Wildland Firefighter

When it comes to becoming a wildland fighter, you have a lot of steps to consider. This dangerous profession isn't one sought by many, but if you have a passion for the environment and for saving countless lives, it may very well be for you. Here are a few things to think about as you research how to be a wildland firefighter.

Applying for a wildland firefighter position isn't unlike applying for any other job. It pays to be professional and courteous. Don't be afraid to emphasize your skills. While there are some basic requirements you must meet, such as being a certain age and being a high school graduate at minimum, there are plenty of skills you can be absolutely sure to include that will be sure to impress. For example, if you worked for a heavy duty landscaping company that involved trimming trees or majored in forestry, these may very well help in getting you a wildland firefighter position.

Learning how to be a wildland firefighter involves more than just learning about how to put out fires. You also learn the effects wildfires have on the environment, the behavior of wildfires, how weather conditions affect wildfire conditions, and so on. These classes are typically referred to as the S-130 Firefighter Training, the S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, and the I-100, Introduction to the Incident Command System.

As you study these courses, it can't hurt to become more familiar with being in the wild. After all, one of the benefits of being a wildland firefighter is its travel opportunities. You may find yourself in any number of settings, and it's unlikely you'll be able to return to a warm bed each night. This means you'll need to learn the basics of map reading, camping, basic first aid, and more. Learning these skills beforehand will help enormously with your training and put you a step ahead of the others.

Finally, once you've completed your training, you will be issued what is referred to as a red card. The red card is more than just a tool to indicate you've completed your education. It also shows which jurisdiction you work under, which can be quite useful.

Once you've completed your wildland firefighter training, you are free to pursue whatever position you like. This can be anyone from sawyers, who cut trees, to a fire engine operator. Keep in mind, however, that the position you pick may mean more courses and training. In the long run, however, it's more than worth it. Learn more about how to be a wildland firefighter today!