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.

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.

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.

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.