A new chapter begins for annual East Texas wildfire training academy
The 27th annual Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy: Spring hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service, is underway, May 5-14, but this year firefighters are gathering at a new venue, the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center in Conroe.
Instructors at the 27th annual Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy: Spring demonstrate how to operate a pump on a fire truck. (Texas A&M Forest Service)
Each year, firefighters travel across the state and nation to attend the academy to continue their education and earn nationally accredited training qualifications. The mission of the academy is to enhance wildland firefighters’ knowledge while promoting safe and cost-effective operations.
More than 300 students are expected to attend from local, state and federal agencies across the nation. Twenty classes emphasizing entry-level and intermediate wildfire suppression training for firefighters and incident managers are available this year.
A new location
“For more than two decades, our East Texas Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy has been proud to call Angelina College home,” said Chelsea Fikes, Texas A&M Forest Service academy coordinator.
“We are incredibly grateful for the longstanding partnership, support and hospitality Angelina College has provided over the years,” Fikes said. “Their facility has been the foundation for training, growth and countless memories for our instructors, students and staff.”
Fikes added that as both organizations continue to grow, it is important to recognize the need to evolve and embrace new opportunities.
“We are proud to continue to uphold a tradition of quality training that provides every participant with an excellent learning experience,” Fikes said. “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center for opening their doors and welcoming our academy as we continue our mission.”
Supporting firefighting training
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, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, Conroe Fire Department, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport, National Park Service, Southern Area-Type 3 Gray Team, Travis County Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
Additional academy information is available on the Texas Interagency Coordination Center website.
