Prescribed Fire Training
Minnesota Pheasants Forever hosts and supports prescribed fire training for private landowners, conservation professionals, and other interested public. See below for training opportunities with prescribed fire for habitat management.
A crew of firefighters dig handline in grass
Annual Wildland Firefighter Training (S-130) Field Day
Pheasants Forever is partnering with The Minnesota Prescribed Fire Council and Camp Ripley Military Training Center to hold a Wildland Firefighter Training (S-130) Field Day that is open to the public. This in-person training is for participants who are seeking their Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and have completed their online coursework prerequisites. This qualification is the standard in wildland firefighting and used by prescribed fire practitioners across the United States. An optional Work Capacity Test will be held after the field day for those that need it.
Where: Camp Ripley, 15000 MN-115, Little Falls, MN
When: Spring 2026; likely end of March or early April, specific date to be determined
Alternate Date (in case of bad weather): To be determined
Cost: $15
Capacity: 30
Registration: To open February 2026
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Course Prerequisites: Training participants must complete online coursework prior to attending the field day. Required online courses include (in suggested order of completion):
These online courses take about 40 hours to complete so do not delay getting started. Field day attendees must present certificates of completion for each of the courses listed above in order to participate in the training. Be sure to print and save certificates of completion for each course and/or course module, and be ready to present them at the field day. For detailed instructions on how to access the prerequisite coursework, see 2024 Tips for Online wildland firefighting course by Tom Kroll. |
What to bring: Participants should bring their certificates of completion for course prerequisites. Wear long pants, sturdy footwear or work boots, and bring work gloves and drinking water. Dress accordingly for the weather. Lunch will not be provided; participants should bring their own lunches and be prepared to eat in the field. A copy of the Incident Response Pocket Guide will be provided to participants for them to keep (cost included with registration).
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Note to Work Capacity Test participants: The Work Capacity Test (WCT) is a physical stress test where participants walk a predetermined course at a fast pace within a given time limit. The WCT is optional for participants but entities may require a current WCT to engage in wildfire or prescribed fire activities. Depending on duty requirements and goals, participants will need to decide what type of WCT they wish to take. There are three levels of the Work Capacity Test:
Participants should bring their own pack of appropriate weight (as listed above). Comfortable walking shoes and exercise clothing are permitted. For information on how to prepare for the Work Capacity Test, see Getting Prepared for the WCT by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. |
For Questions: Contact Jason Andersen, Minnesota Pheasants Forever Prescribed Fire Coordinator, by email at jandersen@pheasantsforever.org.
Firefighter studying a burn unit map
Find a Training
Annual Fire Refreshers (RT-130)
- Camp Ripley Military Training Center holds annual refreshers for their staff each spring, and general public are welcome to attend. There are usually 3 sessions held, generally in April. These refreshers are posted to the Minnesota Fire Training Calendar.
- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also hold refreshers for their staff and sometimes allow public to attend if there are remaining seats available. This may vary by location. These opportunities are posted to the Minnesota Fire Training Calendar. Those interested will need to inquire with the refresher coordinator to find out if seats are available for the public.
- A virtual refresher is offered by the Great Plains Fire Learning Network, which may be an option for some. This session is usually held in March. Note that a virtual option does not include the practice shelter deployment or a work capacity test, which are required by most entities. A practice shelter deployment and/or work capacity test may be available locally.
Work Capacity Tests:
- Along with their annual refreshers, Camp Ripley Military Training Center opens their work capacity tests to the general public. These opportunities are posted to the Minnesota Fire Training Calendar and coincide with the scheduling of their refreshers.
- Pheasants Forever hosts annual work capacity tests in Mankato for staff and general public. These are held in April-May and will be posted to this site.
Pheasants Forever is actively seeking ways to increase prescribed fire training opportunities for volunteers and the general public. Contact Jason Andersen, Minnesota Pheasants Forever Prescribed Fire Coordinator, by email at jandersen@pheasantsforever.org for questions about your fire training needs.
