International fire professionals share ideas on wildfires and healthy forests

Fire management officers from Australia and New Zealand recently visited the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida to share techniques and strategies in the use of prescribed fire. The exchange program between Australia, New Zealand, Canada and fire professionals from the United States began in 1968. This year there was a group of six Australians and three New Zealanders. In addition to the Apalachicola National Forest they visited national forests in California, Northern Idaho and Montana.

Fire managers from the National Interagency Prescribed Fire Training Center in Florida hosted the international guests. The center includes fire professionals from several agencies including the U.S. Forest Service.