March 11th – 16th, 2023, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
Students from local fire districts and departments, as well as State and Federal agencies, will return to campus for another week in a management environment that closely represents being on an actual wildfire incident. The Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (AWIMA) is a week-long training venue that currently offers 49 classes in all levels of wildland fire and incident management training. Up to 850 students are expected to successfully complete training of various levels as well as network with some of the top wildland and emergency management instructors and professionals from around the country.
On the heels of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 2002, the largest in Arizona state history at the time, the inaugural Academy in 2003 was delivered on the foundation that common and improved training and the building of networks among fire professionals was needed in Arizona. The Academy is nationally recognized as a premier institution in quality and innovative wildland fire and all-hazard incident management training. 2023 is the 21st anniversary of the Academy; over 14,000 student certificates (including international students) have been successfully earned since its start. The Academy has directly and positively contributed to Arizona’s, as well as the Nation’s, level of preparation and response to critical incidents with the primary goal dedicated to safety and the mission that everyone goes home every time.
“As we enter our 21st year at AWIMA it is important to recognize the success of the past while we focus on the future. AWIMA provides the highest level of instruction through the finest instructors, facility, and support staff that are all pillars of the fire service. This year our focus is on creating and improving our AWARE model to increase firefighter and public situational awareness and safety. We look forward to another great year with the support of all our sponsors, partners, and the hospitality of the City of Prescott,” says Academy Incident Commander PJ Lingley. Lingley is stepping into his second of three years as the IC with over two decades of Wildfire Management experience and 19 years as an Academy Instructor.
“Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is honored to be hosting the Arizona Wildfire Academy for the 21st year. We greatly value our longstanding partnership and support the Academy’s mission in training firefighters to manage and mitigate the devastating impact of wildfires,” said Chancellor Anette Karlsson.
The Academy Staff and Incident Management Team wish to thank its sponsors and supporters in recognizing the importance of this Academy in an environment that promotes networking and positive professional relationships: Arizona Public Service; Captain CrossFit; and State Farm Insurance. The Academy is proud of and appreciates the 21-year relationship with ERAU and its Staff for the partnership during the University’s annual spring break.
Please contact AWIMA Public Information Office at 480-420-9388 or visit www.azwildfireacademy.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at @AZWildfireAcademy and subscribe to the AZWildfireAcademy YouTube channel.
