What It's Like to Be a Wildland Firefighter |
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Increasingly, images of the western United States up in flames consume news headlines. With what has become a year-round wildfire season a constant need for more wildland firefighters deepens. Hear from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Sophomore, Jacob Tepsa on his experience in the field with wildland fire and prescribed burning.
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University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Fire Crew. Jacob Tepsa is second from the left. |
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In Fall 2020, I was introduced to a course called Fire Operations at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) which gives students an opportunity to learn about wildland fire operations and prescribed burning techniques. After completion of the course, students also earn the basic certifications to become wildland firefighters (S-130, S-190, L-180, etc.). Through this course, I was also introduced to the student organization UWSP Fire Crew which provides students with hands-on training in prescribed fire, wildland fire and fire effects research. After completing the course, I started applying to jobs across the west to gain a better understanding of wildland fire in the western landscape with new experiences and skillsets. |
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As a student of fire, I’ve been taught about the importance of building a “slideshow” in your mind which is a reminder that there is something to learn from each prescribed fire, wildland fire, incident, etc. in which you can pull from. This past summer of 2021 was my opportunity to start building that slideshow. I was offered a position to work for the U.S. Forest Service in a town called Burley in southern Idaho on a type four engine. My main duties on the engine included assisting with direct and indirect hose lays on wildfires, fire line construction and mop-up with hand tools, and holding and felling operations utilizing chainsaws, drip torches and pumps. While I was on a type four engine, most fires I responded to were in mountainous regions where “militia-type” hand crews were formed, and I hiked to fires that were 6,000 – 10,000 ft in elevation. I finished my shortened student season with a total of thirteen fires in Idaho as well as in Washington, Nevada, and Utah. |
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Jacob on a Type Four
Fire Engine.
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There continues to be a growing need for wildland firefighters across the nation as fire seasons lengthen and continue to be larger in size. It is an excellent career path for those who want to work in the outdoors in unique locations, I recommend utilizing LEAF’s Wildland Fire Kit to show your students the interesting (and fun!) aspects of the job. Prescribed fire and fuel treatment positions also continue to be a major focus to effectively manage forests for wildland fires, help vegetation growth, etc. |
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This past winter break of 2022, I was able to join my fellow crew members of the UWSP Fire Crew on a trip to Florida. While we made time for the beach, the main mission of the trip was to give students hands-on opportunities with prescribed fire in a different state. Students were able to make professional connections, grow leadership skills, work on task books and learn how fire management is utilized in their natural resources programs. Over the course of a week and a half, the crew was able to burn over 1300 acres with the Florida Park Service. For many, it was an opportunity of a lifetime. Currently, UWSP has a Fire Science Certificate program in which students can enroll into. Many individuals enrolled in the certificate are a part of the UWSP Fire Crew conducting prescribed burns and hosting training sessions with the help of many partnerships across the state including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. |
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Fire is a hot topic both worldwide and locally in Wisconsin. Did you know that the Wisconsin DNR has responded to on average more than 700 wildland fire calls each year since 2016!? In 2021, more than 1,000 fires burned over 2,500 acres. As people continue to move into forested areas, the potential for loss of property and lives increases. Yet, fire plays an important natural role in many forest ecosystems. |
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Date: March 16
Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Treehaven, Tomahawk
Cost: $85
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Join LEAF for a Wildland Fire Education workshop where grades 6-12 educators will explore the history, socio-cultural issues, management, including prescribed burns and current status of wildland fire in Wisconsin and beyond. Participants will receive the LEAF's Wisconsin K-12 Wildland Fire Lesson Guide, Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Education Activity Guide, and other useful classroom resources. Activities will also include a tour of Treehaven’s fire ecology research plots. |
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March 25-27, 2022 | Tomahawk, Wis. |
Application Deadline:
March 1, 2022
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Science of Tree Felling
Open to High School Juniors and Seniors
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Join UW-Stevens Point Forestry undergraduate students and industry professionals in a 3-day, field intensive chainsaw training. As part of this course, you will work directly with more than 10 industry professionals to gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to safely fell a tree. Through guided field training you will learn how to safely cut-down, de-limb, and buck a tree while earning an industry recognized certificate and college credit. Specifically, you will learn directional felling, hinge cutting, and chainsaw safety while earning 1 credit in FOR396 from UWSP and Tree Felling certification from UWSP and Husqvarna. All costs are covered by program sponsors. |
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Schedule a Visit with a Tree Farm Professional |
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The Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee is once again offering opportunities for tree farm professionals to visit classrooms for a presentation and Q&A with students. This year, a total of 20 presenters are available in 27 different Wisconsin counties. Depending on your location, the tree farm professional may be available for a virtual classroom visit, an in-person visit, or a visit out in the field. If you teach in one of the 27 counties* and would like more information, email Nicole at Nicole.Filizetti@uwsp.edu. Please note that for some presenters, visits must be completed prior to April 1st due to the busyness of the wildland fire season.
*Counties with available presenters include: Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Burnett, Door, Douglas, Forest, Green Lake, Iron, Juneau, Kewaunee, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Vilas, Washburn and Wood.
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Deadline Extended to Nominate Your School Forest Champion! |
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You now have until February 4th to submit a nomination for the LEAF School Forest Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have provided leadership for local school forests registered through Wisconsin's School Forest Program. LEAF (Wisconsin's K-12 Forestry Education Program) will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to a school forest program(s) over a period of years. |
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Teaching Forestry this semester? Explore LEAF's High School Forestry Scope & Sequence, a free online resource by teachers, for teachers which could be tapped for a simple lesson, unit, or complete semester or yearlong course. |
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Have questions or need additional resources? Contact us at leaf@uwsp.edu. We are here to support educators and students with forestry opportunities. |
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Published for February 2022 |
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