2023 DOF Wildland Fire Academies

The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is hosting five targeted training academies in the spring of 2023. Contact your Area Office to apply. All applicants must be sponsored by an Agency and nominations will be submitted by your training officer.

Chainsaw operations at the 2018 Advanced Wildland Fire Academy,
Photo Credit: Sarah Saarloos

• Basic Wildland Firefighter Academies (location; Tok and McGrath, May 14th–25th) – Academies provide basic training in wildland suppression and fire behavior to build upon and enrich the skills acquired in Red Card training. Graduates of these Academies will have the basic qualifications to obtain employment on fuels crews, fire crews, engines and helicopter modules. Applicants accepted into the basic academies will be paid for the duration of their training. To apply for the Basic Academy, click on the link below, download & fill out the application. Return to your nearest Forestry Office.
  Tok Basic Academy
  McGrath Basic Academy
  Academy Rules and Expectations
• Intermediate Wildland Firefighter Academy (UPDATED LOCATION - Chugiak, May 1st–9th) – Academy is aimed at entry level Wildland & Fire Resource Technicians as well as EFF who have multiple years of fire experience on Crews and as Initial Attack resources. Cadets will focus on building the knowledge and capabilities to take their careers to the next level.
• Alaska Engine Academy (location; Palmer, April 14th-22nd) – 10-day Academy focused on emergency response driving skills, engine operations, pump and hose hydraulics, water and foam systems, as well as field and seasonal maintenance of the various engine types which constitute the State fleet.
• Aerial Supervisor Academy (location; Palmer, April 24th-May 5th) – Academy will train candidates from Alaska and the lower 48 as Air Attack and Aerial Supervision Modules. Emphasis will be placed on safely and effectively supervising and coordinating air resources in conjunction with ground resources in fire suppression efforts.

Morning physical training at the 2018 Advanced Wildland Fire Academy,
Photo Credit: Sarah Saarloos

Helicopter operation at the 2016 Advanced Wildland Fire Academy,
Photo Credit: Leona Long

Graduates of the 2018 Advanced Wildland Fire Academy,
Photo Credit: Sarah Saarloos