Wildland fire fighters???

[cookiecutter]

I'm a senior in highschool and was brought info on being a wildland fire fighter for 90 days in the summer. I've been looking for a job this coming summer that pays well, and this job pays very well. I'm just wondering if any of you have any first hand experience with this. I understand it would be extremely demanding, but I would like to hear some first hand opinions. anyone??

p.s.
sorry for talking about summer..hope this doesn't jinx anything

 

[sky7051]

Did it for awhile while in the Marines and I've had several friends who do it every summer. The job is demanding on the body and time, but keep yourself in good shape and enjoy the money while it comes. You'll gain great experience and if its something you enjoy you could turn it into a career. Lord knows I had a blast fighting fires and had my body held out I'd still be doing it.

 

[EricW]

Son #2 did it this last summer for the WA State DNR and loved every minute of it, even the mop up. Met good guys, worked hard (at times) and made big loot. His older brother worked at the local plywood mill which is usually the local big loot job and will be fighting fire as well next year. Big difference in their summer pay checks. Son #2 learned lots of new areas and terrain which paid off during hunting season and will pay again if it ever snows.

If you want to talk to him about it, PM me and I'll give ya his cell #. Good luck. EW

 

[moldy]

Did it for a summer in '99. Money was good, it was a great experience. I was on a Helitak crew flying over the Frank Church wilderness area in central Idaho. Saw some great country. But I got married the next summer, so I needed to settle into something a little more consistant. I would reccomend it to anyone for a college job or just to make some money while deciding which direction to head in life, or it can turn into a great career. I'm a structure firefighter now and like it a lot, the hours are better, pay is about the same, the excitement level is close but in a different way.

 

[mtnrider406]

Go for it man!!!! Ivee been doing it for several yrs now on and off.....its a great experience great people. Like said before if you\enjoy it you can very easily turn it into a career.

 

[Rob1334]

Been doing it for just over 5 years now, and love it! Just like everyone said, it is hard on your body, train a lot more for endurance than you do strength (carrying a 55 pound pack around for 12-16 hour days on average is ok for the first few days on strength training, but get assigned on a three week'r, you'll thank me later haha). Buy the best boots you can get even if you have your parents help ya out right away and just pay them back, your feet will thank ya 10x. Most importantly keep your smarts and have fun with it, it is one of the biggest rushes you will experience, have more stories than you will have time to tell, and take lots of pictures...haha


Seriously though, you need any specific info or have any questions, more than happy to help ya out. Just PM me and we can talk more...

 

[cookiecutter]

Awesome! thanks for all the positive opinions. I'm calling the director and setting up a meeting to go over it. One thing, I understand there is alot of danger that goes along with it, I'm fine with that. I would love for my mom to feel a little better about it lol. Any advice on how much danger is involved to let her know??

 

[Rob1334]

Ha, if they are that worried tell them you don't see the front lines.......lies! haha

Told my gf that all the time till she came across some pics from some co-workers, had a lot of explaining to do haha.

I flat out tell people that it is dangerous and there is risk in it, but remind them that you will get awesome training and one of the biggest priorities is fighting fire having provided for safety first.

PM me if ya want, can get you my number and talk some more...

 

[xrated]

DO IT.

The one and only thing I wish I would have done is this. But now I'm married with 2 kids and a good steady job so it's not gonna happen for me.

 

[Raff_9001M]

Been doing this since 1994 and now it is my career. Is this a federal job, state or contract crew? Just curious because the application process for a federal job, especially the USFS can be confusing. If it's federal I would be happy to try and help you in anyway possible with the application process. Good luck

 

[cookiecutter]

I spoke with the director for my area today. I'm very bummed to find out the fire season I would be working for is almost 2 months longer than I had originally read on their website. My fall semester of college would have already started and I would still be fighting fires. When I found this out I was pretty let down, I had become very interested and excited in being a wildland fire fighter for the summer. There is still a small chance it could possibly work out, but as you all know even better than I do-they aren't looking for someone who has to leave. A good buddy of mine is still very serious about fighting and doesn't have school to worry about, I have passed to him all that you have said and we both appreciate your help very much.

I once heard a saying, "dont let schooling get in the way of you education." .......if only I didn't have a good scholarship I have to attend the fall semester to keep.

 

[moldy]

This was my deal too, I was engaged to get married the next summer, so it was kind of my last chance to do something like this. It was a life changing experience, I wouldn't be where I am now if I hadn't done it.

DO IT.

The one and only thing I wish I would have done is this. But now I'm married with 2 kids and a good steady job so it's not gonna happen for me.

You could also look at getting on another crew, like the timber crew, they train for firefighting and will usually get put on a hand crew for a large fire. And their season is shorter so it may be better for school this year, plus it would give you an "in" for next year if your scholarship allows.

 

[sky7051]

Don't know your whole deal, who you were working with (agency) and what not. But I do know there's a lot of ways to go about getting a job fighting wildfires. If its somethin you want to do there's obviously a few of us who can help with advice and probably even some with some names or connections. First off are locating the jobs..... BLM (Bureau of Land Management), Forest Service, DNR (Depart of Natural Resources), County Crews, and Private Crews.... now I may have missed some but those are the places you need to look. Some will provide training some will want you to already have the training. Most colleges in wildfire prone areas provide the training to get your card so look into it... may even make yourself more attractive to prospective employers . And above all don't be afraid to ask the resources you have for help and advice.

 

[Rob1334]

X2^^^^^^


I have another great idea for ya if you still desire doing it. Look for some other summer employment that these listed agencies have during the summer. Find a 1039 position (summer temp) such as as a resource assistant, trail crew, etc. that has fire as a colateral duty. You may not get as much exposure right away, but it will get you a foot in the door with the employer that supportsd it and might put together a summer hand crew or something.

Our agency rely's heavily on the support we get from seasonal employees, would expose you to even more areas (great to add to resumes), but still give you the flexability needed to work with a school schedule.

 

[snengineer]

You don't have to guarantee anyone a time period unless they have you sign in writing, I worked for the state doing this and about half the crew would go back to school at then end of august, don't give up so fast on this you will kick yourself later, after getting married I too stopped but if I were single today I would be fighting fires and school would take a back seat!!! best job I've ever had, Hard work, good pay and living outdoors was fantastic!! I would highly recommend doing this right out of high school, it teaches you a thing or two about being responsible. Oh yeah, saftey is basically all they talk about, never felt like my life was in real danger. Good luck

 

[cookiecutter]

After my last post I was looking through the papers again and there are many more jobs than just a wildland fire fighter that still involve this type of work. I am looking deeper into my other options now thanks to your advice. The jobs are through the BLM. I will post how things are going, and questions I have.

Thanks!