By Blake Jackson
At the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, students in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) have a unique chance to train wildland firefighters through the UK Fire Cats program.
Classified as emergency firefighters with the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF), UK Fire Cats respond to real wildland fires in their communities.
At the recent Forest Fire Field Day at the Berea College Forestry Outreach Center, students completed hands-on training required for future UK Fire Cat applicants or additional wildland fire certifications.
Activities included constructing firelines, handling essential tools, practicing fire shelter deployment, and learning safety protocols under the guidance of forestry professionals.
“Safety, safety, safety,” said John Reinstetle, assistant director of Robinson Center and forest manager at the UK Robinson Forest. “Safety comes from experience. We got the chance to put firefighting tools into the hands of these students, putting them in a real-world opportunity to practice this craft. This experience will build their confidence and instill the safety protocols that will payoff later.”
Understanding the fire triangle-fuel, oxygen, and heat-was critical as students worked together to clear firelines, removing combustible materials to slow fire spread.
“There’s a lot of responsibility and you have to make sure that you and your team are safe,” said Joshua Collins, a UK natural resources student. “People’s lives hang in the balance, so you have to talk to each other and take it seriously.”
Tyler Rumble, a mechanical engineering student and volunteer firefighter, added, “This is fun and skills that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. When you work as a team, you get more done. When you don’t work as a team, someone might get hurt.”
“This is a great partnership working with the Kentucky Division of Forestry; they provide the experience, resources, equipment and gear," said Laura Robinson, FNR academic coordinator.
"All of this allows our students to have the hands-on training, interact with forestry professionals and learn about potential career opportunities from people that do this every day.”
With forests in all 120 counties and a $20 billion contribution to Kentucky’s economy, FOR 255 Forest Fire helps students understand the importance of forest management and prepares them to join UK Fire Cats through type 2 wildland firefighter certification.
Photo Credit: pexels-islandhopper-x
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General