Finding Your Purpose as a Wildland Firefighter

[@UpxSetter]

I started my Wildland Firefighting career in July 2000 with the California Conservation Corps. CCC Handcrews is a great start for experience. I was hired the next season with US Forest Service in the Palomar District. The next season I was hired with Cal FIRE. I’ll be able to retire in 5 years. I STILL LOVE IT…. Great Video 👍🏿

[@kennethnero2011]

Do they have a retirement plan!? That’d be cool

[@brucehutchings]

Thank you, great video. I am a volunteer from South Australia.

[@royharrell1760]

Sharing this with my son who is waiting on his first call. Great advice.

[@argwaves6508]

I just started on a handcrew with calfire. It’s a tough job but I love it. The one thing that hasn’t been very clear is how much we get paid

[@argwaves6508]

Not that I totally care because I love the job but I do have a family

[@calvinm5937]

Calfire does a set monthly salary and all planned overtime and extra overtime is paid per hour and given to you on a separate check. If you log into epay on a state computer you can see your monthly and overtime hourly

[@argwaves6508]

@@calvinm5937 I’ve been trying to get my epaulets for months and can’t get one

[@Corkboard753]

@@argwaves6508you should absolutely care and care a lot about your compensation. Remember that fighting fire is a job. Don’t make it who you are and know that agencies will use and abuse you if you let them. Enjoy the job, it can be rewarding, but remember you always have the option of walking away. Stay safe.

[@scrubgrl23]

Love you sweet one!! 🔥

[@Darkx698]

Going next week to Oregon for pack test

[@wildlandfirefit]

how did it go?!

[@Darkx698]

@@wildlandfirefit actually didn’t work out wasn’t able to go but I’m going back to California convention corps for wild land fire fighting if you know what that program is

[@wildlandfirefit]

aw man I am sorry to hear that. I haven't heard of it but I am glad you are still going to be doing fire!

[@cheko5874]

I want to become a wildland firefighter so bad im 18

[@wildlandfirefit]

go for it!

[@Kevin83184]

I have a question. Up here in the state of Oregon people including my co workers are telling me once fire season hits and there’s an active fire your excused from you main full time job. True or false? Wildland firefighter jobs pay well up here but only just a bit more then my current job. I work for a beverage company and summers can get annoying very fast. Looking for a switch up. Thanks!

[@mikebennett4829]

Can you be considered to old even if your physically fit

[@wildlandfirefit]

I have seen that some places have age restrictions but I have also had people comment that there isn't age limits so I'd say look at the crew you want to get on and give them a call to see. It will only help you out in the long run because now they will have a name that sticks out to them when they meet you along with all the other candidates.

[@greenfire6924]

Ronni is spot on here. Speaking for myself as 28-year USFS Fire it was never about the money. For me it was an adventure- not a job. The sudden travel across the nation and working in remote places few ever see, the team dynamic and yes, even the obscurity from the lame stream media reporting and the average taxpayer. As a supervisor/trainer one of my fav things was to pull a rookie aside on a hot/smoky initial attack (I.A.). With chocking smoke and embers burning pinholes in our Nomex and on the back of our necks, plus snot flowing from our mouths and nose I would ask "Can you believe they pay us to do this?" These types of moments with rookies almost always produced positive results in their personal development towards a seasoned status.

[@trenthelmer330]

How many seasons have you been in fire?

[@wildlandfirefit]

I did 5 seasons before I joined the military

[@creepersdungeon4870]

Does the forest service provide you boots or could you purchase your own?

[@wildlandfirefit]

You will need to purchase your own.

[@nickburt8074]

I've been working in healthcare the last 8 years. I will be 35 next month, and I signed up to obtain my certifications for Wildland fire. Do you think it's a wrong choice because of my age and previous career?

[@justbeingfrank6342]

Hey Nick, I see this comment was from a year ago. My opinion is that if you feel called to pursue a career in this field of work, then go for it. You will never know if you make the right choice for something until you give it a shot. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky - Michael Scott........ Disclaimer: I am not in this industry, but I recently applied for a position.