Wildfires are an increasing concern across the country, threatening communities, forests, and natural resources. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), based in Reno, Nevada, is addressing this issue through its Wildland Fire Training Program.
“With the threat of wildland fire becoming ever more increasing, and with developers pushing into the wildland urban landscape, we will need an educated and dedicated workforce to respond and protect communities and properties at risk,” said Bill Steward, Wildland Fire Training Coordinator.
The TMCC program aims to prepare students for the demands of fighting wildfires by offering courses certified by national organizations such as the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). These certifications help students develop technical skills needed to protect lives and property.
“With the addition of three full-time faculty members working under Public Safety, our programs will continue to draw people to our region and to TMCC. We all have our own lanes. I take care of Wildland, we all work for Public Safety.” The team includes Steward along with Jesse Rowan, Fire Academy Coordinator, and Dan Rose, Fire Technology Coordinator.
Steward highlighted partnerships with various agencies: “We’ve partnered with federal, state, local and tribal firefighters to help train up the next generation to provide public safety.”
A significant partner is the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). This collaboration provides guidance on firefighting standards as well as opportunities for internships and employment at multiple government levels. “The collaboration working with the US Forest Service will continue to be a foundation for our training, on which TMCC will continue to provide professional firefighters, well into the future,” explained Steward. “As education, technology, and the science of fire changes, TMCC will be positioned to provide cutting-edge firefighters at the entry level, as well as seasoned professionals.”
TMCC recently hosted a regional job fair in partnership with USFS at its Pennington Health Science Center. Attendees learned about employment options that offer flexible schedules along with benefits such as overtime pay, paid time off and holidays, health plans including medical coverage and vision/dental insurance; life insurance; retirement savings plans; wellness programs; paid training; educational opportunities; and possible employee housing.
Looking ahead, TMCC’s Public Safety Program is planning a new Fire Rescue Training Facility that would include a fire rescue training tower designed to simulate real emergency scenarios. Phase two would add a modern fire academy building with apparatus bay facilities for hands-on learning experiences. According to Steward: “Once all of these are in place, it will elevate TMCC to the next level where we can reach internationally to train wildland fire professionals from other parts of the world.” He noted this is one of two major construction projects advancing this year.
TMCC offers year-round training classes at introductory through advanced levels for those interested in pursuing a career in wildland firefighting. For more information about enrollment or courses offered by Truckee Meadows Community College—which serves nearly 20,000 students each year through credit and non-credit programs across multiple locations in Reno and Sparks—contact their Fire Technology Program at 775-336-4271 or visit their official website.
Truckee Meadows Community College contributes over $678 million annually to its regional economy while preparing graduates—95 percent of whom remain in Nevada—for roles in local industries (source). The college has been serving community needs since 1971 through accessible academic programs including university transfer options and occupational training (source). Dr. Jeffrey Alexander leads TMCC as president (source).
