In April 2026, The Ember Alliance (TEA) hosted its first-ever Wildland Fire Academy in partnership with Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over eight days, participants from across the region came together to advance their wildland fire qualifications, strengthen their leadership skills, and build connections with peers and instructors dedicated to the future of fire management.
The academy represented an important milestone for TEA’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality wildland fire training. Through our partnership with FRCC, we were able to offer four NWCG-certified courses at no cost to participants:
- S-131 | Firefighter Type 1
- S-211 | Portable Pumps and Water Use
- L-280 | Followership to Leadership
- S-215 | Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface
From foundational firefighting skills to leadership development and complex operational decision-making, the academy created opportunities for participants to deepen their expertise while learning alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds and agencies.
More Than Training
While certifications and qualifications are an important outcome, the true success of the academy was reflected in the learning environment itself. Throughout the week, instructors combined technical knowledge with real-world experiences, creating a space where students felt engaged, challenged, and supported.
One participant shared:
“As a fellow educator, it matters to me that trainings are thought-provoking, complemented by field stories and buy-in. Your offering was the top training I have ever received in the field—and there isn’t a close second. Start to finish, your team of field professionals absolutely crushed it with empathy, insight, and motivation.”
Feedback like this reinforces what we strive to achieve in every course we offer: training that not only builds skills, but also inspires confidence, critical thinking, and leadership.
Investing in the Future of Fire
The academy brought together aspiring firefighters, current practitioners, educators, and emerging leaders who share a commitment to safer, more resilient communities. By reducing barriers to participation and creating pathways for professional development, TEA continues to invest in the people who will help shape the future of wildfire management.
Partnerships like the one with Front Range Community College are critical to this work. Together, we were able to provide accessible, high-quality training that equips participants with both technical expertise and leadership tools they can carry back to their organizations and communities.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this first academy. We look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities to learn, lead, and serve together.
