Wildland Fire Technology

This degree and 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 Wildland Fire Technology Certificate program is for those

students who desire to gain an understanding of wild land fire investigation, fire

prevention and support operations. 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.

25 - 35 Annually 

The purpose of the Wildland Fire Technology 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 Wildland 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.

This course is designed for students who want to gain certification as a wildland firefighter through the National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG). This course provides training in hand crew formation, fire line construction, and the use of wildland fire equipment. Certification is included in Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (NWCG L-180), Firefighter Training (NWCG S-130), Firefighter Type 1 (NWCG S-131), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (NWCG S-190), Portable Pumps and Water Use (NWCG S-211), Firing Operations (NWCG S-219), Basic Air Operations (NWCG S-270), American Heart Association (AHA) First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness (FRA) and Hazardous Material Operations (FRO), and California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Low Angle Rope Rescue Operations (LARRO). Students learn about wildland fire crews (engine crews, hand crews, hotshot crews, helitak crews, and smokejumpers), wildland fire behavior, wildland firefighter personal protective equipment, wildland firefighter safety, helicopter safety, dozer safety, wildland fire pumps, and wildland fire tools and firing devices. This course includes arduous physical conditioning including hiking with up to 45 pounds of weight and other strenuous outdoor activities. The academy exceeds the United States Forest Service (USFS) minimum training requirements for an entry-level wildland firefighter for certification purposes.

1. Working in the Wildland Fire Service
   
2. Communication
   
3. Barriers to Situation Awareness
   
4. Decision Making
   
5. Team Cohesion
   
6. Basic Concepts of Wildland Fire
   
7. Topographic Influences
   
8. The Principles of Wildland Fire Behavior
   
9. Weather
   
10. Wildland Fire Behavior & Safety
    
11. Firefighter Preparedness
    
12. ICS Overview
    
13. Resource Types
    
14. Watch Out Situations/Fire Orders
    
15. LCES
    
16. Fire Shelter
    
17. Hazards & Human Factors
    
18. Transportation Safety
    
19. Hand Tools
    
20. Firing Devices
    
21. Water Use
    
22. Suppression
    
23. Patrolling
    
24. Radio Communications
    
25. Mop-up & Securing Fireline
    
26. Hazardous Materials
    
27. Wildland/Urban Interface
    
28. Pump Operations
    
29. Maps & compass
    
30. Wildland Fire Field Exercises