Fueling the Next Generation of Fire Practitioners: NC State Students Complete Transformative Fire Week in the Sandhills

— Written By and last updated by
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

NC State Extension Forestry and the NC State FirePack recently led Forest Management students from the College of Natural Resources through an unforgettable Fire Week! This week was part of their summer practicum, and this year’s experience marked an exciting evolution in the program.

Group photo of Fire Week participants in front of a prescribed burn at North Carolina State Parks.

Group photo of Fire Week participants in front of a prescribed burn at North Carolina State Parks.

In a new model that emphasized hands-on field experience, students arrived in the North Carolina Sandhills already certified as NWCG Firefighter Type 2 Crewmembers, having completed their training during the school year. This allowed them to immediately step into active roles on prescribed burn operations beginning on day one. Over the course of four days, students helped implement an impressive 939 acres of prescribed fire.

NC State Forest Management student uses a drip torch to ignite a fire line during a prescribed burn with The Nature Conservancy.

NC State Forest Management student uses a drip torch to ignite a fire line during a prescribed burn with The Nature Conservancy.

Throughout the week, students worked alongside experienced fire professionals from a variety of agencies and organizations, gaining insight into the diverse objectives and methods that shape fire management across the region. Beyond the flames, Fire Week also included an in-depth exploration of topics such as burn planning, fuel characteristics, fire behavior, and fire culture. The immersive experience was rounded out by experiencing a week of camp life, where students shared responsibilities to support the team, offering a true taste of the camaraderie and adaptability required in wildland fire operations.

Fire Week participants learn how to use a Kestrel Fire Weather Meter to measure weather during a prescribed burn with The Nature Conservancy.

Fire Week participants learn how to use a Kestrel Fire Weather Meter to measure weather during a prescribed burn with The Nature Conservancy.

We are incredibly grateful to the many partners who helped make this transformative week possible, including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina State Parks, The Nature Conservancy, the Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association, The Ember Alliance, Southern Fire Exchange, and the University of Florida.

Most of all, we’re proud of the students, who rose to the challenge with professionalism, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Fire Week 2025 was more than just a practicum—it was a launching point for the next generation of fire practitioners.

Written By

Sarah Cain, N.C. Cooperative ExtensionSarah CainExtension Associate Call Sarah Email Sarah Forestry & Environmental Resources
NC State Extension, NC State University

Contributing Author

Savannah Moore, N.C. Cooperative ExtensionSavannah MooreStudent Worker - Communications Specialist Email Savannah Forestry & Environmental Resources
NC State Extension, NC State University
Updated on Jul 2, 2025
Was the information on this page helpful? Yes check No close
Scannable QR Code to Access Electronic Version