2026 Wildfire Mitigation Sim Competition

About the Wildfire Simulation:

NASPAA's 2026 Student Simulation Competition features the Forio Wildfire Simulation designed by Professor Matt Koschmann of the University of Colorado Boulder and built by Forio. The simulation competition teaches students practical communication and negotiation skills as they balance their roles against their team goals to collaborate on a joint wildfire mitigation plan for the fictional town of Westmount. In addition, as part of NASPAA's initiative to improve how we embody diversity, equity, and inclusion as an organization and as an essential part of public service education; NASPAA worked with Forio to update the simulation to incorporate DEI facets of wildfire mitigation and public service decision-making as core elements of the learning experience. The competition will once again include professional practitioners and academics to serve as guest judges from various public service fields.

2023 Flipbook

Check out our last Wildfire Competition 

What Students Get:
  • Engage with a realistic wildfire mitigation simulation, learn from knowledgeable practitioners and academics, and prepare a formal community wildfire protection plan presentation.
  • Learn by experiencing dramatic public service challenges first-hand without the fear of consequences.
  • A formal certificate from NASPAA to celebrate your achievement.
  • The top three global teams will win cash prizes of up to $3,000.

 

Thank you to the NASPAA member schools that agreed to host the competition this year:

  • Arizona State University
  • Georgia Southern University
  • Kean University - Ocean Campus
  • Ludovika University
  • Rutgers University - Newark
  • The George Washington University
  • The UMass Amherst
  • Universidad de los Andes
  • University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Missouri
  • University of North Dakota
  • Virginia Commonwealth University