For most kids, the hierarchy of what they want to be when they grow up is some combination of superhero, astronaut, and firefighter. (Shoutout to any little boy or girl who dreams of being an accountant. Tax season wouldn’t be possible without you.)

While few people are lucky enough to be bitten by a radioactive spider in a way that doesn’t leave them hairless, only the best of the best receive the privilege of being strapped to a rocket and propelled into space by 7.2 million pounds of thrust. However, anyone willing to dedicate themselves to protecting their family, friends, and neighbors can become one of the select few who safeguard our communities as a wildland firefighter, particularly as part of the Cal Fire team in California.

How to be a firefighter is a question that’s asked well beyond childhood. Many people are drawn to having a career that makes a difference, but it can be challenging to know how to turn that dream into a reality. Continue reading as we look at how to be a wildland firefighter at CAL FIRE and what it takes to make wildland firefighting a career path that’s successful.

What are the Steps to Becoming a Wildland Firefighter?

Like entering any professional career, the requirements to become a wildland firefighter are mainly based on education, hard work, and determination. CAL FIRE employs less than 2,000 firefighters statewide, and competition for open positions can become incredibly competitive. To stand out from the crowd, you should consider taking steps to position yourself as a qualified candidate.

The California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CAL-JAC) recommends a six-step process that firefighter hopefuls complete to increase their odds of landing a job, whether with a city in California or as a member of CAL FIRE.

Step 1.) Education

Even though you can’t major in firefighting, you can get a degree in a related field that will offer added utility as a firefighter. CAL-JAC recommends applicants serious about becoming firefighters attend school to receive their EMT/Paramedic certification. As a certified EMT/Paramedic, you’ll immediately separate yourself from the majority of applicants who don’t have advanced training.

Next, it’s recommended to attend and complete all courses at a nationally recognized fire academy. Here, you’ll learn the firefighting basics, such as how to use personal protective equipment, tie ropes and knots, handle hazardous materials, and receive fire safety training. 

For those specifically interested in becoming wildland firefighters, there are additional, specialized courses that are essential. You should complete the S-130/S-190 (Basic Wildland Firefighter Training) and the Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior courses. These courses focus on the unique challenges and techniques of fighting fires in wildland environments, including understanding fire behavior, safety protocols, and tactical decision-making in forested and wilderness areas.

Additionally, pursuing advanced wildland fire courses such as S-290 (Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior) and S-212 (Wildland Fire Chainsaws) can further enhance your skills and make you a more competitive candidate. These courses provide deeper insights into fire behavior prediction, the use of firefighting tools, and advanced strategies for controlling and extinguishing wildfires.

Most fire academies take a boot camp-like approach to training. Completing one will not only show how serious you are about becoming a firefighter to a department, but it will also give you a taste of what firefighter life is like, helping you determine that it’s the right career for you.

Step 2.) Training

A firefighter’s job is one of the most challenging on the planet, not only physically but also mentally. You need to be in excellent physical shape to become a firefighter, but you also need to possess the critical thinking skills required for the job.

CAL-JAC recommends candidates prepare to take and pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is administered by the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center. This 10-minute and 20-second time test consists of eight events that measure a candidate’s ability to perform the physical demands of being a firefighter and includes:

• A stair climb. Participants will need to climb stairs while carrying a 25-lb simulated hose pack.
• Ladder raise and extension. Participants will be asked to set a ladder on the ground and raise it to a roof or window.
• Hose drag. Stretch and carry an inactive hose line.
• Equipment carry. Demonstrate the ability to carry all required equipment to a fire scene.
• Forcible entry. Penetrate a locked door or breach a wall.
• Search. Participants will be asked to search for victims through an unpredictable and dark space.
• Ceiling breach and pull. Participants will need to push a 60-lb hinged door in a ceiling three times with a pike pole, then hook the pole to an 80-lb ceiling device and pull it down five times.
• Rescue drag. A simulated rescue drag will demonstrate the ability to pull a victim to safety.

For wildland firefighters, specific physical requirements include passing the Work Capacity Test (WCT), also known as the “Pack Test.” This test involves carrying a 45-pound pack over a 3-mile course in 45 minutes or less. It assesses the stamina and endurance needed for wildland firefighting, which often involves hiking long distances over rugged terrain while carrying heavy equipment.

Maintaining a high level of physical fitness throughout your career is crucial for wildland firefighters. The job requires significant physical exertion, often under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. Regular physical training, including cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and endurance exercises, is essential to meet the demands of the job.

Wildland firefighters also need strong mental resilience and critical thinking skills. They must be able to make quick decisions in dynamic and high-pressure situations, often with limited information. Mental fitness can be developed through training scenarios, stress management techniques, and continual learning about fire behavior and safety protocols.

By preparing both physically and mentally, you can ensure you are ready to meet the rigorous demands of a career in wildland firefighting.

Step 3.) Research

For most of the brave men and women who do the job daily, being a firefighter is more than a career; it’s a calling. The job demands working weekends and holidays, requires long hours in often hazardous conditions, and can mean spending more time away from family than many people may find desirable. The best way to know the type of sacrifice a wildland firefighter requires is to talk with those doing the job.

It is invaluable to gain first-hand knowledge of the values and commitments required to serve the community. You can do this by scheduling a visit to a local firehouse and attending recruitment fairs hosted by CAL-JAC. This will help you determine whether your dream of becoming a firefighter matches the reality of what the position demands.

Step 4.) Apply

Once you feel prepared, it’s time to start the application process. Read each job announcement thoroughly to ensure the position fits what you’re looking for. Not all positions are full-time, as CAL FIRE regularly hires seasonal firefighters. However, getting your foot in the door starting as a seasonal wildland firefighter is a great way to get noticed and demonstrate your capacity for successfully doing the job.

Keep in mind that to become a wildland firefighter, you must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and pass all required testing. Starting pay for firefighters varies, with the potential to earn overtime and hazard-duty pay.

Step 5.) The Interview Process

The interview process is where all of your hard work and preparation will be tested. While the process varies from departments across the state, it will generally include the following steps:

• Oral Board: This is the first formal stage, during which qualified candidates are invited to participate in panel interviews. These interviews are designed to assess a range of competencies important for the firefighting role, including problem-solving skills, communication ability, and teamwork.
• Chief’s Interview: Candidates who excel at the oral board stage may advance to the chief’s interview. This is a more personalized interview conducted by the fire chief. It’s an opportunity for the chief to meet finalists and evaluate their fit with the department’s culture and values.
• Background Investigation: Following the interviews, a thorough background check is conducted. This investigation helps ensure that all potential firefighters meet the high standards of integrity and dependability that the job requires.
• Polygraph Examination: As part of the background investigation, candidates may undergo a polygraph test to verify the information provided during the application and interview processes.
• Psychological Evaluation: This assessment tests a candidate’s psychological suitability for a career in firefighting, which often involves high-stress and traumatic scenarios.
• Medical Examination: Finally, candidates must pass a medical examination to ensure they can handle the physical demands of firefighting.

Each step ensures that only the most capable and dedicated individuals join the firefighting ranks, ready to serve and protect the community with professionalism and integrity.

Step 6.) Start Your New Career

Successful applicants hired for a firefighter position will become CAL-JAC Apprentices and must complete a rigorous training regimen. All first-year firefighters start their jobs on temporary probation, which can last anywhere between 6 months and one year, depending on the department.

When You Become a Wildland Firefighter, Get Your Gear at CALFIREGear.com

While not every kid will realize their dream of becoming a wildland firefighter, those who do will enjoy a rewarding career that makes a real difference in their communities.

When you achieve your dream and become a wildland firefighter, make sure you’re fully equipped to meet every challenge on the job. At CALFIREGear.com, we offer a full selection of Cal Fire-approved station gear at competitive prices. From durable uniforms to personal safety equipment, our products meet the rigorous standards required for wildland firefighting professionals. 

Check out the brands that matter – 5.11, Whites, Nick’s, Thorogood, CrewBoss, Bullard, Pelican, WorkRite, and more.

Shop at our online store to equip yourself with the best tools to protect and serve your community and enjoy the great outdoors.