This training is intended for long-term volunteers, ages 18 and older, that have actively participated in our Prescribed Fire opportunities in the past, having attended at least one Prescribed Fire Training.
Want to support the Prescribed Burns but haven't attended a Prescribed Fire Training in the past? New long-term volunteers, ages 18 and older, may be accepted to support this important conservation project if skills or experience in firefighting, prescribed burns, or a related field are determined.
This opportunity demands consistent and dependable weekday availability from March 3 through April 15. Please review the 'Tasks' and 'Environment & Physical Demands' below to better understand the expectations of the opportunity associated with this training.
RESERVE A SPOT: This training has limited spots. If you qualify for this opportunity based on the prerequisites mentioned above, either as a volunteer who has assisted with prescribed burns in the past OR as a new volunteer who has the outlined experience, please contact Allison Zimmerman at Allison.Zimmerman@metroparks.org to discuss your qualifications.
Have questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Allison Zimmerman at Allison.Zimmerman@metroparks.org OR (937) 274-3176.
Impact
Controlled burning is an important tool for managing prairie and edge/thicket habitat, as it releases nutrients and stimulates the growth of certain plant species. Our Volunteers help protect the Dayton region’s natural heritage and preserve our prairies by volunteering to support Five Rivers MetroParks’ controlled prairie burns.
Tasks
This training will provide a review of the purpose and method of Prescribed Fire within your Five Rivers MetroParks. This training will also cover the variety of roles/assignments a volunteer may support at a Prescribed Burn, roles such as:
- Acting as a Lookout (monitoring fire behavior, smoke, other assigned tasks)
- Taking / communicating weather parameters
- Assisting with signage placement prior to burn operations
- Holding Hand Crew Member: responsible to ensure that the fire does not escape the primary firebreak
- Using a flapper to extinguish small flames and embers
- Using a Rogue Hoe tool to establish a fire line
- Wearing and operating a backpack water pump (Indian Pack)
- Assisting with Mop-up operations
- Cleaning-up following the burn
- Acting as an active participant in the After Action Review
Additional Notes
- This is a Long-Term Volunteer Opportunity. Learn more about our types of service here.
- You must have good communication skills, and have the ability to quickly access your email and phone during burn season.
- Environment & Physical Demands:
- Standing, lifting, carrying 50 lbs. for a long period of time while working
- Moderately strenuous physical activity
- Able to communicate well, utilizing a radio
- Ability to travel across uneven terrain
- Ability to withstand intense heat and smoke for long periods of time
- Requires driving to different sites throughout
- Please review Five Rivers MetroParks latest COVID-19 Updates.
See Conservation Volunteer Position Description for more detailed information.
