Description

The Fire Learning Network

Target Group fire practitioners in general, technicians, researchers, firefighters from different agencies of the hosting country (volunteer firefighters, professional firefighters, foresters, elements helitrasported, elements of military units), as well as from other countries with experience in fire use..

Description: all participants will have the chance to assume different positions and responsibilities during the operational periods: ignition and control of fire, leading different units. They will also complete fire behavior and weather observations and monitoring fire effects, preparation of control lines, practicing with different tools and equipment (hand tools, weather kits, pumps and engines, etc.).

Burn Plan implementations will take place in different municipalities of Alto Minho, different fuel types and different altitudes (between 200 and 1000 meters), and temperatures between 7 and 15 ° C.

There will also be different visits and staff-rides to previous wildfires to observe fire effects and assist to the analysis of researchers and managers about the impact of fire in the territory.

TREX participants will have the opportunity to expose a “Flash-Presentation” (5 minutes), about wildfires, prescribed burning, research, forest management and other experiences. Finally, participants will also have the opportunity to interact with some local media through field interviews.

What are we going to learn in this TREX that takes place for the 4th time in Europe?

Ecology of fire adapted ecosystems in the Iberian Northwest.
Social impact of prescribed fire inside and outside rural communities.
Monitoring of fire effects and the effectiveness of fire management.
As one of the cornerstones of the TREX program, the unique opportunity to train and be trained in a positive and respectful environment.
Observe and participate in an 7-day Incident run under the Incident Command System.

Requirements: Foreign participants (preferably) must have the training required by their countries in the use of fire and wildfire suppression.
All international participants (outside the European Union) must obtain, at their own expense, the necessary authorization and other international travel documents (such as passports and visas). The TREX organization will send an official invitation letter to expedite authorizations processes.

It’s COMPULSORY to show a proof of complete COVID 19 vaccination, internationally recognized.

The organization guarantees health insurance to all participants.

Similar to the previous editions, the predominant language will be Portuguese, although Spanish and English will be accepted. Bilingual participants with fire experience will be the leaders of the teams so they can interact and receive instructions.
Without exception, all participants are required to bring certified and approved boots for wildfires fighting. The remaining Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be provided by the Alto Minho TREX organization

Meals and Travels: all meals, transportation (for those who do not) and accommodation will be available from dinner of February 10th until lunch of February 17th, 2023. Travel expenses from the country of origin to the TREX location will be provided by the participants.

For participants arriving by plane and landing at the airports of Porto (Portugal) and Vigo (Galicia - Spain), the organization will arrange transportation to and from the TREX camp.

Final Considerations:

Due to the intrinsic nature of this TREX and the diversity of the Alto Minho landscape units, the locations where the prescribed burns will take place will be very varied.
We will do our best to respect special diets (vegetarian or vegan or other).
TREX is NOT a course, but rather a unique opportunity for exchange of knowledge and training, while protecting our forests and ecosystems against Wildfires in the region of the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Minho.
The implementation of the burn plans will depend on weather conditions.
The distance between the base camp of the TREX and the unites is in a maximum of 30 km range.
The weather in February, in the Alto Minho, is usually cold and humid.
Drug use, excessive alcohol consumption as well as sexual harassment or racist statements are completely prohibited

COMPLETE INFORMATION: ANNOUNCE IN PDF