Flagler County Prescribed Fire Program Supervisor Michael Orlando last week shared his expertise in the field as one of 15 instructors who taught basic wildland fire training at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka on behalf of the Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council.
“I am very passionate about what I do, and I love teaching others who have a budding interest in fire management fighting wildfires,” Orlando said. “We depend on each other so much when we are working together out in the field, so I’m happy to do whatever I can to prepare fellow wildland fire professionals.”
Twenty-one students from nine different organizations across the state of Florida participated in the training.
The combined coursework – officially S-130/190 and L-180, created and offered through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group – is designed to provide entry-level firefighter skills, and is often required for participation in prescribed burning activities.