The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) will hold training for N.C. Forest Service rangers, foresters and partners Monday, Dec. 9, through Friday, Dec. 13, at Sandhills Community College in Moore County. S-203: Introduction to Incident Information is a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training course that provides students with the skills and knowledge to serve as public information officers during wildfire incidents.

“This multiday training will offer authentic scenarios in a controlled environment to better equip new public information incident personnel for when wildfires, emergencies and other natural disasters take place,” said Brad Allen, assistant regional forester for N.C. Forest Service Region 2 in a press release. “Training continues to be critical for a state that experiences more than 4,500 wildfires annually. It helps expand the experience level for newer employees, while reinforcing best practices and protocols for more experienced staff.”

The course covers establishing and maintaining an incident information operation, communicating with internal and external audiences and working with the news media throughout the duration of a wildfire incident. Cadre and students will be comprised of personnel from multiple agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, Georgia Forestry Commission, Mississippi Forestry Commission, NCFS, N.C. State University

Extension Forestry, South Carolina Forestry Commission, Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The mission of the N.C. Forest Service is to protect, manage and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina. Learn more at www.ncforestservice.gov.