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What are some things I should know about wildland firefighting?

I'm a student with Curlew Job Corps my name is John and I am looking in to getting into the forestry trade
what are some important things about being a wild land firefighter like typical day on the job, conditions, challenges, and rewards. #career

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Ashlee’s Answer

Hi John! I'm not a firefighter but I'm an advisor and have helped students compete the regular fire fighting program. Essentially, you'll have to complete an Associates (2 year program) or Bachelors (4 year program) in a Fire Science or related program. In addition, you'll have to be physically fit in order to complete the strenuous parts of the job. My research also indicates you'll also have to complete one year of outdoor fire fighting experience and then another three months with an organized "hotshot" or widland/wildfire crew. I hope this helps!
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Eric’s Answer

Hi John, it's been some time since I was a firefighter, but I hope I can help. I was in the service (18 to 21 years old) when I had that role and you can consider a number of roles when doing "firefighter" related positions. They started with fire line roles, which really required basic firefighting, brush and forestry information, things you can read in many manuals. Not to say that is a match for real experience, but a start. In my experience I was able to progress through roles like a Firefighter 1, to a Firefighter 2, then a Driver / Pump Operator, Crew Chief etc. All the of work required great physical capabilities: climbing ladders, caring hoses, lifting heavy equipment, speed and agility, etc. It wasn't until the driver / operator role that opened my experience up to some analytics, math - calculations for pump pressure and volume. Then being a engine or crew chief required more maturity, and to approach thing from a big picture point of view. Got my EMT and Heavy Rescue certification too, all things to make me more knowledge and valuable to the team. Safety of course was a thread throughout the entire journey, and would recommend studying how to use the equipment that is offered in your area. Good luck, I have to say it was one of the most gratifying roles I have ever held.
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