NATA's entry-level fire workshop always looks great on job resume-register today for S-130/190! - UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department

NATA’s entry-level fire workshop always looks great on job resume–register today for S-130/190!

Participants during a briefing before the live fire exercise at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station.

The Natural Areas Training Academy (NATA) will be hosting Basic Wildland Firefighter (S-130/190) on August 14^th through the 17th at the Doyle Conner Building in Gainesville, FL. This training serves to provide entry-level firefighter skills to participants and is always popular with students and professionals alike. Upon completing the training, participants will receive federally-recognized NWCG certificates for L-180, S-130, and S-190. Job recruiters love to see potential candidates with this training on their resume, especially for those in the natural resource field.

About the course

Course topics discussed include proper tactics to extinguish fire with or without the use of water; why lookouts, communications, escape routes, and safety zones are important; the primary factors affecting the start and spread of wildfire; how to recognize potentially hazardous situations; and environmental factors of fuels, weather, and topography that affect the spread of wildland fire.

Participants using hand tools to ensure fire lines stay in place.

This training is presented in a hybrid format and both the online and in-person trainings are required. Prior to the in-person training, participants must complete two self-paced online trainings: FEMA IS-100 and the S-190 course. Participants will take a test on the first day of the in-person training for online material they covered in S-190. The in-person training will take place at the Doyle Conner Building on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The field training and live fire exercise will take place Thursday at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station in Melrose, FL.

What to bring

Participants have to deploy their fire shelter during the field exercise day.

Participants must bring their IS-100 certificate of completion and their own lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. For the field training on Thursday, participants must bring 6 inch or higher leather boots, leather gloves, and PPE (personal protective equipment), if they have it. Lunch will be provided by NATA on Thursday. The cost for the general public is $125 and students can pay a reduced rate of $95 with proof of a valid school ID.

Deadline to register

The deadline to register for this training is Friday, July 20. Register soon before spaces fill up!

Additional questions?

For further questions, contact Meghan Lauer, NATA workshop coordinator, at nata@ifas.ufl.edu or visit our website at here.