BASTROP, Texas – The 26th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (CAIWA) begins at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop, Texas, this week. The academy will take place October 11-23, 2024.
Each year, firefighters travel across the state and nation to attend the academy to continue their education and earn National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training qualifications. The mission of Texas Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academies, including CAIWA, is to enhance wildland firefighters’ knowledge, utilizing NWCG standards, while promoting safe and cost-effective operations.
Thirty classes are available this year that emphasize entry-level and intermediate training in wildfire suppression for firefighters and incident managers. Almost 300 students are expected to attend, representing over 93 organizations and agencies from 12 states. Additionally, All-Hazard Incident Management Team personnel from municipalities and agencies statewide will fill overhead roles, assuring the smooth progression of the academy and training within their respective emergency management roles.
“Training is considered a top priority for many fire departments and response agencies, whether local, state or federal,” said Meredith McNeil, Texas A&M Forest Service Chief Response Training Coordinator. “As an agency, we are honored to help firefighters reach their training goals and better serve their communities.”
Training tuition assistance is available to eligible departments through Texas A&M Forest Service under the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB 2604) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS).
Academy partners include the Texas Army National Guard, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Weather Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Texas A&M All-Hazards Incident Management Teams and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
The 21st annual Wildland Firefighter Memorial Service will be held Oct. 14. This service honors firefighters who have died in the line of duty while fighting wildfires.
Additional academy information is available on the Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TICC) webpage: ticc.tamu.edu.
