Wildland Fire Department | C.C. Certificate of Completion | 1 year

You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate the basic knowledge of wildland fire behavior
• Recognize situations where safety may be at risk and take appropriate actions
• Work as a wildland firefighter, as a member of a hand crew or engine crew
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic forest management

Careers

Career opportunities includes:

• wildland firefighter
• forest and conservation technician
• forestry inspector or investigator
• forestry prevention specialist
• independent firefighting contractor
• employment in the timber industry

Job Market

Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.

• Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG)
• The Oregon Department of Forestry
• The National Forest Service
• The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

Many of our courses carry NWCG certification as well as college credit.

PROGRAM CODE: CC.FSWILDLAND

RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Math I or MTH-065 Algebra II)

• Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.

Communication (1 course- WR-101 Workplace Writing or WR-121Z Composition I)

• Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.

Human Relations (3-4 credits- see catalog for course list)

• Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• evaluate hazards in the wilderness, forest, and fire environments and take appropriate actions to ensure personal safety;
• design a plan appropriate to the fire or incident situation;
• demonstrate safe operation of firefighting tools and equipment;
• execute the plan based on the appropriate strategy, tactics, and incident objectives;
• successfully lead, supervise, and direct personnel at the appropriate level of organization.

Wildland fire refresher training (RT 130) informs wildland firefighters of current issues and the upcoming fire season. This training is required annually by all federal, state and contract firefighters.

Training is provided to recognize and mitigate risk, maintain safe and effective firefighting practices, and reduce accidents and near misses. Clackamas Community College offers a five-hour refresher course each season. The college can arrange courses geared toward agency-specific requirements, such as fireline EMTs.

The Work Capacity (Pack) Test is a yearly requirement for all fireline personnel. We offer the test at all three levels: arduous, moderate and light. As a recognized Public Training Provider, our pack tests are overseen by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

After a safety briefing, participants will carry a weighted vest around the college track, completing three miles in 45 minutes (arduous).