Wildfire Academy: Largest Firefighting Training in Northern MN Kicks off

The largest firefighting academy in Northern Minnesota kicks off in Grand Rapids today.

The Wildfire Academy attracts participants from all over the country to learn and earn qualifications for emergency response.

Participants dive into the basics of fire safety and advanced fire fighting techniques, and some work towards the ‘Red Card,’ which qualifies one to respond to emergencies nationwide.

There are 34 courses ranging from class work to hands-on exposure. The goal is build the next generation of fire fighters by refining their actions and reactions for a real life fire scenario.

This academy particularly highlights interagency partnership, in an effort to increase a quicker response time when responders arrive on scene.

The partnership involves Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) partners: National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Minnesota DNR.

The Wildfire Academy is held at the Itasca Community College (ICC) in Grand Rapids, from June 6 to 10.