28th Annual Wildfire Academy begins at Camp Swift

BASTROP, Texas — The 28th annual Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy begins this week at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility near Bastrop. The academy takes place Oct. 6-19.

Each year, federal, state, local and private firefighters from across Texas and the nation attend the academy to continue their education and earn nationally accredited training qualifications. The academy provides wildland firefighters with opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills while promoting safe and cost-effective operations.

“We are proud to carry forward a tradition of quality training while delivering an academy experience that extends far beyond the classroom,” said Chelsea Fikes, Texas A&M Forest Service academy coordinator. “Through exceptional instruction, hands-on learning, meaningful connections and a strong sense of community, every part of the academy is designed to support the professional growth and success of our participants. Our dedicated staff and instructors strive to ensure every firefighter leaves better prepared, more confident and equipped to serve their communities.”

More than 500 students are expected to attend. Thirty-five courses are available this year, emphasizing entry-level and intermediate training in wildfire suppression for firefighters and incident managers.

Training tuition assistance is available to eligible departments through Texas A&M Forest Service under the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.

Academy cooperators include Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Army National Guard, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System and Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The 23rd annual Wildland Firefighters Memorial Service will be held Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. during the academy. This service honors firefighters and members of the Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy community who have died. It provides an opportunity to remember their service and contributions, including those who gave their lives in the line of duty and those whose lives and service helped shape the academy.

Additional academy information is available on the Texas Interagency Coordination Center website at ticc.tamu.edu/Training/