The second week of the 4th AFoCO Training of Trainers on Forest Fire Suppression (TOTFFS), implemented under the Forest Fire Management in Asia (FFMA) Initiative and held in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, focused on advanced field-based training and operational safety. Building upon the theoretical foundations and introductory practical sessions of the first week, the program placed strong emphasis on enhancing participants’ technical proficiency through realistic, scenario-based exercises.
Advanced Field Application in Forest Fire Suppression
Throughout the second week, participants took part in a series of structured field exercises designed to deepen their understanding of wildfire behavior and improve tactical response capabilities. Training activities included cross-fire techniques, coordinated fireline construction, and on-site fire suppression operations, allowing participants to apply suppression strategies across diverse terrain and simulated wildfire conditions.
Participants also engaged in prescribed burning exercises, conducted under controlled conditions and close expert supervision. These sessions provided valuable practical insights into the use of planned burning as a tool for fuel management, wildfire risk reduction, and the promotion of sustainable forest and landscape management practices.
Emphasis on Safety, First Aid, and PPE-Based Operations
Operational safety remained a core component of all field activities. Participants practiced first aid and emergency response procedures during simulated field scenarios, strengthening preparedness for potential injuries and emergency situations during forest firefighting operations
Hands-on sessions further reinforced the application of safety protocols, particularly the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during activities such as prescribed burning and cross-fire exercises. These practical experiences underscored the critical role of PPE in ensuring both safety and operational effectiveness under challenging field conditions.
Rappel Training Led by Korea Forest Service Aviation Headquarters
Among the field-based activities conducted during the second week, participants also took part in rappel training facilitated by expert trainers from the Aviation Headquarters of the Korea Forest Service. The session introduced aerial deployment techniques commonly used in wildfire response operations, particularly in mountainous and hard-to-access areas.
Conducted under strict safety standards, the training provided hands-on instruction in controlled rappelling from a height of approximately 10 meters, covering rope management, body positioning, descent control, and team coordination procedures. This activity contributed to participants’ understanding of aerial support operations and the safe deployment of personnel during forest fire emergencies.
Strengthening Trainer Capacity and Regional Cooperation
By the end of the second week, participants had significantly strengthened their ability to integrate technical firefighting skills, safety management, and team coordination in field operations. The comprehensive training program—encompassing ground-based fire suppression, prescribed burning, first aid, PPE-based operations, and aerial rappel techniques—contributed to enhancing participants’ competencies as both practitioners and future trainers.
The two-week TOTFFS program continues to support AFoCO’s broader mandate of strengthening regional cooperation, building institutional and human capacity, and promoting sustainable and effective forest fire management across its member countries.
Submitted by Dias Shakubayev, Assistant Program Officer, Capacity-Building and Evaluation Team