MARCH 6TH - 8TH, 2026
38th ANNUAL NORTHWEST IOWA REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOL
The Northwest Iowa Regional Fire School is an annual event designed to provide comprehensive training for firefighters and emergency responders in the region. Held in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, the school offers a wide range of hands-on courses, workshops, and live fire training scenarios, aimed at improving skills, safety, and teamwork. The event brings together professionals from local, state, and federal agencies to enhance their preparedness for a variety of emergency situations. With expert instructors and real-world simulations, Northwest Iowa Regional Fire School helps participants stay current with evolving fire safety techniques and best practices.
new this year
keynote speaker
The Northwest Iowa Regional Fire School Committee is happy to announce that the highly-sought professional instructor, Capt. Mike Gagliano, will be joining us March 6th – 8th, 2026.
Mike Gagliano has more than 33 years of fire/crash/rescue experience with the Seattle (WA) Fire Department and the United States Air Force. He retired as the captain of Ladder 5 and is an (honorary) member of Fire Station 31. He teaches across the country on Fireground Tactics/Decision-Making, Air Management, Leadership, and Company Officer Development. He has written numerous articles and is co-author of Air Management for the Fire Service and Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage.
Mike will be speaking Friday night as the keynote speaker and leading the following courses on Saturday: “The Art of Go/No-Go Decision Making” and “All Hell Breaks Loose...And Now You’re Out of Air”.
These courses will fill quickly, so be sure to check them out!
location
The 2026 Fire School will be held at the Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School, which is different than prior years.
lodging
The Woodbury County Fire Association has blocks of rooms at the Courtyard by Marriot Sioux City Downtown/Convention Center
Rooms must be booked by February 13th, 2026 to receive the discounted rate.