Wildland certs

[xenophon13]

I just finished up my S-190, S-130, and S-205, clases and I am looking to try to get my certs to allow me to do heliattack, or engine crew. Only problem is anything higher than the ones I already have are not offered to fire depts here, only forestry and even then its rare to find one. Does anybody have any ideas how I can do that.

[mtnfireguy]

http://www.nationalfiretraining.net

http://www.wyomingfire.org/2003_class_schedules.htm

http://www.cowildfireacademy.com/

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/reg1/acad.html

[Wildfire]

The links listed above are a good source to start looking for the classes. But just remember, taking classes doesn't make you "certified". To get into helitack and/or an engine crew, you'll have to pay your dues on the line. Plus it will give you the needed actual experience on fires before going into helitack and/or engines.

[Hickman]

Training is a important part of the wildland side of fire fighting, but OJT is another important part. I have made several trips as a ground pounder and then wanted to try something new. Last year, I thought the Helicopter training and being a 'rotorhead' would be fun. I do have to say, I am glad I started on the ground.
Once you commit to being a Helicopter Crewmember, you have to be ready to stay with it. You do more than go to a class and then jump into a helicopter. I was possibly one of the more lucky individuals when I go started. I was lucky to get into the training class, since they are an expensive class to put on and usually the Forest Service will take care of their own first. Once the class work has been completed, then you need a certain amount 'hands on'. You will need to start a Task Book, which is required to show that you have not only done the classroom, but completed certain task to show you have done the practical part as well. To complete the Task Book may take several trips or assignments to complete it. If I remember right, you have three years to complete a task book once it is initiated, if not completed, you have to start all over. And, once you have completed it, you will need to preform those duties within three years to keep your certification. If not, you will loose it.

If you are new to the wildland fire side, I would say get some time under your belt on the ground and then start thinking about moving on. Engine Crews, Helicopter Crewmembers, and everything else on up the line, requires an individual to have training and time on the line.

Go to the http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/docs/docs.htm link and look at the
310-1 Wildland Fire & Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide - 2000 it will give you a good look at what training is needed for all the different positions in the Wildland Fire. Also look at:
http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pms.htm and find the Task Book Area...there you can find what you will have to do in the 'Hands On' part to complete the certifications.

Good Luck and Hope to see ya on the line
Hickman

[RxFire]

Completion of your S-130 and S-190 classes should make you a Firefighter Type 2. This is your basic wildland firefighter, thus you can be a crewmember on an engine or on a hand crew. Granted there is a task book for this position (FFT2), but everything in it is an "O"... meaning classroom time counts as experience. However your agency can require that you actually get some line experience as a trainee before they sign you off. To get on helitack, you would probably need to get S-217 Helicopter crewmember (HECM) somehow or the other. Some crews will give S-217 to the rookie FF's they get straight out of S-130/190, so if you can get on a crew, you may get the course. Otherwise, maybe you can find someone putting it on for their crew and will allow you to attend.

If you are in a position to do wildland fire full time during the local fire season, that would be the best way to get your wildland qual's. Good luck with what ever works for you. The internet is a great source of info, but often there are small training sessions going on for locals that never get noticed/posted. Do some networking/calling around.... you never know what sort of nugget you may turn up.

TC/SS