Search
Student Login Employee Login

Course Descriptions

Wildland Fire Fuels Management

Course Descriptions

 

FOR 110

WILDLAND FIRE SCIENCE I

Course focuses on the effects of Wildland Fire Policy, current fire suppression strategies and tactics; weather, topography, fuel models and how each interacts to effect fire behavior. Additional topics include the Wildland fire environment as it relates to situational awareness and personal safety. This class is an overview of modern Wildland firefighting with an emphasis on understanding and applying fireline safety. This course cannot be challenged, but will be waived for those with proof of Wildland fire single resource status.  Credits: 2    Lecture: 1 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Identify major U.S. wildfires and how they effected and shaped U.S. Fire Policy.
  2. Understand current Wildland fire policy.
  3. Working knowledge of basic Wildland fire physics.
  4. Identify and describe common fuel types.
  5. Understand, discuss and have a working knowledge of current fireline safety practices.
  6. Understand and describe the National Incident Management System (NIMS) its development and current configuration.
  7. Handtool use and maintenance.
  8. Crew composition, structure and management.
  9. Understand basic wildfire tactics, size-up, initial attack, mop-up, patrol. Includes mechanized and aerial attack.
  10. Identify and understand principals of defensible space as it applies to the western states Wildland/urban interface.
  11. Understand large fire support, both operational and logistical.
  12. Understand and apply principals of Wildland fire situational awareness through review and study of past near misses and fireline fatalities. (class project)

FOR 111

FORESTRY PERSPECTIVES

An introduction to the entire discipline of forestry, including the history of forest use and management, North American forest regions, forest ecology, mensuration and management, forest products and the importance of forest resources other than wood fiber. Course also provides overview of state, regional and local employment opportunities.  Credits: 4    Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

 

FOR 202

FOREST ENTOMOLOGY/PATHOLOGY

Course emphasizes the recognition and effects of diseases, insects and mammals affecting forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. Course will examine the role of insects, diseases and animals in forest functioning, health and management, as well as control measures and integrated pest management. Lab work is largely field-based and emphasizes identification of damaging forest insects and diseases common in Oregon.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Ability to identify major forest pests in the Pacific Northwest.
  2. Understanding of the ecological role of insects and diseases in ecosystem functioning.
  3. Understanding silvicultural, biological, chemical, and mechanical means available for control and management of forest pathogens.
  4. Familiarity with the process of integrated pest management and its role in ecosystem management.

 

FOR 203

APPLIED FOREST ECOLOGY

Course applies principles of forest ecology to develop a basic understanding of forest stand dynamics and silvicultural principles. Emphasis is placed on stand development, regeneration and stand analysis. Students will develop a practical understanding of stand establishment, maintenance and stand data collection.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

FOR 205

SILVICULTURE AND HARVESTING PROCESSES

Emphasizes interrelated systems of silviculture and harvesting. Discussions provide an understanding of the various treatments and harvesting systems applied to forest stands to meet various management objectives for forest ecosystems. Topics include forest regeneration processes and intermediate operations (thinning, pruning, etc.) and different methods of timber harvest. Observation and data collection will be performed in lab sections. Written reports interpreting prescriptions and harvest systems will be required.  Credits: 5    Lecture: 3 Lab: 6

 

Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the vocabulary of harvesting systems to include mechanical-based, ground-based, cable-based and aerial-based harvesting systems. 
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of silvicultural terms and concepts.
  3. Explain the function of mechanical, traditional ground-based, cable and aerial yarding systems.
  4. Explain timber harvesting as a system.
  5. Identify different forest treatment types.
  6. Write summaries and reports that demonstrate an understanding of silvicultural constraints as they relate to harvesting.
  7. Be able to identify safety concerns and constraints associated with timber harvest and treatments.
  8. Demonstrate a familiarity of forest road layout and design, culvert design.
  9. Demonstrate an understanding of different silviculture and harvesting related software packages.
  10. Identify the legal, environmental, economic and social constraints involved with timber harvesting and forest management.

 


FOR 209

FIRE ECOLOGY AND EFFECTS

Discusses the role of fire in Pacific Northwest ecosystems.  Identifies effects on flora, fauna, soils, water; fire and cultural/visual resource management; fire and insect interactions.  Covers the effects of fire on different forest and range ecosystems.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

FOR 210

WILDLAND FIRE SCIENCE II

A study of hazardous fuel management and treatment practices. Incorporates current fuel measurement and analysis techniques, fire behavior prediction models and hazardous Wildland fuel mitigation methods.  Credits: 2    Lecture: 1 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Understand major events that shaped current U.S. fuel management policy
  2. Identify large fire events in Central Oregon and be able to discuss vegetation treatment options that would mitigate fire behavior.
  3. Understand and be able to discuss BD/KV laws, The NFP (1995-2004), Prescribed Fire Policy.
  4. Apply technical knowledge to calculate surface fuel loading utilizing Planar Intersect Sampling Method.  
  5. Identify the Fire Behavior Fuel models/ utilize photo series to predict loading.
  6. Utilize fuel and fire behavior models to predict fire behavior based on treatment options, (BEHAVE PLUS) (FARSITE)                   
  7. Be able to discuss central Oregon fire ecology.
  8. Have the knowledge and skill to develop a prescribed fire plan.
  9. Be able to apply weather information and remote weather sensing information to project development.
  10. Understand the interdisciplinary team process, the National Environmental Policy Act, a Decision Notice, Finding of No Significant Impact notice, and forest standards and guides as they apply to project development.
  11. Have the ability to write a fuel treatment plan, a prescribed fire plan and conduct an operation briefing.

FOR 220A

AERIAL PHOTO

Covers practical use of aerial photographs including photo interpretation, navigation, scale, area and distance determination, corner search, basic type-mapping and GPS application. Prerequisite: FE 210B.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Determine the representative fraction of a vertical air photo.
  2. Demonstrate the mathematical relationships between lens focal length, camera altitude, ground elevation, photo distance, ground distance, representative fraction, and photo scale reciprocal.
  3. Describe the characteristics of black and white, color, and infrared films.
  4. Determine tree heights from stereo pairs of air photos.
  5. Write a plan for an aerial photo flight.
  6. Determine the azimuth of air photo baselines and use to determine azimuths of flight lines and other lines on air photos.
  7. Navigate from point to point using air photos.
  8. Determine ground areas from vertical air photos.
  9. Interpret features and land use patterns using air photos.
  10. Utilize the vocabulary of air photo interpretation and photogrammetry.

 

FOR 220B

RESOURCE MEASUREMENT

Students learn fundamentals of measuring and quantifying natural resources including cruising and scaling timber, quantifying wildlife and fisheries habitat, measuring and estimating forage production for wildlife and livestock, and sampling wildlife populations. Also introduces basic statistical concepts and their applications in resource management. Recommended prerequisite: MTH 85. Concurrent enrollment in MTH 86 recommended. Instructor approval required.

Credits: 4    Lecture: 2.5 Lab: 4.5

 

Outcomes:

  1. Ability to measure tree height and diameter.
  2. Ability to determine tree volume using single and multiple entry volume tables.
  3. Ability to scale logs and determine gross volume using board foot log rules and cubic foot formulas.
  4. Understanding of fixed plot and variable plot cruise layouts.
  5. Be able to lay out and conduct a simple fixed or variable plot cruise, and determine gross volume.
  6. Be able to conduct regeneration surveys for trees and shrubs.
  7. Be able to measure wildlife habitat attributes such as shrub and canopy cover, forage availability, and hiding cover.
  8. Be able to calculate wildlife population parameters such as sex ratio and density from trapping or observation data.
  9. Understanding of basic terms and procedures of statistical sampling, such as population, variables, bias, accuracy, and precision.
  10. Be able to calculate mean, standard deviation, standard error of the mean, and construct a confidence interval about the mean for simple data sets.

 

FOR 230A

MAP, COMPASS AND GPS

Teaches the basic skills of field and forest navigation with compass and GPS. Competency obtained in pacing, paper and computer map use, compass and clinometers reading.

Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Use a hand compass and a staff compass to determine bearings and azimuths, both true and magnetic.
  2. Convert between bearings and azimuths and between true and magnetic directions.
  3. Use a clinometer or Abney to measure vertical angels and then correct slope distance to horizontal distance using basic trigonometry.
  4. Measure distance by pacing and GPS use.
  5. Know the basic design and utilization of the Public Land Survey.
  6. Identify all symbols, grids, Public Land Survey notation, and marginal information on a U.S.G.S. 7½' series map.
  7. Determine land area from a map using a dot grid and a polar planimeter.
  8. Draw a map to scale using standard format and symbols.
  9. Determine position by recreational GPS.
  10. Use MapTech Terrain Navigator to obtain locations, coordinates, distance, direction, elevation and GPS tracks and routes.

 FOR 240A

FOREST ECOLOGY

Course is designed to provide students with an overview of basic plant structure and function and to introduce students to functioning of forest ecosystems. Class will examine the physical environment and how it affects growth and distribution of organisms and ecological processes. Course concludes with an examination of communities, disturbance and succession.

Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Understanding of basic concepts in botany, including plant structure and function.
  2. Ability to identify the major components of a forest ecosystem.
  3. Familiarity with ecosystem functions and processes, with special emphasis on forest ecosystems.
  4. Understanding of basic disturbance ecology.
  5. Understanding of basic concepts in forest succession.

FOR 241A

FIELD DENDROLOGY

Covers identification, classification and recognition of common trees and shrubs found in Oregon habitat types and major North American tree species. Emphasizes botanical nomenclature and proper identification using plant keys and field characteristics. All classes for this course are conducted in the field.  Credits: 2   Lab: 6

 

FOR 241B

DENDROLOGY

Covers identification, classification and distribution of plant communities (tree, shrub, forb and grass) found within Oregon and major North American plan communities. This class covers in lecture format the structure and function of the primary organs and tissues that comprise woody plants. This course complements FOR 241A.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. The student will use appropriate terminology to describe leaf and plant parts.
  2. The student will be able to describe the different forest regions of the U.S.
  3. The student will be able to list the major tree species of each forest region.
  4. The student will be able to describe the major vegetation types of Oregon.
  5. The student will be able to describe the biological classification system.

FOR 260

CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Examines current utilization and issues surrounding natural resources availability and management, as well as the effect of human population on resource use and the environment. Includes critical analysis of sustainable development and resource use concepts, including principles of conservation and management.  Emphasis placed on current issues. Two-day field trip required. Prerequisite: WR 121.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 2 Lab: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Be able to define or distinguish between natural, renewable, non-renewable, and perpetual resources.
  2. Be able to discuss human population growth in developed and less developed countries.
  3. Understanding of the effects of human populations on use of natural resources.
  4. Be able to discuss conflicts in forest management and possible alternatives to traditional sources of forest products.
  5. Understanding of basic issues in endangered species conservation and management.
  6. Be able to discuss issues related to resource conservation in the Columbia basin, with a focus on salmonids.
  7. Understanding of basic issues in water conservation and management, both locally and globally.
  8. Understanding of solid waste issues in the United States and strategies for management.
  9. Be able to work in small groups toward completion of projects, ranging from very minor to extensive (term project).

 

WF 100

I-100 AND I-200 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEMS

Addresses the Incident Command Systems (ICS) organization, basic terminology, common responsibilities and principles. Provides a foundation upon which entry-level personnel can function appropriately in the performance of incident-related duties.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 3

 

Outcomes:

Module1:

  1. List the five major organizational activities within the Incident Command System and explain their primary functions.
  2. Give the titles, and explain the duties of Command and General Staff members.
  3. Match organizational unit to appropriate Operations, Planning, Logistics or Finance Sections.
  4. Match supervisory titles with appropriate levels within the organization.
  5. Describe what an Incident Action Plan is and how it is used at an incident.
  6. Describe how span of control functions within the incident organization and in the use of resources.
  7. Describe the common responsibilities (general instructions) associated with incident or event assignments.
  8. Describe several applications for the use of ICS.

Module 2:

Describe and explain the use of:

  1. Primary management functions.
  2. Management by Objectives.
  3. Unity and chain of command.
  4. Establishment and transfer of command.
  5. Organizational flexibility.
  6. Unified command.
  7. Span of control.
  8. Common terminology.
  9. Personnel accountability.
  10. Resources management.
  11. Integrated communications.
  12. The Incident Action Plan.

Module 3:

  1. Explain how the incident organization expands or contracts to meet operational needs of the incident or event.
  2. Describe the use of Branches, Divisions, and Groups within the Operations Section, and provide supervisory titles associated with each level.
  3. List the essential elements of information involved in transfer of command.
  4. Match organizational positions with appropriate ICS sections.
  5. Describe an ICS organization appropriate to a small incident using an Incident Briefing form.

Module 4:

  1. Name each of the principal facilities used in conjunction with ICS, and explain the purpose and use of each.
  2. Identify which facilities may be located together at an incident or event.
  3. Describe how the various incident facilities are used and managed to support an incident or event.
  4. Identify appropriate map symbols associated with incident facilities.

Module 5:

  1. Describe the need for proper incident resource management.
  2. Describe three ways of managing resources and the advantages of each.
  3. Explain the purpose of resource typing.
  4. Describe the three resource status conditions used at an incident and the purpose and limits associated with each.
  5. Explain how resource status is changed, how notification of changes is made, and how status is maintained at an incident or event.

Module 6:

  1. List actions to be accomplished prior to leaving for an incident or event.
  2. List the steps involved at incident check-in.
  3. List major personal responsibilities at an incident or event.
  4. List the major steps necessary in the incident or event demobilization process.

 


WF 101

S-130, S-190 FIREFIGHTER TRAINING, INTRO TO FIRE BEHAVIOR

Course trains new firefighters in basic firefighting skills and the basic fire behavior factors that will aid them in safe and effective control of Wildland fires. Human performance issues are addressed and how those issues impact fireline job performance. Course also addresses human performance content as it relates to the individual, including situation awareness, communication, decision making, risk management and teamwork skills. Desired outcome of this course is improved awareness of human performance issues on the fireline so that individual firefighters can integrate more effectively into teams/crews working in dynamic, high risk environments.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Discuss firefighter preparedness
  2. Demonstrate use of tools and equipment.
  3. Identify the firing devices.
  4. Demonstrate the use of water.
  5. Demonstrate the different suppression techniques.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to secure the control line.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to read and use maps.
  8. Discuss scouting, patrolling, and communicating.
  9. Demonstrate and discuss the Standards for Survival.
  10. Identify and discuss the three sides of the fire triangle.
  11. Identify the environmental factors of Wildland fire behavior that affect the start and spread of Wildland fire.
  12. Recognize situations that indicate problem or extreme Wildland fire behavior.

WF 180

L-180 HUMAN FACTORS-FIRELINE

Establishes an awareness of human performance issues and how those issues can impact fireline job performance. Addresses human performance content that relates to the individual, including situation awareness, communication, decision making, risk management and teamwork skills. Improves awareness of human performance issues on the fireline so that individual firefighters can integrate more effectively into teams/crews working in dynamic, high-risk environments. Recommended prerequisites: WF 101, WF 100.  Credits: 1    Lecture: 1

 

Outcomes:

  1. Identify existing standard communication procedures and opportunities to initiate standard communication procedures in the fireline work environment.
  2. Describe the 5 communications responsibilities.
  3. Identify hazardous attitude barriers and their impacts on situation awareness.
  4. Identify stress reaction barriers and their impacts on situation awareness.
  5. Describe the process of preplanning and its role in decision making.
  6. Describe the situation awareness self-check tool and its role in decision making.
  7. Describe the relationship between teamwork and the human performance concepts discussed in the previous lessons.

 

WF 211

S-211 PORTABLE PUMPS

Provides practical knowledge and application skills of portable pump operations.  Recommended prerequisite: WF 100, WF 101.  Credits: 2    Lecture: 2

 

Outcomes:

  1. Identify various types of portable pumps, equipment and hose lays.
  2. Describe and install various methods of using water to control wildfires.
  3. Perform necessary maintenance on portable pumps.

 

WF 215

S-215 FIRE OPERATIONS IN THE URBAN INTERFACE

Covers size-up, initial strategy and action plan, structure triage, tactics, action plan assessment, public relations and follow-up, and safety.  Recommended prerequisites: WF 100, WF 101.

Credits: 3    Lecture: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Describe the human and environmental factors in the interface that affect critical decision making and require situational awareness for firefighter safety.
  2. Describe items to consider when sizing-up an interface fire, prior to and after arriving at the scene and when sizing-up resources needed.
  3. List the three incident priorities and describe the three operational modes.
  4. List the three structure triage categories.
  5. List five factors upon which to base structure triage decisions and give three examples of each.
  6. List four conditions that may indicate a structure cannot be saved.
  7. List initial operations to be accomplished upon arrival at an incident or assigned area and describe their importance to firefighting actions.
  8. Describe four considerations in engine access and positioning in structure defense.
  9. List three situations in which burning out may be necessary in structure defense and describe who makes the decision to conduct a firing operation.
  10. Given an incident action plan and scenario, demonstrate how to properly update the plan when the scenario changes.
  11. List four steps that should be completed before leaving an area involved in an interface fire.
  12. List four factors to be considered in dealing with the public and three factors to be considered in dealing with the media on interface fires.
  13. Describe in order of priority three actions that can be taken if a defensive position is threatened by the fire and becomes unsafe.

 

WF 230

S-230 CREW BOSS

Designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of duties associated with the single resource boss position from initial dispatch through demobilization to the home unit. Topics include: operational leadership, preparation and mobilization, assignment preparation, risk management, entrapment avoidance, safety and tactics, offline duties, demobilization and post incident responsibilities.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Describe crew boss responsibilities prior to and during mobilization, on the incident, and during demobilization.
  2. Identify the hazards and risks on various incidents and describe how to mitigate them.
  3. Describe tactics which are appropriate to various Wildland fire situations and procedures to implement them through the chain of command.

 

WF 234

S-234 IGNITION OPERATIONS

Entry level course providing training in the functional roles and responsibilities connected with firing operations. Course covers planning, ignition procedures and techniques, and equipment applicable to Wildland and prescribed fire. It also addresses the role of ignition specialist or firing boss as the organization manages escalation from a non-complex to a complex fire situation. NOTE: Course is not intended to qualify or certify any personnel in the use or transport of any firing device. It is to provide the potential firing boss a description of available equipment and the requirements specific to each such device.  Credits: 3    Lecture: 3

 

Outcomes:

  1. Describe the role and responsibility of the single resource boss (FIRB) and prescribed fire ignition specialist (RXI2).
  2. Identify resources needed to successfully conduct and ignition operation for a Wildland fire or prescribed fire.
  3. Develop an ignition plan demonstrating the knowledge of fire behavior, firing techniques, holding, and hazards.
  4. Given a scenario, implement an ignition operation with emphasis on safety, coordination, communications, and evaluation.

 

WF 260

S-260 INTERAGENCY INCIDENT BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Covers the following incident business management practices: rules of conduct for incident assignments, recruitment of casuals, pay provisions, timekeeping, commissary, travel compensation for injury, acquisition of equipment, supplies, services, property management, types and the necessity of cooperation agreements, reporting, investigating, and documenting accidents and claims.  Concurrent enrollment in WF 100, WF 101.  Credits: 2    Lecture: 2

 

Outcomes:

  1. Rules of conduct for incident assignments.
  2. Recruitment of casuals.
  3. Pay provisions, timekeeping, commissary, and travel.
  4. Acquisition of equipment, supplies, and services from appropriate sources.
  5. Property management.
  6. Types and the necessity of cooperative agreements.
  7. Reporting, investigating, and documenting accidents and claims.

 

WF 270

S-270 BASIC AIR OPERATIONS

Covers aircraft types and capabilities, aviation management and safety, tactical and logistical uses of aircraft, and requirements for helicopter take-off and landing areas. Recommended prerequisites: WR 131, WF 134.  Credits: 2    Lecture: 2

 

Outcomes:

  1. Describe the ICS criteria for typing aircraft.
  2. Describe safety procedures to be followed while flying in or working with agency aircraft.
  3. Describe how density altitude, ground effect, and translational lift affect aircraft performance.
  4. Describe pilot and aircraft certification procedures.
  5. Describe the importance of flight planning and flight following.
  6. Describe correct procedures for loading cargo, transporting passengers, and emergency landing.
  7. Describe correct procedures for reporting aviation mishaps.
  8. Describe tactical and logistical uses of aircraft.
  9. Describe safety procedure to be followed by ground personnel during water and retardant drops.
  10. Describe standard target description techniques for directing pilots and indicators of effective water and retardant drops.
  11. Describe specifications and safety requirements for locating and constructing helispots.

WF 280

L-280 FOLLOWERSHIP/LEADERSHIP

Training course designed as a self-assessment opportunity for individuals preparing to step into a leadership role. There is one day of classroom instruction followed by a day in the field with small teams of students working through a series of problem solving events (Field Leadership Assessment Course). Topic areas include: leadership values and principles; transition challenges for new leaders; situational leadership; team cohesion factors; ethical decision-making.

Credits: 2    Lecture: 2

 

Outcomes:

  1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental leadership principles.
  2. Students will assess their individual traits and motivation for entering into a leadership role.

 

WF 290

S-290 INTERMEDIATE WILDFIRE BEHAVIOR

Meets training requirements to work in the operations section of the Incident Command system.  Instructs firefighters how to recognize the numerous factors relating to fuels, topography and weather which affect fire behavior.  Recommended prerequisites:  WR 131, WF 260, WF 134.

Credits: 3    Lecture: 3


Outcomes:

  1. Determine basic input date of terrain, fuels, and weather required for understanding Wildland fire behavior for various times of the day or night.
  2. Describe the causes of extreme fire behavior conditions (spotting, crowning, firewhirls) developing due to weather, fuels, and/or topography.
  3. Assess fireline data and fire behavior estimations, and identify areas where fire suppression limitations exist.
  4. Describe the conditions which contribute to the occurrence of plume-dominated and wind-driven fires.
  5. Describe the combining influences that affect basic Wildland fire behavior and should be monitored continuously.
  6. List the seven (7) Wildland fire environment factors which must continuously be monitored, and describe indicators of change for each factor.

 

WF 298

S-390 FIRE BEHAVIOR CALCULATION

Course is designed to develop knowledge and skills required for effective fire behavior prediction. Introduces fire behavior calculations by manual methods, using nomograms. Student will gain an understanding of the determinants of fire behavior through studying input (wind, slope, fuels, and fuel moisture). Students also learn how to interpret fire behavior output. Local and regional environmental differences are stressed.  Credits: 2    Lecture: 2

 

Outcomes:

1. Determine what input is needed for the surface fire behavior nomogram.

2. Perform fire behavior calculations of rate of spread, fireline intensity, flame length, area/perimeter growth, and maximum spotting distance using a fire behavior processor.

3. Prepare a fire perimeter map showing head, flanks, and rear of the fire in hourly increments.

4. Based on predicted fire behavior, identify areas where fire suppression limitations exist, and make recommendations for fireline location and safe control tactics including the use of backfiring and burning out.

5. Discuss applications of fire behavior predictions and recognize when predictions may be different from the observed behavior.