Wildland firefighting is inherently dangerous work that requires targeted knowledge, skills and abilities, plus extensive training and a lot of hard work. Most men and women who sign up to be wildland firefighters do so because they enjoy the adventure, the opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors, and the camaraderie of working as part of a team. The physical work keeps firefighters in great shape, and the money isn’t bad either, enabling them to pursue more enjoyable activities in the off season.
So, how exactly does one become a wildland firefighter? Here we’ll explore some of the top questions related to this line of work.
What does a wildland firefighter do?
Wildland firefighters are highly skilled individuals who are committed to wildfire suppression, management and control in order to protect our communities and natural resources from fire.
Wildland firefighters can be away from home for weeks at a time and face as many as three days of travel on either side of those two weeks. Plus, they do not usually work regular eight-hour shifts; instead, they may be asked to work shifts of 16 or more hours. The ability to work overtime is expected, and not doing so can negatively affect one’s chances of being rehired in subsequent seasons. In addition, wildland firefighters should not expect to get much time off, especially during fire season, and canceled plans are frequently the norm.
Wildland firefighters spend long hours in extreme conditions exposed to the elements. Work is mainly performed in forest and range environments with steep terrain. Getting to the fire may require hiking for hours while carrying heavy gear over uneven, rocky slopes covered in vegetation. Temperatures can vary widely. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling materials. It should be noted that an increasing number of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires and urban conflagrations are pushing wildland firefighting closer to residential and urban areas.
When at an incident or on assignment, crews may live in fire camps (aka tents) with no access to amenities such as a comfortable bed or a warm shower. Cell phone access can be spotty or nonexistent, sometimes leaving firefighters with no way to check in with family and loved ones for days.
Despite all the adversity, wildland firefighting remains a highly competitive occupation, with many applicants vying for limited positions.
How do I get hired as a wildland firefighter?
In the United States, various federal (National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs), state (Department of Forestry, the Department of Natural Resources) and local agencies hire and train wildland firefighters.
On the national level, the U.S. Forest Service, for example, has its own Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program. Selected applicants learn on the job by attending a two-month-long, 3,000-hour residential firefighting academy. They are paid for their time, and all training costs are covered by the agency.
The uptick in fire activity nationwide means that private contractors are also an increasingly important part of wildland firefighting. In recent years, contract firefighters have accounted for approximately one-fourth of the nation’s 40,000-plus wildland firefighters. Learn how to get hired to serve as a wildland firefighter for a private fire company.
When should an aspiring wildland firefighter look for a job?
Wildland firefighter positions are typically advertised in the off season (October–December),and hiring occurs as the fire season approaches (January–March). Candidates are advised to apply during the September/October timeframe since many positions close by January.
The heavy competition for wildland firefighting jobs means that the earlier candidates can start training, the better. Candidates are also encouraged to ask questions and be ready and willing to learn.
Watch for job opportunities on FireRescue1’s Jobs and Careers resource page.
What are the requirements to become a wildland firefighter?
Specific job requirements vary depending on the agency, but some are fairly basic and generally apply across the board. The basic requirements for wildland firefighting jobs with U.S. federal government agencies, for example, include:
- U.S. citizenship
- Age 18 or older at date of hire
- High school diploma or GED
- Relatively clean criminal record
- Valid driver’s license
- Drug test and/or background check
- Passing the Arduous Work Capacity Test
Although a college education is not required for entry-level positions, firefighting experience is generally preferred and a certificate or degree in fire science is always a plus. Applicants should consider joining a volunteer fire department to learn the ropes and get their foot in the door. They should also look into taking fire science and EMT courses at a local vocational school or community college.
What wildland firefighter training and testing is required to be hired?
Prospective wildland firefighters should focus on two areas: physical health and wildland fire-focused education.
In general, firefighters must pass extensive strength and endurance tests prior to their hire and throughout their careers. One way to prepare for these tests is by doing cardiovascular training while carrying weights. This activity prepares firefighters for the challenging conditions of a fire scene by simulating the real-life scenario of, for example, traversing steep terrain while carrying heavy gear and equipment.
Entry into the department training program usually requires candidates take both a written and a physical test.
The written test consists of 100 questions and focuses on spatial awareness, mechanical reasoning, and logic, all abilities required of a firefighter.
The physical test, known as the Arduous Work Capacity Test (or “Pack Test”), helps eliminate candidates who are physically incapable of or unfit for the work. Potential firefighters must demonstrate they can perform the essential functions of arduous duty by completing a three-mile hike through rough terrain while carrying 45 pounds of gear. The hike must be completed in 45 minutes or less, with no running allowed.
By definition, arduous work involves supplying the muscles with the oxygen they need to work without undue fatigue (aerobic fitness) and having the strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility to lift and carry heavy loads (muscular fitness). Aerobic and muscular fitness enable firefighters to meet the job’s demands for extra-strenuous activities. All wildland firefighters perform arduous duty.
Every federal agency requires candidates to pass the Arduous Work Capability before they will issue an Incident Qualification Card (or “Red Card”). The Red Card shows that the candidate has the training, experience, and level of physical fitness required by the firefighting agencies that are members of the NWCG.
If candidates are accepted into the program, they will continue on to fire academy training.
Note that it is not unusual for wildland firefighters to require additional certifications specific to their duties. A parachuting firefighter, or smokejumper, for example, must pass a battery of medical evaluations and a standard smokejumper physical training test before being qualified for the job. Prospective candidates must also meet certain age, height, weight, hearing and vision requirements, without exception.
Each agency has its own educational requirements. In Colorado, for example, candidates must earn their Red Card by completing the NWCG’s Basic Firefighter course and Introduction to Fire Behavior course. The National Park Service requires candidates to pass the written and physical tests and meet certain medical standards.
Some agencies perform mandatory drug testing, which includes tests for THC. Although marijuana is legal in some states, it is still illegal at the federal level and detection of THC may be grounds for discipline or dismissal.
How much do wildland firefighters make?
An average base salary for wildland firefighters is approximately $23 per hour, according to Indeed.com; however, hourly and salary rates vary widely by state. ZipRecruiter puts the annual salary anywhere between $27,000 and $53,000.
Several factors can affect salary, including experience level, location, position and agency type. Additional compensation might come in the form of overtime, hazard pay and stipends for specialized skills or assignments.
One state agency example is CAL FIRE, which shares the following details about salary: “The length of employment is up to nine months, depending on the duration and intensity of the fire season. Becoming a Firefighter I is the best way to enhance your career opportunities with CAL FIRE. Salary (Monthly) Base salary $3,672.00 - $4,643.00 Plus $1,824 - $2,306 Extended Duty Week Compensation (paid every 4 weeks). The typical work week consists of three consecutive 24-hour days on (72-hour shift) with overtime compensation for additional time worked.”
What are the wildland firefighter specialties?
To advance through the ranks or take on a specialist role, firefighters may have to complete additional training and education. Again, although not required for entry-level jobs, firefighters pursuing leadership positions may need a bachelor’s or even a graduate degree in fire science.
Wildland firefighting involves many specialist roles, including air attack, fire engine crews, fuels management, hand crews, heli-rappel, helitack, interagency hotshot crews, patrol and prevention technicians, and smokejumping.
Many firefighter specialty programs exist to provide hands-on training for these advanced positions. The Bureau of Land Management, for example, has a national Fire and Aviation Program for those who want to become smokejumpers.
What gear do I need to become a wildland firefighter?
Wildland firefighters are required to wear specific PPE that includes fire-resistant clothing, a helmet, eye protection, gloves and leather boots. They must also pack a fire shelter in case of emergency. According to the USFS, wildland firefighters will also carry personal gear bags that contain water, rations, a sleeping bag and hand tools. Most government agency jobs will provide the required PPE, but contract crews may require firefighters to purchase their own gear.
As wildfire incidents extend into suburban and urban areas, many firefighters responding to wildfires will have only their structural fire PPE.
[Read next: Surprise! You could be the next wildland firefighter]
High demand for wildland firefighters
Climate change and the expanding wildlife-urban interface are extending the fire season. Wildfires have grown in frequency, size and number, with no slowdown in sight, and these fires are more severe and more intense.
Visit the National Interagency Fire Center for the latest information on wildland fire locations and the number of wildland firefighters and support personnel assigned to fire incidents throughout the United States. And watch FireRescue1’s careers page for job listings.
The result is a greater-than-ever need and demand for wildland firefighters. Candidates who are willing to do the work to get hired and healthy and safe while on the job will likely have a successful and rewarding career as a wildland firefighter.
This article, originally published in 2021, has been updated to include additional resources.
