physical agility for wildland readiness

[nicoyaspa]

Hey, I'm trying to put together an evolution designed as more of a physical agility test for our department. I want each of our folks to realize where they need to improve physically to be effective wildland firefighters before the season starts here in California. We're a combination department and I'm afraid some of our firefighters do not take the physical demands of wildland firefighting seriously. I want to create a reasonable minimum standard for physical fitness so that I can assign them suppression duties with relative certainty that they won't die of exhaustion or heart attack. I also want them to be able to do the job efficiently and effectively. I have been directed not to put them through our pre-employment physical agility test, which is more based on structure firefighting. Does anyone use a preseason evolution for such a purpose? Thanks

[ramseycl]

How about a 1/2 day hike and line digging exercise. I know a lot of academies do things like that. They require everyone has to wear full PPE and carry their line gear and tools. It gives everyone an idea where they stand physically and they also get a feel for what they might be expected to do.

[RxFire]

You can also throw in a fire shelter drill to emphasis the need for fitness and general practice/refresher on its use.

[EMTZeek]

i agree with the 1/2 day hike with web gear, fire shelter, ect. Then cut some line for a couple hours on a steep slope. That should be good enough.