Fire practitioner training with the Iowa Hill Prescribed Burn Association is built around a hands-on, community-driven approach to bringing good fire back to the landscape. Set in the rugged foothills of Placer County, the Iowa Hill PBA provides real-world training opportunities where new and experienced practitioners work side by side on prescribed burns. This “learn by doing” model allows participants to build skills in ignition, holding, mop-up, and fire behavior observation under the guidance of qualified leaders.

Trainings emphasize safety, communication, and adherence to NWCG standards, while also reflecting the local knowledge and needs of the community. Participants gain valuable experience tracking weather, reading fuels, and understanding how fire interacts with terrain—skills that are critical for both prescribed fire and wildfire response.

More than just technical training, the Iowa Hill PBA fosters a strong sense of community. Neighbors help neighbors, building local capacity and resilience while reducing wildfire risk and restoring fire-adapted ecosystems through the safe and effective use of good fire.