Workshop I Wisconsin Burn Boss Academy I Wisconsin Prescribed Fire Council

Target Audience

Individuals with squad boss experience who intend to become certified under the Wisconsin Certified Burn Boss Program, or who seek to advance their skills in fire leadership.  This training is intended primarily for those who plan to burn multiple units at multiple locations in Wisconsin each year. (WPFC provides other training opportunities for other audiences.)

The Academy is an alternative to NWCG prescribed fire training. It is NOT intended for agency personnel or others subject to NWCG qualification requirements.

Spots will be limited to ensure an ideal student-to-instructor ratio.

OBJECTIVES

This training is intended to give prospective burn bosses the background and resources needed to effectively plan and lead prescribed burns in Wisconsin at a moderate level of complexity.

Upon successful completion, the trainee will be able to:

1. Understand basic fire ecology and measures to protect at-risk species

2. Explain mechanisms for observing, reading, and predicting fire behavior

3. Demonstrate the ability to design burn units and write burn plans

4. Understand the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to effectively lead a prescribed burn

   
   

PREREQUISITES

Each student is expected to have previous experience serving as a squad boss on prescribed burns. A Squad Boss (sometimes referred to as Line Boss or Crew Boss) leads a squad of up to five Crew Members dedicated to a particular task such as igniting and holding one line of a prescribed burn, internal ignition, mop‐up, suppression, etc. A Squad Boss directs the work of, and ensures the safety of, their assigned personnel, coordinates operations with other Squad Bosses and the Burn Boss, and takes appropriate action if fire escapes their portion of the line. The Squad Boss should be knowledgeable and competent in ignition, holding operations, and suppression techniques. The Squad Boss should possess leadership qualities to effectively lead other crew members.

Currently, the Wisconsin Certified Burn Boss Program has not defined specific requirements for Squad Boss qualification. Each organization that conducts prescribed burns should establish their own requirements for individuals to act in this role. The WPFC document Recommended Qualifications for Prescribed Fire Personnel provides recommendations for Squad Boss training and experience.

FEE

The course fee is $1050. This fee includes shared lodging, food, and course materials.

There may be financial support available for individuals for whom paying the full fee would be a hardship. These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.