Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Greg Hickman on June 27, 2013 at 11:04am

The first thing would be to start with the S-130/190 training program part of the training can be completed through on-line information located at: http://training.nwcg.gov/courses/130190faq.html you will have to find a location to complete the practical part of the training.  Usually the organization, State or Federal, that offers the practical part, may have a way for you to be place on a hand crew list within the State.  If you are not a State of Federal employee, it may take some time to get this completed.  I would suggest you not give up in trying.  I started with my first trip in 1994, I was a structural firefighter making the cross to wildland fire, while still being a full-time structural firefighter.  My first trip was with a mixed crew of State, Federal, and AD's (Emergency Hire) firefighters.  Since that time, I have been on assignments from Florida to California, Minnesota to Texas.  If you are in Oklahoma, I would start with the State of Oklahoma, which is in the Southern Area Coordination Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov//sacc/  Watch for training and information through their web site.  You might be able to work through US Department of Interior Indian Affairs: http://www.bia.gov/nifc/ which also provides firefighter training and crews during fire season.  Once you have a trip or two under your belt, then would be the time to start looking for a position on a Type 1 fire crew or Hot Shot Crew if you wish to proceed with the profession.  Hope you have good luck in your endeavor and like I said don't give up if you really want to give if a try..

Hickman 

Permalink Reply by Firefighter on June 27, 2013 at 1:20pm

Thank you for the links and information.

Permalink Reply by Chris Severa on September 1, 2013 at 10:18am

www.usajobs.gov is about all I can add to Gregs reply... The BLM recruits from here.  Good luck and be safe!