BASTROP – The 24th annual Capital Area Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academy (CAIWA) began last week at the Camp Swift National Guard Facility in Bastrop this week. The academy is taking place Oct. 7-19.Each year, firefighters travel across the state and nation to attend the academy to continue their education and earn National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training qualifications. The mission of Texas Interagency Wildfire and Incident Management Academies, including CAIWA, is to enhance wildland firefighters’ knowledge, utilizing NWCG standards, while promoting safe and cost-effective operations.Twenty-six classes are available this year that emphasize entry level and intermediate training in wildfire suppression for firefighters and ...