The Healthy Forest Alliance Fire Practitioner Training & Education Program supports the next generation of wildland and prescribed fire professionals by providing accessible, standards-based training rooted in real-world experience. Designed for firefighters, prescribed fire practitioners, land managers, and community members, the program helps participants build skills, advance qualifications, and contribute safely to wildfire resilience across California. Healthy Forest Alliance is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, an NWCG member organization, and the National Wildfire Suppression Association, which maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with NWCG—reinforcing our alignment with nationally recognized wildland fire training and qualification standards.

We offer NWCG-aligned courses, field-based training opportunities, and hands-on learning that emphasize practical application, safety culture, and professional development. Participants can work toward nationally recognized qualifications through Position Task Books, Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards), and documented wildfire and prescribed fire experience. Training opportunities range from introductory coursework to advanced leadership and firing operations, supported by mentorship from experienced practitioners.

As a nonprofit organization, Healthy Forest Alliance focuses on removing barriers to participation. Through scholarships, reduced-cost training, PPE access, and strong community partnerships, we help ensure motivated individuals can participate regardless of background or agency affiliation. Our training is closely integrated with live prescribed fire projects, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in supervised, operational settings.

By investing in people, the Fire Practitioner Training & Education Program strengthens local capacity, supports career pathways, and builds a skilled, safety-focused workforce committed to putting more good fire on the ground.

The Healthy Forest Alliance Prescribed Fire Practitioner Experience Database Program is a career-development tool designed to help fire practitioners document, track, and advance their prescribed fire experience in a clear, professional, and standards-aligned way. The database allows members to log burn participation, roles, days on fire, and training activities, creating a centralized record that supports long-term qualification and leadership growth.

This system is especially valuable for practitioners working toward California Certified Burn Boss (CARX) qualifications, NWCG Position Task Books, and Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards). By maintaining accurate, verified experience records, members can demonstrate progression, meet prerequisite requirements, and streamline documentation when applying for task book initiation, evaluations, or qualification reviews.

The database also promotes consistency and accountability by aligning experience entries with NWCG terminology and prescribed fire best practices. Practitioners can track experience across multiple projects, PBAs, and partner organizations, reducing reliance on scattered personal logs or paper records.

As a nonprofit program, Healthy Forest Alliance provides this tool to remove barriers and support equitable access to professional development. The Prescribed Fire Practitioner Experience Database empowers practitioners to take ownership of their career pathway while helping build a safer, more qualified prescribed fire workforce dedicated to expanding good fire across California.

The Healthy Forest Alliance Position Task Book Administration Program supports fire practitioners as they work toward nationally recognized wildland and prescribed fire qualifications. This program provides structured oversight, guidance, and administrative support for initiating, managing, and completing NWCG Position Task Books in alignment with current standards and best practices.

Through this program, eligible members can request task book initiation, receive assistance understanding task requirements, and ensure evaluations are completed accurately and appropriately. Our staff help verify prerequisites, track progress, and review documentation to support consistency, accountability, and professional integrity throughout the task book process.

The program emphasizes mentorship and proper evaluation in real-world operational settings, including prescribed fire projects and training events. By connecting trainees with qualified evaluators and ensuring tasks are performed under appropriate supervision, we help maintain the credibility and value of the task book system.

As a nonprofit organization, Healthy Forest Alliance is committed to reducing barriers for practitioners outside traditional agency pathways. The Position Task Book Administration Program helps independent firefighters, prescribed fire practitioners, and community-based burn leaders access the same qualification framework used nationwide, supporting career advancement, leadership development, and a safer, more professional prescribed fire and wildfire workforce.

The Healthy Forest Alliance Incident Qualification Cards Program supports fire practitioners by providing a clear, standards-based pathway to obtain and maintain Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards). This program helps qualified members document their training, experience, and fitness in alignment with NWCG requirements, ensuring they are prepared to participate safely and professionally on wildfire and prescribed fire incidents.

Through this program, Healthy Forest Alliance reviews completed coursework, Position Task Books, experience records, and Work Capacity Test (WCT) results to verify eligibility for specific incident positions. Our staff assist members in organizing documentation, resolving gaps, and maintaining accurate qualification records, reducing confusion and administrative delays.

The program is especially valuable for practitioners who operate outside traditional agency structures, including prescribed fire practitioners, nonprofit crews, and community-based fire leaders. By providing a consistent review and issuance process, we help ensure qualifications are defensible, current, and recognized across incident environments.

As a nonprofit organization, Healthy Forest Alliance focuses on access, accountability, and safety. The Incident Qualification Cards Program supports career progression, reinforces professional standards, and strengthens the overall prescribed fire and wildfire workforce by helping practitioners show up qualified, prepared, and ready to contribute to putting more good fire on the ground.