Florida Interagency Coordination Center
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Training

Wildland fire training resources for the Florida interagency fire community.

The Florida Interagency Coordination Center serves as a central hub connecting fire management partners across the state, from the Florida Forest Service to federal agencies managing wildland fire on national parks, refuges, and other public lands. Each morning, a coordinated briefing brings together dispatch staff, district specialists, and agency representatives to share situational awareness on active incidents, weather conditions, and resource availability. These daily conversations help ensure that prescribed burns, wildfire responses, and land management activities are well coordinated across jurisdictional boundaries, keeping communities and natural landscapes protected throughout Florida's challenging fire seasons.

Training remains a cornerstone of the interagency mission, with courses and field exercises offered to wildland fire personnel from all partner agencies. From basic firefighter certifications to advanced incident command coursework, the training calendar is built around the shared needs of the Florida fire community. Hands-on sessions often take place on state forests, wildlife refuges, and other working landscapes, giving participants realistic experience with fire behavior, suppression tactics, and safety protocols. This collaborative approach to professional development strengthens the statewide workforce and ensures that crews from different agencies can operate seamlessly together on any incident.

Prescribed fire plays a vital role in Florida's land management strategy, and the coordination center helps track daily burn authorizations across participating districts and federal lands. These intentional burns reduce hazardous fuel loads, restore fire-dependent ecosystems, and support wildlife habitat across pine flatwoods, prairies, and marsh systems. By maintaining a shared picture of planned ignitions, the center helps managers avoid conflicts with smoke-sensitive areas and ensures that aerial resources, ground crews, and equipment are positioned effectively. The result is a safer, more efficient burn program that benefits both natural resources and the communities that live near fire-managed landscapes.

Public information is another key function of the coordination center, with daily updates and seasonal outlooks helping Floridians understand current fire conditions and any applicable restrictions. During dry-season peaks, residents may see increased messaging about burn bans, drone safety near active fires, and the importance of reporting smoke or flames promptly. The center also uses social media to celebrate the work of firefighters and land managers, share striking photography from the field, and highlight the many ways the interagency community serves the state. Clear, consistent communication keeps the public informed and engaged in wildfire prevention and preparedness.

Training Resources

The Florida Interagency Coordination Center provides access to training materials and programs that support wildland fire personnel across federal and state agencies in Florida. These resources help maintain operational readiness for fire preparedness and suppression activities.

Annual Refresher Training (WFSTAR)

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) is available through the National Interagency Fire Center. This annual refresher ensures that fire personnel maintain current qualifications and safety awareness for field operations.

Priority Training List

A priority training list identifies courses and qualifications most needed across the interagency fire community. Personnel and supervisors should consult this list when planning individual development and crew training schedules.

Visiting Resources

Information for visiting fire resources — including crews, overhead personnel, and equipment arriving from outside Florida — is coordinated through dispatch operations. Visiting resource packets outline local procedures, frequencies, and operational expectations.

NFF Frequency Guide

The National Fire Fighting (NFF) Frequency Guide provides radio frequency information used during interagency wildland fire incidents. This guide supports communications interoperability among cooperating agencies.

Training Events

Training opportunities are posted on the event calendar. Past offerings have included:

  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Refresher (RT-300) — refresher training for qualified burn bosses conducting prescribed fire operations.
  • Work Capacity Tests — also known as pack tests, these are held at designated locations to meet the physical fitness requirements for wildland fire positions. A test was conducted on March 7, 2023, at Wakulla County High School track in Crawfordville, Florida, coordinated by Branden Sultemeier.
  • Hazardous Materials Operations and Maintenance — a training session announced in January 2021.

View Event Calendar