There’s a greater-than-ever demand for wildland firefighters; here’s how to get started
Every year in the United States, wildland firefighters protect our forests, communities and natural resources. These highly skilled individuals are committed to wildfire suppression, management and control. It is inherently dangerous work that requires targeted knowledge, skills and abilities, plus extensive training and a lot of hard work.
So, how exactly does one become a wildland firefighter? Most if not all agencies and private contractors offer training programs. 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. Read More…