Training Committee
Co-Chairs: Rob Nurre, Landscape Historian and President of the Wisconsin Archeological Society and Alison Duff, USDA Research Ecologist
For more information on our Training Committee, training opportunities, or to join the committee, please contact Rob Nurre or Alison Duff. Participation in the committee is open to any interested member of the WPFC.
Our Mission
Our mission is to maximize our ability to burn more fire-adapted landscapes safely and effectively by increasing our training capacity for both NWCG and non-NWCG-track training for all levels of participation.
To improve prescribed burning capacity in Wisconsin, WPFC endorses two, parallel sets of prescribed fire crew training requirements: specific prescribed fire standards identified by WPFC, or compliance with National Wildfire Coordinating Group (i.e. federal wildfire suppression) requirements. To that end the WPFC works to train more people, at all levels of fire training, to staff the growing demand for implementing safe and effective prescribed fires.
Basic Fire Crew Primer
The Primer is an introduction to prescribed fire for a general audience. Its purpose is to assist training of crew at a basic level, for conducting prescribed fire in various habitats such as grassland, oak savanna, woodland, or wetland. The document is a collaboration between three fire educators in southern Wisconsin and was influenced by both WPFC and NWCG standards. The Primer serves as an introduction and refresher and is not a replacement for guided training and field experience.
Training Opportunities
Be sure to check out our Events page for upcoming training events offered by our trusted partners.
The following training opportunities are available throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. These opportunities will meet one or both of our set of standards.
Fox Valley Technical College
January 2, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-130/S-190 – Wildland Fire Intro
Wildland Fire Intro – NWCG S-130/S-190/L-180 The course prepares new firefighters in basic firefighting skills and behavior; factors that will aid them in the safe and effective control of wildland
Read moreJanuary 9, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-290 – Intermediate Fire Behavior
Intermediate Fire Behavior – NWCG S-290 This class is designed to prepare the prospective supervisor to undertake safe and effective fire management operations. This course builds upon the basics in
Read moreFebruary 20, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-390 – Fire Behavior Calculation
Fire Behavior Calculations – NWCG S-390 Provides an introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations, which develops knowledge and skills required for effective fire behavior prediction. When: Tuesday-Friday, February 20-23, 2024,
Read moreFebruary 23, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-212 – Wildland Fire Chainsaws
Wildland Fire Chainsaws – NWCG S-212 This class provides an introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws and their tactical wildland fire applications. When:
Read moreMarch 1, 2024 1:30 pm
Work Capacity Test (Pack Test)
Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) 3 test times; arduous and moderate available. Cost $11.81 Friday March 1 2024 from 1:30pm-3:30pm, class number 31951 Thursday March 21st 2024 from 2:30-4:30pm, class
Read moreMarch 29, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG RT-130 – Annual Refresher
Annual Refresher – NWCG RT-130 RT-130 is the annual fire line safety refresher training required for all firefighters. Topics differ by year based on industry recommendations and identified training needs.
Read moreMadison Area Technical College
Other Trainings
Incident Command Specialist
January 2, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-130/S-190 – Wildland Fire Intro
Wildland Fire Intro – NWCG S-130/S-190/L-180 The course prepares new firefighters in basic firefighting skills and behavior; factors that will aid them in the safe and effective control of wildland
Read moreJanuary 9, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-290 – Intermediate Fire Behavior
Intermediate Fire Behavior – NWCG S-290 This class is designed to prepare the prospective supervisor to undertake safe and effective fire management operations. This course builds upon the basics in
Read moreFebruary 20, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-390 – Fire Behavior Calculation
Fire Behavior Calculations – NWCG S-390 Provides an introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations, which develops knowledge and skills required for effective fire behavior prediction. When: Tuesday-Friday, February 20-23, 2024,
Read moreFebruary 23, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG S-212 – Wildland Fire Chainsaws
Wildland Fire Chainsaws – NWCG S-212 This class provides an introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws and their tactical wildland fire applications. When:
Read moreMarch 1, 2024 1:30 pm
Work Capacity Test (Pack Test)
Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) 3 test times; arduous and moderate available. Cost $11.81 Friday March 1 2024 from 1:30pm-3:30pm, class number 31951 Thursday March 21st 2024 from 2:30-4:30pm, class
Read moreMarch 29, 2024 8:00 am
NWCG RT-130 – Annual Refresher
Annual Refresher – NWCG RT-130 RT-130 is the annual fire line safety refresher training required for all firefighters. Topics differ by year based on industry recommendations and identified training needs.
Read more