Great Outdoors: Minnesota Wildfire Academy

The week-long course is designed to give future firefighters an introduction to the basic practices of combating wildfire situations

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Last week more than 700 students from all across the country came together for the 17th annual Wildfire Academy in Grand Rapids.

For Dan Kibat, the academy at Itasca Community College has been about taking in as much information as he can before he starts his first job with the Conservation Corps in Grand Rapids.

“Being out here, seeing what’s going on, you always hear on the news about all the wildfires and the response, but you never really know what happens,” said Kibat. “Seeing what we are supposed to be doing and what we’re going to be doing in the future is a really cool thing to see.”

The week-long course is designed to give future firefighters an introduction to the basic practices of combating wildfire situations.

“We offer several courses, everything from air operations, more advanced command courses,” said Peter Leschak, a fire technician at the Wildfire Academy.

Every year, the academy brings in some of the top instructors from across the state of Minnesota to lead the classes.

“One thing the fire service culture does is it cuts across the generations,” said Leschak. “That’s one thing I really like. Whether you’re an old guy like me or a new recruit, we are sharing the same traditions, the same skill sets.”

From digging lines, to observing a simulated air operation, Kibat says it’s all about  taking it at your own pace. “You might not get something one day, but then the next day you’ll have another chance to try it again and just learn from the mistakes you make.”

And from the newest firefighters to the most experienced, the academy is all about sharing information, ensuring the next generation of wild land firefighters are prepared for the many hazards that await them.

“from the youngest firefighter 19 or 20 years old, to the old guy 65 years old, we all share a common interest,” said Ron Sanow, public information officer for the academy.

The Wildfire Academy has become one of the largest of its kind in the United States.