Day Three at Az Wildfire and Incident Management Academy
Incident: Az Wildfire Incident Management Academy Wildfire
Released: 3/15/2010
PRESCOTT, Ariz. - Several new classes begin today at the Arizona Wildfire & Incident Management Academy (AWIMA) at Embry-Riddle University. There are 619 students representing 20 States and Canada attending 21 classes including Assessing Wildfire Hazards, Initial Attack Incident Commander, and Basic Air Operations.
Today, firefighters are in the field at the Nature Center laying the groundwork for a prescribed pile burn on 18 acres scheduled for Thursday March 18 at 9:00 a.m. The exercise allows students to plan and initiate the burn under the supervision of experienced firefighters and is part of an ongoing effort to remove hazardous fuels buildup to help protect nearby residential subdivisions, Granite Mountain Middle School, and local businesses in the event of a severe wildfire.
This week's Academy has both first-year firefighters as well as seasoned emergency management personnel. The Academy provides students a unique interagency opportunity to work with and learn from each other. All risk emergency management depends on brand new firefighters building a foundation from those experienced emergency responders who have 'seen it and done it.' Academy Coordinator Tony Sciacca encouraged students attending the morning briefing to, "Challenge your instructors, and get as much out of each class as possible."
As the Academy continues throughout the week, tours of the campus are available. Tuesday is set aside for visitors, local civic leaders and the media. Field classes continue throughout the week.
The Wyndham Garden Hotel is the location for Tuesday evening's social and Thursday's banquet.
For more information call 928-777-FIRE or visit us on Twitter @ punkyjm.
