FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Truckee, California – 2026
Healthy Forest Alliance Announces 2026 Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program
The Healthy Forest Alliance (HFA) is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program, a workforce-development initiative designed to reduce financial barriers to prescribed fire training and expand the capacity of qualified fire practitioners across California and the Western United States.
The scholarship program provides financial assistance to individuals seeking to participate in Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX), NWCG and state-approved fire courses, and other hands-on training opportunities essential to building experience, qualifications, and career pathways in prescribed fire and land management.
Prescribed fire is a proven, science-based tool for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, reducing hazardous fuels, and protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire. However, the cost of training, travel, lodging, and equipment can limit access for many dedicated practitioners. The 2026 Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program helps address these barriers by offering support for eligible training-related expenses.
“This scholarship program is about investing in people who are committed to doing good fire safely and responsibly,” said Lynda Cull, Prescribed Fire Coordinator for the Healthy Forest Alliance. “By expanding access to training and experience, we are strengthening the prescribed fire workforce and supporting healthier, more resilient landscapes.”
Scholarship applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must hold a free Associate Membership with the Healthy Forest Alliance and submit an application through the HFA members area outlining their experience, training goals, and financial need.
Recipients of the Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program gain hands-on field experience, build professional networks, and return their skills to local communities, Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs), Fire Safe Councils, and collaborative land-management efforts throughout the region.
More information and applications are available at:
https://www.healthyforestalliance.org/fire-practitioner-training-scholarship-program
Supporting the Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program
The 2026 Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program is made possible through tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners who believe in proactive wildfire mitigation and workforce development.
The Healthy Forest Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all contributions to the Fire Practitioner Scholarship Program are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations directly support training access for fire practitioners by helping cover tuition, travel, lodging, meals, and essential participation costs.
By contributing to this program, donors play a direct role in:
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Expanding the prescribed fire workforce
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Increasing community-based fire capacity
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Supporting safe, well-trained practitioners
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Promoting long-term forest health and wildfire resilience
Donations can be made online through the Healthy Forest Alliance website.
About Healthy Forest Alliance
Healthy Forest Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting forest health and wildfire resilience through collaborative land management, prescribed fire training, and practitioner support. The Alliance works statewide and regionally to restore fire-adapted ecosystems and build safer, more resilient communities.
Media Contact
Lynda Cull
Prescribed Fire Coordinator
Healthy Forest Alliance
Phone: 530-287-8660
Email: