NPS Northeast & National Capital Regions, Virginia Department of Forestry Cooperation in Action – Firefighter Training
National Fire Plan – Firefighting *
Good training takes commitment, money, time and work. Effective cooperation makes it all possible. The June 2008 Virginia Interagency Wildland Fire Academy at Longwood University in Farmville, was no exception.
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) embraced the complex task of planning and running the Academy. A record number of 539 firefighters registered for the 17 firefighting courses taught by 90 certified instructors. Most of the participants were members of volunteer fire departments from across Virginia and seven other Eastern states.
The VDOF, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Forest Service provided instructors. Additionally, the VDOF provided nearly all of the organizational support for the Academy, from checking people in to posting class photos on their website. Funding came from the National Fire Plan’s Ready Reserve Program, through the National Park Service Northeast Region to the Virginia Department of Forestry through a cooperative agreement.
The first element of the National Fire Plan is to increase firefighter and public safety. Safe, effective workforces have good standards and get training to meet them. Together with volunteer fire departments, the VDOF and NPS help protect life and property from wildland fires. The task is increasingly complex as more people choose to live near woods, fields and marshes. The Virginia Interagency Wildland Fire Academy is a key component in facing the challenges of 21st century firefighting.
Contact: Barb Stewart, Fire Communication and Education Specialist Phone: (434) 220-9065
