by IMT Coordinator Andy Johnson
The South Carolina Forestry Commission hosted ICS 300 and ICS 400 at its Columbia headquarters the first week of July, bringing together personnel from SCFC and partner agencies for a week of learning, collaboration and problem solving.
Led by former SCFC Asst. Fire Chief Kyle Smith, Sally Browning with the U.S. Forest Service and SCFC IMT Coordinator Andy Johnson, participants worked through realistic scenarios and group exercises that strengthened the leadership, communication and decision-making skills needed to manage complex incidents. Drawing on their extensive operational experience, the instructors provided practical insights that made the coursework engaging, relevant and immediately applicable.
Beyond developing individual leaders, the training also strengthened the SCFC Incident Management Team by expanding its depth of qualified personnel and reinforcing the teamwork and relationships essential to successful incident response.
From wildfires to hurricanes and everything in between, the training helps ensure South Carolina has experienced incident managers ready to respond whenever and wherever they’re needed most.