Rhode Island Launching Wildfire Training Course

RHODE ISLAND — Do you want to help Rhode Island prevent wildfires?

To prepare for 2023, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will offer an intensive introductory course designed to train new firefighters in the tools, tactics and strategies used to extinguish wildfires.

DEM will hold the free four-day course in the field and the classroom, with the curriculum designed by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), at its George Washington Management Area office in Chepachet in June.

It will qualify students to a higher skill designation level recognized by the NWCG and expand the state’s capacity to respond to wildfires, which are expected to become more frequent as climate change continues to create warmer, drier conditions, leading to longer and more active fire seasons, according to DEM officials.

"DEM’s forest fire program works closely with Rhode Island fire departments to suppress wildfires," Principal Forest Ranger Ben Arnold said. "We rely on municipal fire departments to fight wildfires, and fire departments rely on us in the same way. This training will allow us to build the capacity needed to address the increasing wildfire activity we’ve seen in recent years. The program offers an opportunity to both DEM employees and Rhode Island firefighters who seek wildfire suppression training at the national standard."

Earlier this month, DEM officials said they will increase the use of planned fires in 2023 to prevent forest fires.

"We strongly believe that more planned, prescribed fires mean fewer unplanned, extreme wildfires," Arnold said.

Space will be limited, with priority given to local municipal firefighters and DEM employees. Registration is open until Feb. 28. Acceptance letters will be sent notifying applicants of their admission. Questions may be directed to Arnold via email at Ben.Arnold@dem.ri.gov or Patrick MacMeekin of the Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment at Patrick.Macmeekin@dem.ri.gov.