As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to communities and ecosystems across the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is gearing up to enhance the skills and readiness of its Incident Meteorologists (IMETs) for the upcoming wildfire season. With specialized training sessions scheduled in Boise, Idaho, from February 23-27, 2026, NOAA IMETs are preparing to deliver crucial fire weather forecasts and impact-based decision support to ensure the safety of fire crews and first responders during wildfire incidents.
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The Continuity of Excellence Exercise will bring together 54 meteorologists to undergo intensive training aimed at equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to provide fire weather forecasts, fire behavior guidance, and briefings to wildland fire personnel at wildfire incident command posts. The training will focus on various aspects, including setting up and activating remote weather stations, developing spot weather forecasts, and delivering fire weather briefings. Additionally, participants will receive instruction on interpreting output from computer models and other forecasting tools to enhance their forecasting capabilities.
In 2025, NOAA IMETs completed 141 missions deployed to wildfires, highlighting the critical role they play in supporting firefighting efforts and ensuring the safety of personnel on the ground. With 96 certified IMETs and 27 trainees ready for deployment, NOAA is committed to maintaining a high level of expertise and preparedness to respond effectively to wildfire incidents across the country.
The training session in Boise will provide an opportunity for media representatives to interview and observe NOAA IMETs in action, gaining insights into the essential work they do to support wildfire response efforts. By engaging with NOAA experts and fire behavior analysts from state and federal partner agencies, reporters can gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges associated with wildfire forecasting and response.
As climate change continues to fuel the frequency and intensity of wildfires, the role of NOAA IMETs in providing accurate and timely weather information is more critical than ever. By enhancing their skills and readiness through specialized training exercises like the Continuity of Excellence, NOAA is taking proactive steps to ensure that IMETs are well-equipped to support firefighting operations and protect lives and property during wildfire incidents.
In conclusion, the upcoming training session for NOAA Incident Meteorologists underscores the agency’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its personnel in responding to wildfires. By investing in specialized training and continuous skill development, NOAA is reinforcing its role as a key player in supporting wildfire response efforts and safeguarding communities from the impacts of these natural disasters.
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References:
– NOAA. (2026, February 12). Media availability: NOAA incident meteorologists train for wildfire season. https://www.noaa.gov/media-advisory/media-availability-noaa-incident-meteorologists-train-for-wildfire-season
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