Re: Becoming a Wildland Firefighter

"Joe Pasteris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote...

> I am very interested in working as a wildland firefighter....

Joe,

You mentioned that you already surfed the web -  but in the interest of
helping you and many others, I wanted to first post these links:


- Some personal advice...

http://wildfirenews.com/fire/articles/jobs.html

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/5561/index.html

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Vines/1033/lessons.html

http://w3.gorge.net/macht/fire   <--- a bit dated but interesting.


- Some networking opportunities...

http://www.firecareer.com/forum.cfm


- Some agency starting points...

http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/index.html

http://www.blm.gov/careers

http://www.nps.gov/fire/jobs/index.htm

http://fire.r9.fws.gov/Job_Vacancies/Employment.htm

http://www.fire.ca.gov/CDFCareers/CDFCareers.asp


- Some Associations...

http://www.smokejumpers.com/become_a_smokejumper/index.php


- Some Publications...

http://wildfirenews.com/

http://www.jems.com/wildland


That much said, I would not only welcome but encourage you to develop a
short list of agencies you may wish to work for. Often times this is driven
by housing, budget, geography, climate, family or other equally important
outside factors. If you have no anchor whatsoever, then indeed the world is
your oyster. Before you go venturing too far though, I would encourage you
to establish contact with Firefighters close to your current home. If they
happen to work in the "wildland" aspects of the Fire Service that interest
you - and for an agency you might consider joining - all that much the
better!

My insistence on getting into a Fire Station or Crew Office is that to be
successful, you truly need a mentor. This man or woman - or more than one
person, can offer you the personal insight and support that is essential to
your attaining your dreams. No questions are too basic and no aspirations
are too grand. Indeed, some of the lessons you will learn (especially on
what NOT to do) will be priceless. If you let those of us here know where
you are and where you are looking, likely we can direct you to someone we
know.

While there are many ways to make wildland firefighting your life's work,
please know there are also many opportunities to fight wildfire as a career
Firefighter with a municipal Fire Department as well. Yes, even in America's
second-largest city <grin>.

If the diversity of Southern California suits your lifestyle, I would warmly
welcome you to consider becoming a member of the Los Angeles Fire
Department. For more information, please visit:

http://www.lafd.org/recruit.htm

Kindly accept my best wishes for success at your endeavor.

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Paramedic
Public Information Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
LAFD Website: http://www.lafd.org