordinated by Texas Army National Guard, Texas A&M Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Weather Service, The Nature Conservancy, National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Texas Wildfire Association, Bastrop Fire Department and Bastrop County.

For more information, go to the Texas Interagency Coordinating Center or contact the academy registrar at [email protected] or 979-458-7330.

Editor’s Note: Media is invited to attend the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service Wednesday, Oct. 29. If you’re interested in attending the service, please call Academy Public Information Officer Jan Amen at 936-546-1004. Reservations are requested.

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Contact:

Jan Amen, Academy Public Information Officer
936-564-1004, [email protected]