27 Sep 2022

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) started accepting proposals from qualified instructors and speakers to present at the inaugural NVFC Regional Wildland Symposium, which will take place March 17-18, 2023, in Rapid City, SD.

wildland fire-focused event

This wildland fire-focused event will be an opportunity for fire and EMS personnel from across the region and country to participate in valuable classroom training as well as exchange ideas and best practices with their peers.

The conference is focused on the Plains region but is open to department personnel nationwide. Breakout sessions will be 90 minutes in length.

2023 NVFC Regional Wildland Symposium

The 2023 NVFC Regional Wildland Symposium theme is Wildfires: From Mountain Peaks to Plains. Examples of relevant presentation topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Funding opportunities for wildfire mitigation initiatives
  • How to implement wildfire mitigation activities in a community
  • Raising wildfire community awareness
  • Community wildfire protection plans
  • Evacuation plans
  • Wildland mitigation or firefighting best practices for volunteer fire departments with limited resources
  • Volunteer wildfire response
  • Mutual aid/group initiatives
  • FEPP: acquisitions and pitfalls
  • Health or safety issues for wildland firefighters (PPE, equipment, training)
  • Incident Command in the wildland
  • Aviation communications

A peer review team will evaluate all presentation proposals. Selections will be made based on quality, relevance, focus, practical application, and the presenter’s experience and credentials. Notifications of a decision will be sent by November 15, 2022.

Travel expenses 

The NVFC will cover travel expenses and provide a stipend for selected presenters. Teaching teams are welcome to apply, but only one instructor per course can receive travel reimbursement/stipend. Please note that while organizations and companies are welcome to apply to share their subject matter expertise, all courses must be educational. 

Learn more and submit the proposal by October 15, 2022. Not presenting, but want to attend the conference? Pre-register here to get information as it becomes available. Attendance is limited.