The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Wildland
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jim Conrad on
-
Competition is pretty fierce to get on a shot crew, and I couldn't find one in OK. Another problem is most agencies have already hired the people they need for this year. You can go to the internet and look up the list of hot shot crews and look for one close to you and give them a call. A little experience would not hurt either. If you can get red carded, which means that you have taken the basic wildland class and completed the arduous level pack test, another option would be to get on a type 2 crew. A type two crew is less capable than a type 1 crew(hot shots or smoke jumpers) and are easier to get on. A type 2 crew can be either govt. or private, as there are private forestry companies that contract out to local, state and the federal government. You don't need to live where the crew calls "home" but you will need to travel and be gone for long periods of time. Another option would be to become an EFF or emergency fire fighter and go to work on an engine for a govt. agency or for a private contractor. You just have to start looking and asking firefighters in your area questions. Hope this helps.
-
Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on
-
Like Jim said, the first step is find an S-130/S-190/I-100/L-180 class (4-5 days) in OK, possibly one taught by the state. While you're looking for the class ask state foresters and folks from any federal agency that has a presence near you about the path to firefighter 2 (FF2) or Basic Wildland Firefighter. It is indeed too late to get on with anyone this year. The ads for federal positions are posted in the winter and selections begin in January/February. The typical season for a federal firefighter is about May through September (later further west). Watch wildlandfire.com for all types of info about fires, jobs, etc. Wishing you the best of luck and above all stay safe.
-
Permalink Reply by Firefighter on
-
Sorry guys I'm getting back so late. Thanks for the replies. They were very helpful. What ate good sites to check? I've been trying to find some for our area and I keep getting CA. Do you guys know if you don't live where the team calls home if you have to travel, would you pay that cost or would the agency reburst you?
-
-
The majority of the shot crews are in the western states. You must travel on your own dime to the crew's home facility. Once you get there you will find housing assistance and other money-saving benefits.
Again, it will take years to get to the point where you could possibly become a hotshot. Start with the basic training mentioned above and do Type 2 hand crew work and engine work for at least 2 or 3 years. Then get your FFT1 (Advanced). Then you'll be more likely to reach that goal.
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
