Training is a core priority of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division. Each year, the Division offers a wide range of training opportunities to support the safety, readiness, and professional development of both new and veteran personnel.
Wildland Fire and Operations Training
The Forestry Division provides hands-on and classroom instruction in areas such as:
- Dozer operations and safety
- Basic wildland fire suppression
- Chainsaw safety and use
- Leadership and team coordination
These training sessions help prepare staff for emergency response, forest management, and leadership roles, ensuring a safe and capable workforce.
The Forestry Division also conducts National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses for Division personnel and, when space allows, for other fire response partners and stakeholders.
Training Links
- Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
- Arkansas Wildland Fire Academy
- Southern Area, USDA Forest Service / USFS Training
Introduction to Wildland Firefighting Class
The Forestry Division’s introduction to wildland firefighting class is designed for new fire department personnel and agency partners. Participants learn how the division and local fire departments coordinate efforts during wildland fires, including communication, tactics, and safety priorities.
Wildland Firefighting Class Schedule
To schedule a class, call: 479‑214‑3981
Please Read Before Requesting a Class
If you request a class, you will serve as the point of contact.
Individuals who want to attend will contact you directly. Please be prepared to let them know whether space is available and provide directions to the class location.
Students, Chiefs, and Training Officers
Please contact the hosting agency to confirm that seating is available.
Important Information
- There is no registration form. Please call the number listed for each class.
- No PPE is required for this class.
- Please do not bring children to the class.
2026 Wildland Firefighting Class Schedule
| Date | Time | County | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 5, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Greene | Western Greene Co FD, 123 Hwy 141 S, Paragould, AR | 870‑565‑6733 |
| September 12, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Boone | 8454 Firehouse Ln, Harrison, AR | 870‑577‑2246 |
| September 14–15, 2026 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Union | 140 McCall, Lawson, AR | 870‑310‑5293 |
| September 19, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Franklin | 22 N Jones St, Branch, AR | 479‑965‑3174 |
| September 21–22, 2026 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Independence | UACC Batesville, 2221 White Dr, Batesville, AR | 870‑612‑2082 |
| September 28–29, 2026 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Johnson | 215 W Main, Clarksville, AR | 479‑774‑0128 |
| October 10, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Craighead | 106 CR 307, Jonesboro, AR | 870‑926‑4119 |
| October 12–13, 2026 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Nevada | Nevada Co Fire & Rescue, 113 E Walnut, Prescott, AR | 870‑686‑2995 |
| October 17, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Pulaski | 13016 Hwy 365 S, Little Rock, AR | 501‑352‑6902 |
| October 19–20, 2026 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Stone | 216 Warren St, Mountain View, AR | 870‑615‑4486 |
| October 24, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Ashley | Court House Extension, 205 E Jefferson, Hamburg, AR | 870‑831‑2070 |
| October 26–27, 2026 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Van Buren | Clinton FD, 390 Hwy 336 W, Clinton, AR | 501‑745‑2933 |
| October 31, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Garland | Fountain Lake FD, 7146 Park Ave, Hot Springs, AR | 501‑617‑7640 |
| November 7, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Poinsett | 802 Liberty St, Marked Tree, AR | 870‑351‑0990 |
| November 14, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Randolph | Pocahontas Station 2, 2022 Hwy 67 S, Pocahontas, AR | 870‑897‑0630 |
| November 21, 2026 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Lincoln | Star City FD, 115 W Joslyn, Star City, AR | 870‑370‑0131 |
| January 4–5, 2027 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Sebastian | Hackett Fire Center, 205 AR‑10 SW, Hackett, AR | 479‑629‑0911 |
| January 9, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | White | City Hall, 321 N Elm, Beebe, AR | 501‑288‑0101 |
| January 18–19, 2027 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Lawrence | 167 S 2nd St, Ravenden, AR | 870‑710‑1089 |
| January 23, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | White | Letona FD, 298 W Main St, Letona, AR | 501‑388‑1170 |
| February 6, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Hempstead | 4252 Hwy 355 S, Fulton, AR | 870‑826‑4103 |
| February 27, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Saline | 102 S Main, Benton, AR | 501‑240‑7020 |
| March 13, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Chicot | Dermott Training Center, 1001 Regional Rd, Dermott, AR | 870‑538‑4761 |
| March 27, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Baxter | Midway Training Center, 170 Dillard Rd, Gassville, AR | 870‑275‑5225 |
| April 12–13, 2027 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Nevada | 804 W Moreland, Rosston, AR | 870‑947‑0118 |
| April 19–20, 2027 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Stone | 216 Warren St, Mountain View, AR | 870‑615‑4486 |
| May 22, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Little River | 203 Hwy 41, Foreman, AR | 903‑826‑1642 |
| June 28–29, 2027 | 6 p.m.–10 p.m. | Bradley | 122 E Grand, Hermitage, AR | 870‑718‑7812 |
| August 21, 2027 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Columbia | SAU, 100 E University, Magnolia, AR | 870‑904‑9146 |
Please note: This course does not qualify participants as certified wildland firefighters, but it provides essential background and context for working alongside Forestry Division crews.
To receive a certificate of completion for the introductory wildland firefighting class, participants must:
- Attend the entire course
- Complete and pass an end-of-course test
- Demonstrate understanding of course materials
Rural Fire Program Instructor: ReGina Gregory
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (479) 214-3981