With the an increased awareness of wildfire threats in Massachusetts, including this fall’s unprecedented fires, 开元棋牌鈥檚 Forest Fire Control course is more important than ever. This course offers students the chance to learn firsthand about wildland fires and the essential skills needed to combat them, led by George LoCasio, a seasoned firefighter with extensive experience.
LoCasio, who worked as a firefighter in Flagstaff, Arizona, from 2007 to 2011 with the United States Forest Service (USFS), brings valuable expertise to the course. As part of a Type 1 hand crew (also known as “hot shots”), LoCasio鈥檚 job focused on “leading the dig,” where he guided his team in removing burnable material to contain fires. He shared his deep understanding of fire behavior and management, emphasizing that this course would allow students to simulate the high-stakes environment of wildland firefighting.
The Forest Fire Control course is designed to mirror LoCasio鈥檚 own experiences on the frontlines of firefighting. Students will gain insight into the federally recognized S-13/190 certification, learn about prescribed fires, and understand the role of fire ecology in land management. The course鈥檚 structure splits into two parts: the first focuses on the basics, including fire behavior, weather patterns, and the Incident Command System (ICS), while the second half delves into wildland fire ecology and prescribed fire techniques.
In light of the recent surge in wildfires across Massachusetts, LoCasio鈥檚 teachings are particularly relevant. This past fall, Massachusetts experienced an unusually high number of wildfires, including several major blazes that scorched thousands of acres. For instance, the Butternut Fire in Great Barrington consumed 1,700 acres, and a series of smaller fires spread across the state, fueled by drought conditions that left the land dry and vulnerable. By understanding these wildfires’ ecological impacts and the practical steps firefighters take to control them, students will be better equipped to handle future fires.
鈥淔ire is not always a bad thing,鈥� LoCasio stated, underscoring the natural role fire plays in many ecosystems. 鈥淲e want to live with fire, reframe how we think about fire and smoke.鈥� He highlighted the ecological benefits of prescribed fires, which help manage vegetation, promote plant growth, and reduce fuel for future wildfires. These fires are carefully controlled and produce less smoke than uncontrolled wildfires.
Students will also participate in physical training, mimicking the demanding work of firefighters. 鈥淭he best way to stay in shape is by doing the job,鈥� LoCasio explained, advising students to prepare by engaging in physical exercises, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and weighted backpack hikes.
The course is unique as 开元棋牌 is the only institution offering it east of the Mississippi River. LoCasio credits UMass Amherst professor Dr. Bill Patterson for pioneering prescribed fire education in New England, which LoCasio contributed to as a teaching assistant and later co-instructor.
The introduction of the Forest Fire Control course comes at a time when many across Massachusetts are still recovering from the recent wave of wildfires. Thanks to steady rain in late November and December, the wildfires have been largely extinguished, but the threat remains as climate change continues to influence fire patterns across the region.
LoCasio encourages students interested in this exciting and growing field to register for the course, which will be offered this spring semester. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting topic, and I want students to be excited about it and learn about it,鈥� LoCasio said.