Are federal wildland firefighters really firefighters?

The question often comes up in discussion forums and online blogs all the time: Are wildland firefighters really firefighters? Or are they just “Forestry Technicians” ?

I guess that question is a valid one. Depending upon where you are in the country, wildland firefighters’ duties, experience, and equipment can be highly variable. I know that in my area, wildland firefighters ARE firefighters, especially those that work in the wildland urban interface areas of the western United States.

I’d like to put this question to rest once and for all. Yes, wildland firefighters are firefighters. They just specialize in one area of firefighting, and are “jacks of all trades” just like other firefighters. When not fighting wildfires, wildand firefighters often perform “other duties” as assigned as the fire service has evolved (EMS, HAZMAT first response, traffic collisions, public relations, structural fire response, etc.).

Case in point: Firefighters in large municipalities such as Chicago, Boston, and New York specialize in traditional

Forest Service firefighters suppressing a bus fire and protecting structural and wildland exposures. Photo Credit: John Miller

 structural firefighting. Likewise, if called to a wildland fire, they may not have the experience or training as their counterpart wildland firefighter brothers and sisters, but they are still called firefighters.

Not recognizing wildland firefighters as firefighters (as some insist on doing) is akin to saying firefighters assigned to Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) units are not firefighters because they don’t fight structure fires on a regular basis.

So, what is the training that a “typical wildland firefighter” gets? Before we answer that question, we need to look at what our typical recruits have gotten in their own time to be competitive in the firefighter job market. Here is what a “typical” seasonal wildland firefighter applicant resume lists:

1.)  Completion of a Basic Firefighter Academy (FF1 or equivalent),
2.)  Completion of an Emergency Medical Technician class, or Medical First Responder,
3.)  6-9 units (or more) of college fire science course work,
4.)  6-12 months experience as either a paid call or volunteer firefighter, or 2-4 years as a Fire Explorer Scout, or both.

Forest Service firefighters treating injured patients from a semi rollover. Photo Credit: Roger Murray

Now, after the firefighter applicant has been hired, they are expected to go through the minimal basic wildland firefighter training. The minimal basic wildland firefighter training consists of the following courses:

1.)  S-110 Basic Orientation
2.)  S-130 Basic Firefighter Training
3.)  S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior
4.)  I-100 Introduction to ICS

In addition to the above minimal mandatory training, wildland firefighters will receive specialized training for the type of fire suppression resource they are assigned to (engines, handcrews, helitack, smokejumpers, etc.). Some examples of such training would be the use of SCBA; the use of chainsaws; the use of rappelling equipment; the use of EMS equipment; and countless other topics.

After serving as a seasonal wildland firefighter, wildland firefighters may be selected for permanent employment and

Forest Service firefighters on scene of a multi vehicle/multi fatality vehicle accident with fire. Photo Credit: Roger Murray

 be placed into the Wildland Fire Apprenticeship Program (WFAP). The Apprenticeship Program is an intense 24-48 month program consisting of:

1.)  Basic Academy (4-weeks),
2.)  Advanced Academy (4-weeks),
3.)  On-the-job training and work experience (4,000 hours),
4.)  Technical related supplemental training (258 hours).

The above information is just what it takes to become an entry level ”permanent” wildland firefighter. As wildland firefighters advance through their careers and ranks, they will take specialized training that, in some cases, prepares them to serve in “All Risk” roles supporting emergency responses to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, and other disasters. Forestry Technicians or Wildland Firefighters? What’s your take?

For additional information on wildland firefighter training, duties, or qualifications, please visit the following links:

National Wildland Fire Training

Wildland Firefighter Qualifications

Forest Service fire engine on a Southern California interstate freeway. Photo Credit: Roger Murray.