2026 Yellow Star Thistle TREX
June 1 - June 30
- Dates: 8-10 days in June 2026 – exact dates will be driven by phenology of the YST. Participants who apply are expected to leave the month of June open – with availability to attend the TREX event with a 3-5 day notice.
- Objectives: Broaden and expand prescribed fire training opportunities to fire practitioners, build
connection and community, share and exchange knowledge, and reduce invasive YST populations.
Registration Fee: Non-local registration fee is $300. Waivers are available for participants who bring
equipment (e.g. engines), or are in need of a fee reduction. Please note the request in your application. - Description: Participants will serve on a burn team and will assist with preparing, scouting, briefing,
igniting, holding, securing, and patrol on prescribed burns in the Hayfork area. We will also complete
pre- and post-fire monitoring, train with equipment, practice fireline leadership skills, and learn about
local fire ecology. There will be opportunities to work on NWCG taskbooks. Please note, CARX trainee
opportunities will not be available, given the complexity of the burns. - Requirements:
- 1.NWCG qualifications are not required to attend, although past fire experience will be taken into account during the selection process.
- 2.Participants must have health insurance which will cover personal injury (e.g., workers’ comp,
health or travel insurance) they may sustain during the training exchange; - 3.Participants must bring fire-approved boots (all leather, 8-inches tall, Vibram soles, with no steel toe) and all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including: a Next Generation Fire Shelter, a hard hat, Nomex clothing, all leather gloves, eye protection and canteens for up to 1 gallon of drinking water. If you do not have proper PPE, please let us know by indicating your needs on the application.
- Meals and Travel: Participants are required to bring their own tents, pads and sleeping bags.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Please let us know if you have food restrictions during
the application process. - Registration: To apply, complete the 2026 YST TREX registration form no later than April 10,
2026. We will notify all applicants and select participants by the end of April