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.
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: Late-March or early-April 2025; Specific date to be determined
Cost: $15
Capacity: 30
Registration: Closed; Registration will open February 2025
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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 2022 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 Burn Coordinator, by email at jandersen@pheasantsforever.org.
