Intermediate Wildfire Academy in Anchorage: Strengthening Partnerships and Equipping Cadets for Career Advancement

The 2024 Intermediate Wildfire Academy currently underway in Chugiak marks a multiyear and significant collaboration between Alaska’s Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, the Kansas Forest Service and two of Colorado’s Emergency Response Agencies. This year’s academy also emphasizes the importance of diversity as twenty eight cadets from across Alaska bring a wealth of backgrounds and experiences to the table. The involvement of individuals from remote Alaskan villages like Kwethluk, Kalskag, Hooper Bay, Good News Bay, Chevak, Hughes, Huslia, and Allakaket is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the necessity of providing training opportunities to rural Alaskans. Cadets from rural areas receive comprehensive assistance, including full support for their air transportation and logistical needs to attend the Academy.
Alaska Wildland Fire Information

New fire alarms to be distributed in each Northwest Arctic village

Northwest Alaska residents can upgrade smoke alarms in their homes this summer. Northwest Arctic Borough will distribute and install lithium-powered 10-year sealed smoke alarms in every village starting in May, said Chris Hatch, borough director of public safety. The borough will also educate residents on how alarms work, how to test them and how to have a home fire escape plan. Their first visit will be to Noorvik on May 9. “Smoke Alarms are the most effective early warning device there is during a fire incident and essential to saving lives,” borough officials said in a Facebook post. “Our goal is to make sure residents have the protection of a smoke alarm.” Regional battalion fire chiefs identified the need for installing smoke alarms in villages after six people were killed in the fire in Noorvik in January, Hatch said.
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