Staff Report
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking highly motivated people to attend an introductory firefighting career awareness camp, which will include training designed for entry-level firefighters. The Women in Wildfire Basic Training Camp will be held March 7-12 in Santa Barbara.
Those selected for the program will be introduced to and gain basic knowledge of the Incident Management System, firefighting techniques, suppression equipment, safety, strategy, and tactics, as well as fire behavior.
Field exercises and physical training will be part of the hands-on experience. Participants will also receive leadership and career development training.
Participants who are selected will receive a stipend for the training and physical fitness test portion of the camp. Participants will stay in cabins and meals will be provided throughout the week. Full attendance and participation in all aspects of the training is mandatory for the entire week.
Graduates of the program will be highly competitive for seasonal wildland firefighter positions. These entry-level positions provide support to wildland fire operations over the summer.
Firefighters safely engage in wildland fire suppression and emergency response operation activities. They travel and work up to 21-day assignments, including out of state.
The work consists of hiking, carrying heavy equipment, operating fire machinery, working near heavy equipment, and using hand tools such as shovels, picks, and chainsaws, sometimes in highly stressful situations. Career opportunities are also available in wildland firefighting to lead fire and aviation management programs.
The Forest Service will be accepting online applications for the Training Camp Sunday, Aug. 16 through Friday, Aug. 28.
For more information, visit Los Padres National Forest, Women In Wildfire Training Camp, https://go.usa.gov/xfpZU, or select: Women In Wildfire Training Camp – APPLICATION.
