Wildland firefighters

Im pretty sure youre a little late

Fire season starts pretty soon and most teams are hiring/done hiring so I'd hurry. If you aren't a lazy piece of shit it's an amazing job. You'll spend massive amounts of time outdoors and do some cool stuff, but it isn't easy work. Also depending on the fire season you could go into winter with a fuck ton of hazard pay and then collect unemployment. I know a few ski bums that do that
You need to be able to hike with a pack carrying 30+ lbs of gear. Be physically fit and able to prove that. start applying everywhere (Cali, Montana, Oregon) huge fire seasons there. My brother did it for about 7 summers and loved every second of it, now he's in fire management

You already missed fire hire this year. Gotta apply to that shit in January. Get ready for a lot of sitting on your ass and locals who hate the forest service with a passion

So I'm a wildfire fighter in Canada, but worked in the states in export for a little bit and learned a few things. Also our standards are pretty much the same if not a little bit higher.

Like the other guys have said your late for applications. You might have a chance to get on some contract crews for engine work...just check out contract fire engines/forestry companies.

Also if you can apply for the Feds. I worked with the state services a bunch of times and it seems the Feds are better organized, pay better, and have better equipment. The states are also a good way to go, but you get little to no training and the pay is shit.

The best places to apply for fire are Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado.

Now you have to get fit. I find a great standard for fitness is to be able to run a 5k in 30mins or less. Be able to climb stairs for 30 mins nonstop. Go for pack walks with about 60/70 lbs worth or gear in your pack. Hit the gym and lift some iron. Deadlift all the time. Make sure your back and legs are bulletproof. Your going to be digging for up to 16hrs a day.

If you have any questions just give me a shout.

Don't take a year off of school. Its not worth it.

Point.I'll be a Senior in highschool next year and I have zero interest in going right to college... just the honest truth. I've been planning at least one year off to ski and I know I'll have to work my ass off during the summers.

A seasonal job as a wildland firefighter has really caught my eye. I've read a lot about it, but living in Wisconsin has left me confused as to how I will land a job fighting fires out west.

I'm seeking some solid advice from anybody with experience fighting fires. I'd like to know what steps I should take to get the job... Even though I'll be 18 years old with no relevant experience. Where/when should I apply? What are the requirements? Thanks in advance!

csteezyFire season starts pretty soon and most teams are hiring/done hiring so I'd hurry. If you aren't a lazy piece of shit it's an amazing job. You'll spend massive amounts of time outdoors and do some cool stuff, but it isn't easy work. Also depending on the fire season you could go into winter with a fuck ton of hazard pay and then collect unemployment. I know a few ski bums that do that
You need to be able to hike with a pack carrying 30+ lbs of gear. Be physically fit and able to prove that. start applying everywhere (Cali, Montana, Oregon) huge fire seasons there. My brother did it for about 7 summers and loved every second of it, now he's in fire management

Don't forget Alaska we're going to have a real bad fire year this year we've had a super dry winter and I'm sure we could use as many firefighters as possible

You can also get on a forestry crew (since fire apps are late now) and learn the ropes with a chain saw. Some ski areas (at least in UT) hire sawyers to clear trees during the summer and that's also good experience.

You could also work for an arborist, not the same thing but depending on the company it can be incredibly hard work and decent pay.

USAjobs.gov is where I apply to my fire jobs.

Fred_BearIm pretty sure youre a little late

imakestickerzYou already missed fire hire this year. Gotta apply to that shit in January. Get ready for a lot of sitting on your ass and locals who hate the forest service with a passion

Yeah I guess I wasn't clear enough. Not this coming summer but after I graduate highschool in 2017. I'll keep that in mind though.

Good Luck OP, maybe set your sights on being a smokejumper one day (look them up...)
Maybe have a look at the military too, possibly a reserve role that you like or join as a regular.

russsavokskisDon't forget Alaska we're going to have a real bad fire year this year we've had a super dry winter and I'm sure we could use as many firefighters as possible

How bad actually are the mosquitos in Ak summers?

I've heard things from not that bad to so bad you almost go crazy.

DFJHow bad actually are the mosquitos in Ak summers?

I've heard things from not that bad to so bad you almost go crazy.

It really depends on where you are. I've been places where I went crazy and hid in a sleeping bag to avoid them and other places where there really aren't any like the tundra because it's always really windy here. But they can get pretty bad in the woods(that's where I went crazy)