MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Healthy Forest Alliance Expands Prescribed Fire & Wildfire Preparedness Program to Amador, El Dorado, and Alpine Counties
Placerville, California – September 27, 2025 – The Healthy Forest Alliance (HFA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing wildfire resilience through training, collaboration, and on-the-ground action, is excited to announce the expansion of its Fire Practitioner Training and Prescribed Fire Implementation Program into Amador, El Dorado, and Alpine Counties. This initiative will provide local communities with critical resources, hands-on training, and operational support to safely implement prescribed fire and other wildfire mitigation strategies.
Across California, wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more destructive. HFA’s expansion focuses on empowering local practitioners—private landowners, fire safe councils, tribal organizations, and community fire crews—with the training and equipment they need to take action before the next fire strikes. Through this program, HFA will deliver NWCG-certified training courses such as S-130/190 (Basic Wildland Firefighter), S-112 (Introduction to Chainsaw Operations), S-219 (Firing Operations), and advanced qualifications including Engine Boss (ENGB) and Firing Boss (FIRB). These trainings prepare participants to work safely on prescribed burns and to serve as vital resources on wildfire incidents.
To complement training, HFA operates a Prescribed Fire Equipment & PPE Loaner Program that provides Type 5 and Type 7 engines, radios, hand tools, firing devices, medical kits, and full PPE caches including Nomex clothing, helmets, and new-generation fire shelters. This ensures that cost is not a barrier to participation and that burns meet state and federal safety standards.
Funding for this program is made possible through a combination of grants, donations, and community partnerships. HFA recently received a $10,000 grant from the California Fire Foundation, funded by Pacific Gas and Electric, to support the purchase of additional personal protective equipment. However, with rising demand, HFA continues to raise funds to fully equip its practitioners and expand capacity.
“Our mission is to turn good intentions into good fire,” said Richard Carvalho, Executive Director of HFA. “By investing in local training and providing the tools to get the job done, we are helping Amador, El Dorado, and Alpine communities reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest health, and protect lives and property from catastrophic wildfire.”
Community members, landowners, and partner agencies interested in training, volunteer opportunities, or supporting the program financially can learn more at www.healthyforestalliance.org.
Media Contact:
Lynda Cull
Prescribed Fire Coordinator , Healthy Forest Alliance