The Department of Natural Resources has launched an initiative to improve access to wildland fire training courses for enrolled members of the Washington state tribes to gain training and qualifications necessary to work as wildland firefighters.

 

The initiative will utilize $800,000 in funding from the Legislature to cover costs associated with training such as per diem, travel, course fees, etc. for tribal members. Funding in the way of scholarships will be provided to tribal members or tribal nation employees that participate in the select trainings.

 

“Wildfire has an outsized impact on many Native American communities, which is why it is critical we are training state, local and tribal firefighters side by side so we’re all ready to work side by side when we fight fires,” Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said. “I’m proud to provide the training to support tribal response to wildfires, strengthening our tribal communities and increasing our long-standing government-to-government cooperation on emergency response.”

 

Additionally, the agency will partner with the Washington State University Extension Service to deliver training and workshops introducing tribal members and tribal nation employees to fire suppression and prescribed fire as important aspects of fire management on landscapes. Half of the funding will be allocated to this effort.

 

“This is a fantastic chance to enhance DNR support for tribes by facilitating delivery of wildfire training,” said Russ Lane, DNR’s Wildland Fire Management Division Manager.

 

The DNR is the lead agency for wildland firefighter training in the State of Washington. All training and qualifications provided by the Department adhere to the standards set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The DNR works collaboratively to provide wildland firefighter training with other NWCG partner agencies including, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and other states agencies. 

 

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Communications Manager

360-902-1000