Developing a Skilled Fire Management Workforce

AmeriCorps FireCorps members work on a fuel reduction project at Fort Hill.

NPS / Barbara Dougan

AmeriCorps Cape Cod and the Cape Cod National Seashore have partnered in a collaborative fire management program to help meet the fire management goals of the seashore and implement the Barnstable County Wildfire Preparedness Plan.

AmeriCorps Cape Cod placed six members, known as the “FireCorps” with the fire management program at the Cape Cod National Seashore in September 2012. FireCorps members completed basic wildland fire, chainsaw operation and maintenance, and leadership training during October. From November 2012 thru July 2013, under supervision provided by seashore staff, the FireCorps are providing service hours on fire management projects throughout the park, including prescribed burning, pile burning, and forest thinning and brushing of fire roads. When not engaged in service with the seashore, FireCorps members serve throughout Barnstable County on projects including fuel reduction, habitat restoration, and completing FireWise house assessment.

It is a great partnership where AmeriCorps members are extensively trained in fire management practices, strategies, and tactics. They are provided with real hands-on experience over the course of their 11 months of service, and in turn are providing a valuable service to both the seashore and the Barnstable County community.
—Amy Henderson, AmeriCorps Cape Cod program specialist

AmeriCorps members Sean Crimmins and Tyler Cross are two of six members on a FireCorps team training and serving with Cape Cod National Seashore's fire management program.

NPS / Barbara Dougan

Amy Henderson, AmeriCorps Cape Cod program specialist, stated "It is a great partnership where ACC members are extensively trained in fire management practices, strategies, and tactics. They are provided with real hands-on experience over the course of their 11 months of service, and in turn are providing a valuable service to both the seashore and the Barnstable County community."

Leslie Reynolds, chief ranger at Cape Cod National Seashore, says the partnership "better prepares the seashore for dealing with wildland fires as well as catastrophic events. The FireCorps is well trained and is gaining experience in incident preparation and response, safety, situational awareness, and after-action reviews."

The partnership also meets the National Park Service’s Call to Action goals to develop a future skilled workforce and provide stewardship opportunities.

The FireCorps, primarily trained for wildland fuels management service, are cross-trained to respond to wildland fires and all risk incidents. After Hurricane Sandy affected the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, members were deployed with the seashore team to Liberty and Ellis Islands. By working 14-hour days, showering in a mobile unit, and sleeping on cots, members were introduced to the ins and outs of a typical deployment.

In the event of a long, dry, or extended spring fire season, expect to see yellow-shirted FireCorps members providing support at wildfires in Barnstable County.

Contact: David Crary Jr., fire management officer, Cape Cod National Seashore
Email: e-mail us
Phone: [phone]