NEVADA DIVISION OF FORESTRY TRAINS NEW COHORT OF WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS

The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) concluded its annual Rookie and Engine Academies, which provide essential training for new wildland firefighting personnel.

Over the course of five days, 39 participants from NDF and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District completed the intensive training program, which prepares them for the physically and mentally demanding work of responding to wildfires across Nevada and beyond.

The Rookie Academy trains firefighting personnel to meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications for wildland firefighters. The Engine Academy focuses on those assigned to fire engines, providing instruction in fire engine operations and wildland firefighting techniques. Both academies combine classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises, culminating in a simulated wildfire response scenario.

“These academies are the foundation of a safe and effective wildfire response,” said Greg Hoover, safety and training program manager with the Nevada Division of Forestry. “Wildland firefighting is complex and dangerous work, and our priority is making sure our crews have the training they need to protect lives, property, and Nevada’s natural resources.”

NDF has hosted these academies annually since 2015 to ensure that its crews are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and teamwork necessary to respond safely and effectively to wildfire incidents. This training not only prepares new firefighters for the rigors of the field—it builds the foundation of the workforce that protects Nevada’s communities and landscapes from wildfire.