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S-212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws

Next Course:

We hope to offer this course again in the future, but it is not on our calendar right now.

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Course Description:

S-212 is a suggested National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training course designed for individuals currently qualified as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) desiring to be qualified as a Firefighter Type I (FFT1), Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), or Felling Boss, Single Resource (FELB) in the National Interagency Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).

This course prepares you to perform low complexity project and fireline tasks under the supervision of a fully qualified trainer. It will provide the basic skills required by NWCG member agencies for using chainsaws safely. This wildland fire chainsaw program was developed to provide new sawyers with a solid foundation for safe and efficient chainsaw handling and operation while bucking, limbing, brushing, and slashing, and felling for project work or fireline construction.


Online training:

Pre-training (~1 hour) must be completed before the first day of the training.

In-person training:

Three day in-person training at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station in Melrose, FL.

Participants must bring:

  • 8" or higher leather boots
  • Chainsaw chaps
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Leather gloves
  • Hard hat
  • Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
  • IRPG

Additional suggested supplies:

  • Operational chainsaw
  • "Leatherman" type multi-tool
  • Water bottle
  • Bandana
  • Screntch chainsaw tool

Registration Information:

TBD

Early registration is available to participants who has previously graduated from one or more of the NATA core courses. You must email the NATA Training Coordinator at least 2 weeks in advance of the registration date to request early registration access. Early access expires the day before regular registration opens.

Lodging:

Participants are responsible for securing their own lodging. Downtown Gainesville is a ~30 minute drive. Closer options include cabins and camping at Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights or the Waldo Inn & suites in Waldo (~20 minutes each). 


For more information, contact:

Training Coordinator

Natural Areas Training Academy

nata@ifas.ufl.edu

Students learning about chainsaw maintenance.

Students learning about chainsaws.

Student using chainsaw.

Students learning about chainsaw operations.

Instructor and student.

Instructor with student.

Students using chainsaw.

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Natural Areas Training Academy
P.O. Box 110485 Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 294-0757

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