How are wildland firefighters different from normal firefighters?

Most firefighters begin as handcrews, hotshots, or engines. Wildland firefighters are often away from home, without days off, for 14+ days at a time. Wildland firefighters do not work regular schedules of 8 hour days but are often asked to work 16+ hours a day when on a fire or an assignment.

How long does it take to become a wildland firefighter?

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.

How much does a wildland firefighter make in 6 months?

How can you get paid to spend time in the great outdoors for months, sometimes doing exciting work for long hours? Become a wildland firefighter! In the right position, you could make as much as $40,000 during a six-month season.

Can you be a full time wildland firefighter?

Positions range from entry-level firefighter to senior fire management positions. Appointments range from temporary, seasonal positions to permanent, full-time year-round positions.

What does a structural firefighter do?

Structural firefighters operate and maintain a variety of fire apparatus in different settings, and it involves a lot of training. Firefighters are trained on ladder escapes, untenable conditions, and emergency firefighters bail out during extreme conditions.

What certifications do I need to be a wildland firefighter?

For Federal wildland firefighting jobs, you will need: High School Diploma or GED. Fairly clean criminal record (DUIs and felonies won’t immediately disqualify you, but each crew has different standards). Valid driver’s license (even if you have a DUI) Some agencies may require a drug test and/or a background check.

Can you make a career out of wildland firefighting?

Wildland firefighters may be required to work long hours in challenging and changing conditions, such as high temperatures and steep terrain. A career in wildland fire has many rewards, including the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country and create friendships that last a lifetime.

What do wildland firefighters do in off-season?

During the off-season, wildland firefighters may still work full-time as firefighters. However, seasonal wildland firefighters work during the fire season and may collect unemployment, travel, work other jobs, or further their education during the off-season.

How much do Smokejumpers make?

A smokejumper earns around $16.00 per hour while a smokejumper foreman earns about $24.00 per hour. Smokejumpers are paid nothing extra for making parachute jumps; however, they do receive hazard pay equivalent to 25 percent of their base pay when working on an uncontrolled wildfire.

Is 30 too old to be a wildland firefighter?

It’s never too late to become a wildland firefighter and start your career! Whether you’re 30, 35 or even 37, if you’re fit and motivated age shouldn’t be a deterrent.

How does structural firefighting PPE differ from wildland fire fighting PPE?

Why are there differences in the characteristics of structural fire fighting protective clothing and wildland personal protective clothing? Always ensure that the garment is dry before wearing it into a fire; PPE insulates you from the heat of a fire.

What are the requirements to become a wildland firefighter?

In addition to physical and educational requirements, all applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Aspiring wildland firefighters may find that fire departments or other potential employers prefer to hire people with previous firefighting experience.

What agencies are involved in wildland firefighting?

Wildland firefighting agencies operate at the federal level (National Park Service, Forest Service Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs), the state level (Fish and Game, Land Management, Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue) and at the local level where forest land lies within the incorporated area.

How many questions are on the Wildland Firefighter Exam?

To be admitted to departmental training programs, prospective wildland firefighters usually take at least two exams. The first, a written test, generally contains around 100 questions covering essential skills for the job such as spatial awareness, mechanical reasoning and logic.

What are the challenges of being a firefighter?

Challenge yourself to new limits, join the Forest Service men and women who serve to protect millions of acres of our forests, our communities, and our natural resources. Wildland firefighters may be required to work long hours in challenging and changing conditions, such as high temperatures and steep terrain.