The Trinity Integrated Fire Management Partnership Prepares for Drought Conditions by Strengthening Collaboration and Expanding Training

Barring an exceptionally precipitous spring, the forecast for this summer is hot and dry. Thanks to collaboration and training opportunities for applying good fire to the landscape, Trinity County is taking steps to create more fire-adapted landscapes and communities.

Representatives from the state, federal, tribal, and local level were represented at the Watershed Center’s largest “RT-130” training to date. The training offers valuable information, networking opportunities, and team-building exercises.

The Trinity Integrated Fire Management Partnership is a multi-organizational, inter-agency group that involves local Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs), Trinity County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD), Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CAL FIRE, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, local Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs), and local volunteers. The partnership has been in development for two decades and incorporates local, state, and federal personnel and perspectives around beneficial fire.

On March 10th, 23 representatives from The Watershed Center, TCRCD, USFS, CAL FIRE, NRCS, Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, Hyampom and Hayfork PBAs, as well as the Hayfork, Hyampom, Douglas City, Lewiston, and Trinity Center VFDs came together to share their most recent beneficial fire updates and coordinate upcoming work in 2026.

“We had a slow suppression winter,” stated Leroy Warshawer, Chief of Hayfork VFD, “and that really allowed us to focus on training and preparation. Even if we don’t have a lot of good prescribed burn windows, we feel ready for this season.”

Nick Mikkelson of CAL FIRE expressed his gratitude for the amount of support the agency received burning piles this winter but warned the group, “We saw manzanita burning real hot in January. In one instance, full suppression was the right call to make.”

The room nodded its agreement and Chief Warshawer added, “We noticed the manzanita was already blooming in some places in January.”

Even with the hot and dry outlook for the summer season, the camaraderie and companionship in the room was palpable. Chief Chuck Colby of Lewiston VFD mentioned that his new volunteers are eager to train and noted the benefits of prescribed fire as an opportunity to gain experience with live fire before jumping into the high-stakes environment of wildfire suppression. “Any trainings we can attend with you all, any support we can lend, we want to be there,” Chief Colby reiterated.

Local VFD members practice fire shelter deployment in Hayfork Fairgrounds while trainers use leaf blowers to simulate intense winds.

This growing support was made apparent less than a week later. On Monday, March 16th, 95 individuals from 21 partner organizations and institutions joined the “RT-130,” an annual refresher training for those who already hold their certification to work with fire on federal land, hosted by the Watershed Center. A four-day “Basic 32” course with 26 participants followed, which provided all of the coursework and hands-on training for those earning their certifications to work with fire on federal land for the first time.

At the TIFMP meeting, PBA representatives reminded the group that the Basic 32 and RT-130 trainings are not  required for community members helping their neighbors burn on private property. Hyampom has an active PBA with community volunteers, and Hayfork and Junction City are well on their way writing burn plans and working toward implementation.

As community trust is earned through each successful prescribed burn, the relationships between organizations and people wielding good fire tangibly strengthens. People working together has always been the key to stewarding Trinity County’s fire adapted landscapes. California residents have a “right to fire” on their property, but permits are required for certain seasons and specific weather conditions. Those who have questions or concerns or are interested in applying fire on their land can reach out to the Watershed Center, their local Volunteer Fire Departments, the Trinity County Resource Conservation District, CAL FIRE, or even their closest Prescribed Burn Association in Hyampom, Hayfork, or Junction City. Email Megan Killeen, the Watershed Center Communications Coordinator, at megan@thewatershedcenter.com to be directed to the right person for your location and project needs.

Funding for this project was provided in part through a Regional Forest and Fire Capacity grant awarded by the California Department of Conservation; the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program; the USDA US Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program; and the California Fire Foundations Grant program for preventing, preparing and/or responding to major events, including wildfires and other disasters.