Who You Are: Wildland Firefighter

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Education

No formal education is required but you must complete many fire courses and training such as a Red Card class. You must pass many aptitude and physical fitness tests such as the pack test before being considered for a job.

You would be a great wildland firefighter if you:
  • can learn and demonstrate great outdoor skills
  • can drive a truck with a manual transmission, change a tire, run a chainsaw, pitch a tent, tie half a dozen knots, sharpen a knife, read a topographic map, and use a compass
  • can work long, strenuous hours with a heavy pack in extreme heat or other hard conditions
  • enjoy working with your hands
What You Do

Fires are a natural part of our ecosystems. Sometimes, they can be allowed to burn to restore nutrients, clear understory, and improve a forest’s health. Other times, fires need to be contained when they threaten people, animals, structures, or become out of control. Firefighters suppress, contain, or monitor wild fires. Firefighters dig fire lines or work as an engine operator. They maintain equipment such as fire engines, tractors, mowers, chain saws, and hand tools. When not involved with fire related activities, they might assist in natural resources- related project work such as restoration.