Wildlands Fire Vehicle Driver Training
The Bureau of Indian Affairs proudly provides training for wildands fire crews to ensure consistent training is offered across Indian Country.
Each year, wildland firefighters must demonstrate their abilities to perform specific tasks that show they know how to safely operate the fire vehicle. The Engine Operator (ENOP) course is designed to provide students with the knowledge/ skills necessary to perform the functions described in the Engine Operator Position Task Book as well as address the standards, procedures, and techniques to be an engine operator on a wildland or prescribed fire. This year, the vehicle training was held at Mille Lacs for tribal wildland fire crews from all across Minnesota. Students in attendance come from: Mille Lacs, White Earth, Bois Forte, Grand Portage, Menominee (WI), BIA MN agency. The instructors are from BIA MN agency, BIA WI-Great Lakes Agency, Menominee, BLM National Engine Training Cadre, and NIFC (National interagency fire center) BIA Fire Fleet Coordina.
The Mille Lacs Band wildlands fire crew has been called upon to assist fighting fires across Indian Country. The crew is highly trained and ready to assist wherever necessary.
2021 FAST FIRE FACTS FROM BIA
In 2021, there were over 4,600 wildfires that originated on Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) protected lands, resulting in nearly 400,000 acres burned.
In 2021, the Indian Country Wildland Fire Management program encompassed:
• 1,385 firefighters and 1,473 administratively determined (hired as needed) firefighters
• 7 Interagency Hotshot Crews; 4 tribally managed and 3 BIA crews
• 9 helicopters, 6 single-engine air tankers, 2 single-engine water scoopers, and 3 Air Attack Platforms
• 3 Fire Fleet Centers (located in Eagle Butte, Jicarilla, and Missoula) that provided service to approximately 240 engines of various models and types, including other fire apparatus in support of programs such as Interagency Hotshot Crew, fire helicopters, etc.
• 40 wildfire prevention programs, including 22 tribally managed programs, that serve 1,102 communities
In support of the mission, the Division of Wildland Fire Management (DWFM) provides wildland fire protection and ecosystem improvement to federal trust lands held in trust for federally recognized tribes and individual Indians. The DWFM’s support is implemented through direct services, cooperative agreements, self-determination, and self-governance, where applicable.
