After 28 years of helping firefighters develop their professional skills and leadership abilities, the Arkansas River Valley Wildland Fire Academy at Arkansas Tech University has never been bigger than it is in 2025.
“This year’s academy will be the largest one we’ve hosted since its inaugural year in 1998,” said Mary Wood, public and legislative affairs officer for the U.S. Forest Service. “We expect almost 800 students from over 30 states and dozens of state and federal agencies and tribal governments to be in attendance. Year after year we hear from students who are visiting Arkansas for the first time, and who fall in love with this area and the state and this campus. We know we have something pretty spectacular here.”
The first academy students arrived at ATU in Russellville on Monday, May 12, and classes will continue through Friday, May 23.
Pope County Judge Ben Cross and Russellville Mayor Fred Teague attended a barbecue at ATU’s Hull Building Student Union on Wednesday, May 14, to greet the firefighters in attendance and present a proclamation declaring May as Wildland Fire Training Month in Pope County and Russellville.
“Thank you to all of you for being willing to run into disaster when it strikes,” said Teague when addressing the academy participants. “It’s because of men and women like you that people like me are able to sleep at night and not have to worry about it. I appreciate what you do. I appreciate Arkansas Tech for being an amazing community partner. (ATU President) Dr. (Russell) Jones and the ATU staff are absolutely amazing. It’s a wonderful place, and we’re grateful that you guys choose to come here and do this in Russellville.”
Founded in 1998, the Arkansas River Valley Wildland Fire Academy is a partnership between ATU, the U.S. Forest Service, the Arkansas Department of Forestry and several other federal and state agencies.
“This is an honor to be with and recognize you tonight,” said Cross when addressing the firefighters. “Dr. Jones is our community partner in all things, and I can’t say enough good things about what he has brought to Arkansas Tech University.”
The 2025 Arkansas River Valley Wildland Fire Academy is offering 24 courses that include a variety of exercises for participants on and off campus.
“Firefighters from all over the country live here and invest in our community and economy for two weeks to continue training and specialized education to enhance their skills and abilities in wildland fire management,” said Wood. “We blend burning and wildfire experience with curriculum covering foundational topics and leadership development. ATU is an incredible collaborator and partner.”
Learn more about the Arkansas River Valley Wildland Fire Academy at www.arkansaswildlandfireacademy.com.
Learn more about the ATU tourism program at www.atu.edu/tourism.
