S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Training

RI Department of Environmental Management’s Forest Fire Program is pleased to announce the hosting of the S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws training. This is a National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) class. This is an instructor-led course intended to be presented at the local level. The course lessons provide introduction to the function, maintenance and use of internal combustion engine powered chainsaws, and their tactical wildland fire application. Field exercises support entry level training for firefighters with little or no previous experience in operating a chainsaw, providing hands-on cutting experience in surroundings similar to fireline situations.

Classroom space will be limited. Priority students will be those with Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualifications or greater.

This is a hands-on class with some classroom portions of the training. Students are required to bring their own equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for use in chainsaw operations to include chainsaw maintenance, bucking, limbing, brushing, felling, and fireline construction. Equipment and PPE includes:

Equipment:

• Working chainsaw

• Mixed gas (50:1 ratio) and bar oil

• Tool kit

• Extra chain

• Felling axe

• Wedges

PPE:

• Chainsaw chaps/pants

• Hardhat

• Hearing protection

• Eye protection

• Long sleeve shirt

• Work boots

• Gloves

Classroom training will be held at George Washington Headquarters, 2185 Putnam Pike, Glocester, RI, 02814. Field days will be held at a separate, pre-determined location. Directions to field day portions of training will be given during class. Class will start promptly at 0800 and end at or before 1700 daily. Lunch will not be provided. Students will be required to bring their own bag lunch for each day as much of this training will take place in the field.