Training
Get involved with prescribed fires by exploring various opportunities to become certified and more.
Indiana DNR Certified Prescribed Burn Manager
The Indiana Prescribed Burn Act, which was signed into law in 2025, authorizes the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry to administer a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager program.
Completed CPBM applications materials can be email or mailed to the Indiana DNR Fire Headquarters (see right),
Individuals wishing to become a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager (CPBM) should review and complete the documents below.
Indiana CPBM Training Standards
The Indiana CPBM Training Standards includes online and in person training as well as prescribed fire experience. The required training and experience is listed below:
· S-130 Firefighter Training
· S-190 Introduction to Wildlife Fire Behavior
· L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline
· IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
Online Courses can be completed by following the instructions listed on the DNR Fire HQ Wildland Firefighter Online Training website.
· S-130 Field Day (no pack test required)
· Indiana DNR Prescribed Fire for Managers
Details about in person trainings (dates, times, locations) can be found on the DNR Fire HQ Training Website.
· Participate in 5 prescribed burns in the two major fuel model groups that best represent most fuels in Indiana (grass and hardwood timber litter) — At least 3 burns shall be in the hardwood timber litter fuel model
· Serve as an Apprentice Burn Manager on 2 of the 5 prescribed burns, 1 from each of the two major fuel model groups in Indiana
· Complete the Prescribed Fire Experience Log
· Complete the Indiana Certified Prescribed Burn Manager Task Book with certification from an CPBM, RXB1, or RXB2
· Must have a burn plan for each burn in which the applicant was the Apprentice Burn Manager
You will find these resources available below along with more information about the Indiana DNR Certified Prescribed Burn Manager:
Indiana DNR Fire Headquarters Training
The Indiana DNR Fire HQ offers several opportunities for wildland and prescribed fire trainings. Many of these opportunities are NWCG courses. Courses include:
• RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher
• RX-100 Prescribed Fire for Managers
Training opportunities through the I-DNR Fire HQ can be found on the Wildfire Training webpage.
Learn-N-Burns & Prescribed Fire Workshops
The Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Purdue Extension, and other partners offer Learn-N-Burns and Prescribed Fire Workshops geared towards increasing landowners and land managers’ awareness and understanding of prescribed fire. These workshops also offer participants with the opportunity to experience – and participate in – live prescribed fire (weather permitting). Additionally, participation on a burn during these workshops may count towards the experience requirements of the Indiana CBPM program. These workshops are generally 1-day events and may include both classroom and field activities.
You can find Learn-N-Burns near you by visiting the events page or by visiting the Purdue FNR Extension Website.
Online Prescribed Fire Training
Prescribed Fire Training – University of Florida Extension
This course is designed to provide individuals with knowledge and resources to better accomplish their land management goals and to cultivate fire-educated communities.
Introduction to Prescribed Fire – Oklahoma State Extension
Interested in learning how to conduct a safe and effective prescribed burn? Enroll in the OSU Extension Introduction to Prescribed Fire online course to learn best practices for conducting a safe and effective burn. The course features interactive learning activities and custom videos.