This immersive training program aims to equip entry level cadets with the skills, knowledge, and mental fortitude required to suppress wildfires in one of the most challenging environments.
From April 21st to April 30th, 25 aspiring firefighters from across Alaska are gathered at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak for the 2024 Alaska Basic Wildland Firefighter Academy. Cadets are pushed to their limits, both physically and mentally. Through teamwork, discipline, and unwavering determination, they learn to overcome obstacles, persevere in the face of adversity, and emerge as stronger, more confident wildland firefighters.
The Alaska Basic Wildland Firefighter Academy is more than just a training program; it is a rite of passage. Over the course of ten intense days, cadets undergo rigorous physical training, classroom instruction, and hands-on firefighting exercises. From grasping the intricacies of firefighting tools, portable pumps, and chain saws to gaining insight into fire behavior and safety protocols, they delve into a comprehensive curriculum crafted to lay the groundwork for their careers. This immersive experience is designed to equip them with the essential knowledge and practical abilities needed to confront the challenges of the job head-on.
The cadets at the academy come from various backgrounds, representing Alaska’s diverse geography. Eight cadets are from rural villages in remote southwest Alaska, including Hooper Bay, Chevak, Kalskag, and Kwethluk. They arrived together on a single airplane, traveling from their remote communities to attend the academy. The other 17 cadets reside along Alaska’s road system and drove to the academy. All cadets share a common goal as they gather at Birchwood Camp to undergo training and become proficient wildland firefighters.
Among the seven full time instructors, five are former members of Alaska’s Pioneer Peak Hot Shots. There are instructors who have moved away from Alaska. Three instructors currently hail from Kansas, where they are employed by the Kansas Forest Service, which supports their commitment to returning to Alaska for this academy. Additionally, two instructors reside in Colorado, while the remaining two instructors call Alaska home. Together, this diverse teaching cadre embodies a collective dedication to preparing cadets for the demands of wildland firefighting, drawing upon their varied backgrounds and a combined 200+ years of firefighting experience.
Basic Academy Leadership, Instructors and Subject Matter Experts
- Ben Engelhardt – Basic Academy Incident Commander & Instructor
- Matt Jones – Basic Academy Operations Chief & Instructor
- Christopher Hanson – Basic Academy Deputy Operations Chief & Coach Alpha Squad
- Elizabeth Guess – Basic Academy Coach Bravo Squad
- Brent Benson – Basic Academy Instructor
- Daniel Skriloff – Basic Academy Instructor
- Justin Hansen – Basic Academy Falling Boss
- Jarrod MacNeil – Basic Academy Emergency Medical Technician
- Kale Casey – Basic Academy Public Information Officer & Social Media Coach
- Kris Baumgartner – Guest Speaker & Current Superintendent Pioneer Peak Hot Shots
- John Glover – Guest Speaker & Current Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team Operations Chief
- Matt Lindsay – Guest Speaker, Anchorage Entrepreneur & former Pioneer Peak Hot Shot
- Erica Tresham – Current State of Alaska Health and Wellness Program Coordinator
The Birchwood Camp serves as an ideal venue for this transformative training. Located between Mat-Su Area Forestry and Anchorage, the camp offers a unique blend of remote seclusion and convenient access. Surrounded by forested landscapes, cadets find themselves immersed in an environment perfectly suited for mastering the fundamentals of firefighting. The camp’s facilities, including classrooms, dormitories, and a dining hall, serve as the hub for instruction, camaraderie, and shared experiences. The staff at Birchwood Camp will also be hosting the Intermediate Academy starting on May 5th.
With a shared goal of protecting Alaska’s landscapes and communities, the cadets are being trained to take on the challenges ahead with bravery and determination as the next generation of wildland firefighters.
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Categories: AK Fire Info, Alaska DNR - Division of Forestry (DOF), recruitment, Training
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 