Over 400 student-firefighters will undergo training in everything from tactics and logistics, to fighting active wildfires at Itasca Community College this week.
“We have students that are joining us today that will be entering into their wildland firefighting career profession,” said Leanne Langeberg, Public Information Officer with Minnesota’s DNR. “They will learn about the dynamics of fighting fire. They will go out and practice skills within that course. So learning about pumps, learning about the hand tools that they’ll be using, what it means to grid and really be engaged as a firefighter on the ground.” Students attending courses at this year’s academy include those who are interested in a career in wildland firefighting or conservation and current professionals.