The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is continuing its efforts to strengthen the state’s wildfire response by offering an entry-level wildland firefighter training course. Since 2023, DEM has trained 66 new wildland firefighters and aims to further increase this number each year.
As climate change leads to warmer and drier conditions, Rhode Island is experiencing longer and more active fire seasons. In 2025, there were 62 wildfires in the state. DEM’s Forest Fire Program also conducted prescribed burns on over 100 acres of state property and continues fuelbreak brush-clearing projects to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.
“We work closely with local fire departments to suppress wildfires,” said Principal Fire Control Officer and Training Officer Ben Arnold of DEM’s Fire Program. “We rely on municipal fire departments to fight wildfires, and fire departments rely on us in the same way. This class is an opportunity for both DEM employees and Rhode Island firefighters who seek wildfire suppression training at the national standard.”
The free S-130-S-190 course will be held from June 1–5 at DEM’s George Washington Management Area office in Chepachet. The five-day program includes classroom instruction, field-based exercises, live fire training, personal protective equipment, lunch, and refreshments. Participants must be at least 18 years old and complete required online coursework before attending; no prior firefighting experience is necessary.
Online prerequisites include:
– S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
– IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
– NIMS-700 Introduction to the National Incident Management System
Applicants must submit evaluation certificates for these courses before attending. Space is limited, with priority given to local municipal firefighters and DEM employees. Registration closes on February 1.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment manages agriculture, forestry, and land conservation efforts statewide. It works with partners to protect natural resources across public and private lands in Rhode Island while supporting farmland preservation and forest management programs for environmental benefit.
The division operates under the authority of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management from its headquarters at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. Its responsibilities include agricultural product registrations, pesticide applicator licensing, forest stewardship planning, as well as administering programs like the Farm, Forest and Open Space Act through partnerships with landowners.
For more information about DEM programs or initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow their social media channels for updates.