Wildland Fire Preparation of Firefighters

by Ron Dawson, EJFR Community Outreach Volunteer

As we are in the time of year when there is a threat of wildfires; this submission explains the requirements for firefighting personnel. This may give you an idea of what the necessary steps are that a wildland firefighter must take to qualify to fight the fires in the forests and fields.

Starting with the basics, applicants must be at least eighteen years old and generally requires U.S. citizenship. A high school diploma or GED is usually required.

The work is arduous. Firefighters must pass a medical exam, verifying good health and respiratory/cardiovascular function. Firefighters must pass a fitness test based on their duty level. The standard test requires completing a three-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack in forty-five minutes or less.

The training requirements include completing wildfire courses in the role of working a fire and an introduction to fire behavior, which is critical. Trainees are strictly required to learn the deployment and use of an emergency fire shelter. A trainee must also perform tasks under a qualified supervisor and complete a position task book to earn the Incident Qualification Card, also known as the Red Card.

Wildland firefighters require specialized gear designed for maneuverability and heat resistance. Mandatory gear includes fire-resistant Nomex shirts and pants, leather boots that are eight-inch lace-up with lug soles, hard hat and eye protection, leather gloves, fire shelter (carried at all times), and a web gear/backpack containing water, rations, and sleeping gear.

The 30/30/30 rule is a wildland firefighting and fire weather guideline indicating conditions for extreme wildfire behavior. A fire is highly likely to burn out of control and spread rapidly where the temperature is 30 degrees C or higher (86 degrees F), relative humidity is 30% or lower, and wind speeds reach 30 km/h or greater.