Minnesota Wildfire Academy Draws Record Enrollment
June 8-12, 2009 — The 9th Annual Minnesota Wildfire Academy, conducted by Mesabi Range College, drew a record 537 students. According to Mesabi Range Fire Program Manager Steve Flaherty, 19 different class offerings were made and the event has become of the largest wildfire training events in the country. "The most notable thing about this year's academy was that nearly every class was filled to capacity and we had a waiting list for many of the classes," said Flaherty. "We've grown to a point where many of the wildland vendors from throughout the country are taking notice and have started to attend. And, if they weren't here, they will be in the future." One of the many highlights was a demonstration by one of the Minnesota DNR's CL-215 aircraft (see photo). The Minnesota Wildfire Academy is a partnership involving Mesabi Range College, Itasca Community College and those agencies which make up the Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS). Next year's event is scheduled for June 1-4 in Grand Rapids.
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