Firefighters Train at Southeast Regional Fire School
North Dakota firefighters completed a three-day regional training program at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Firefighters from across North Dakota completed the Southeast Regional Fire School at North Dakota State College of Science from October 30 through November 1. The school, in its fourth year at the college, covered live-fire operations, advanced auto extrication, farm rescue, wildland firefighting, and firefighter wellness.
Why it matters
Staffing is one of the biggest concerns for smaller departments, where many firefighters balance volunteer duties with full-time jobs and family commitments. The training addresses challenges firefighters face in their communities, particularly in rural areas across North Dakota.
The three-day program included an extrication exercise simulating a crash involving approximately a dozen vehicles, with planning starting about six months ahead. The source does not report attendance totals.
The players
North Dakota Firefighters Association
The statewide association of firefighters that works with North Dakota State College of Science to identify training needs, recruit instructors, and coordinate courses.
North Dakota State College of Science
The college in Wahpeton that hosts the regional fire school and operates its Fire Science program.
The details
Courses covered live-fire operations, advanced auto extrication, farm rescue, wildland firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, active shooter response, first aid, water-flow techniques, incident command, hazardous materials, and firefighter wellness. A new burn building replaced the burn trailer used in previous years, letting firefighters practice in a residential setting.
Timeline
October 30 through November 1, 2026: Southeast Regional Fire School held at North Dakota State College of Science
About six months before the school: Planning for the regional school begins
Big Picture
The school extends a fourth-year partnership between the North Dakota Firefighters Association and North Dakota State College of Science, which gives Fire Science students access to association courses without added fees. The training model reflects ongoing efforts to prepare rural departments that rely heavily on volunteers.
Firefighters and residents interested in regional training should contact their local departments or the North Dakota Firefighters Association about upcoming courses. Fire Science students at the college can access association training courses without additional course fees.
The takeaway
Regional training partnerships let volunteer and rural firefighters build skills close to home, with planning that begins months in advance. Departments interested in similar programs can coordinate with their state firefighter associations early.
Further reading
Explore more on Emergency Response coverage across North Dakota.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wahpeton Daily News.
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