Basic Wildland Firefighter

This certificate program will provide the student with training in hand crew formation, fire line construction, and the use of wild land equipment. The behavior of fires, protective clothing, and wild land fire tools will also be addressed.  The Basic Wildland Firefighter program is for those students who desire to gain an understanding of wild land fire behavior, firefighting tactics and strategy, firefighter safety/survival and functions that support operations i.e. logistics, planning and finance.  This program will also meet the requirements for the US Forest Service hiring process as an entry-level wild land firefighter.  Selection is based on an interview and testing process which also includes passing a required physical and pack test.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

We anticipate the number of students to earn a certificate annually will begin at 10-15 and increase with awareness of the program.

Projected annual completers: 10-15

The purpose of the Basic Wildland Firefighter  program is to prepare students for employment with the US Forest Service, California Department of Forestry, and for a position with a municipal fire department. Those students that are currently employed as firefighters may take these courses to update their knowledge and skills on current Wild land firefighting tactics, and to expand their employment opportunities. These classes will also meet National Wildland Coordinating Group requirements in many areas and student certification will enhance hiring opportunity and promotional advancement.  Successful completion of this program also meets employment standards for seasonal (year-to-year) work with the US Forest Service.

The purpose of the Basic Wildland Firefighter  program is to prepare students for employment with the US Forest Service, California Department of Forestry, and for a position with a municipal fire department. Those students that are currently employed as firefighters may take these courses to update their knowledge and skills on current Wild land firefighting tactics, and to expand their employment opportunities. These classes will also meet National Wildland Coordinating Group requirements in many areas and student certification will enhance hiring opportunity and promotional advancement.  Successful completion of this program also meets employment standards for seasonal (year-to-year) work with the US Forest Service.

Business, Law and Public Safety

El Camino College, Rio Hondo College, Mt. San Antonio College, Pasadena CC

Projected annual enrollment is 100

Due to the low unit certificate 12.75 and barrier to access financial aid, we are requesting the following to increase the certificate unit total to 17. The addition of FT 216 also incorporates the importance of mental health for first responders.

• Remove PSA 704 Tactical Decision Making in Wildland Firefighting 1.75 units
• Add FT 205 Fire Combustion and Behavior 3.0 units
• Add FT 216 Fundamentals of Personal Safety and Emergency Action 3.0 units