Spiked Out
Welcome to the Spiked Out Podcast - your go-to for real stories, real people, and real insight from the wildland fire world. Brought to you by The Journeyman, we interview seasoned pros, share education, tips on getting certified, landing jobs, and making the most of the season. Whether you're already on the line or just getting started, we've got you covered. Tune in and get Spiked Out with us.
Spiked Out
Your Complete Guide to Wildland Fire Careers
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Getting into wildland firefighting starts with basic certifications and understanding different career paths available in the industry. We break down the steps from complete beginner to working your first fire.
• Start by getting your FFT2 certification through online courses on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal
• Complete S130 (including field day), L180, S190, and ICS courses 100 and 700
• Pass the pack test - walking 3 miles with 45lbs in under 45 minutes
• Consider which role suits you - hand crews hike miles into remote areas while engine crews stay closer to roads
• Agency positions offer more stability while contractor positions may have less certainty during slow seasons
• Prepare for 14-day deployments in vastly different environments and weather conditions
• Know the 10 and 18s (Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations) before arriving at your first assignment
• Familiarize yourself with the 8-line medical incident report in the Incident Response Pocket Guide
• Start preparing early - many training opportunities happen in winter/spring before fire season begins
• Keep track of all your certifications - never let anyone else hold your only copy
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[00:00:00] Preparing for Weather Extremes
[00:02:40] Basics of Wildland Certification
[00:08:54] Pack Test and Fitness Requirements
[00:13:26] Different Wildland Fire Roles
[00:18:09] Agency vs Contractor Employment
[00:24:43] Essential First Year Knowledge
[00:27:54] Key Resources and Safety Protocols