During a wildfire, wildland firefighter jobs are usually divided into separate crews, each with specific responsibilities. This is a physically demanding job that can be hazardous. Job seekers should be physically fit and have good outdoor skills. Both seasonal and permanent employees are typically hired by local and national emergency services.
Many wildland firefighting crews are made up of three to ten firefighters, though larger crews can have as many as twenty. Fuel and hand crews collaborate on mechanical fire suppression, cutting down trees to reduce fuel, and burning prescribed fires. These are controlled burns that help keep forested areas healthy and reduce the risk of a major wildfire. They also control hotspots in collaboration with engine crews and patrol areas. Wildland firefighter jobs may also include being assigned to a crew that maintains equipment and prepares for prescribed fires.
Remote work crews, also known as hotshot crews, spend a lot of time during fire suppression doing the same work as hand crews, such as creating fire lines and cleaning up burned areas. They specialize in extremely difficult terrain and are generally self-sufficient and physically fit. Engines may not always be able to reach these remote locations, so keeping them in good working order helps prevent a fire from spreading out of control. Mobile crews may also be dispatched to larger fires that are further away from their base, where they will be housed in fire camps for the duration of the incident.
Helicopter crews and smokejumpers are among the most sought-after wildland firefighter positions. These firefighters specialize in helicopter operations, which deliver crews to fires that are inaccessible by other means by rappelling. The plane can also drop fire retardant or water directly on the fire, storing it in a tank and releasing it as it flies overhead. Smokejumpers are usually members of other crews who have been specially trained to parachute into burning areas from fixed-wing planes.
For a successful suppression effort, all of the different wildland firefighter jobs must be coordinated. The primary concern is the protection of life, followed by property; however, accidents and tragedies do occur occasionally as a result of the dangers of fighting wildfires. Firefighters are better protected when they have ongoing safety training and access to cutting-edge technology for fighting and detecting fires before they spread.
Wildland firefighter jobs are classified as arduous, which means they require a high level of physical fitness because they frequently lift heavy objects such as large hoses and tools. They’ll need to know how to read a compass or a topographical map, tie knots, chop down trees, and pitch tents, among other things. The majority of this work is carried out while wearing heavy boots and protective clothing such as coats, gloves, and oxygen bottles. Particularly for remote crews, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills are highly desirable.
Those looking for work as a wildland firefighter should be prepared to work outside in less-than-ideal conditions. During the summer, most national forestry organizations hire both temporary and permanent crew members, with an emphasis on candidates with prior experience. Those with previous work experience have a better chance of landing a permanent job.