More than three dozen students from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) completed their wildland firefighter certification on October 18, participating in a rigorous hands-on training session at the Lafayette Road Experiment Station.
The event, hosted by ESF, certified over 50 individuals as National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) basic-level wildland firefighters. The training involved rotating through five stations while wearing full firefighting gear, demonstrating proficiency in key wildfire operations.
Hands-On Firefighting Skills
Participants engaged in critical activities, including:
- Fire shelter deployment
- Ignition device operation
- Fire-line construction
- Handling wildland engines and pumps
- Using tools from fire trailers
The field day included students from ESF and Finger Lakes Community College, alongside trainees from the U.S. Forest Service. The training was a part of ESF’s Fire Ecology and Management course, which integrates practical fire management techniques with academic learning.
“This event brings together future firefighters and professionals across institutions to build the skills they’ll need to respond effectively in real emergencies,” said Dr. Andrew Vander Yacht, an ESF professor who helped lead the event.
A Collaborative Effort
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) led the certification efforts with support from ESF faculty, graduate students, and staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.
Standardized training by the NWCG is essential for ensuring consistent responses to wildfires and other large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes. The certification allows these students and trainees to join coordinated firefighting efforts across the nation, contributing to national and regional wildfire response initiatives.
The certification was conducted rain or shine, reinforcing the resilience required for wildland firefighting.
These new firefighters now join a community of professionals ready to protect natural resources and respond to emergencies with specialized skills.
