Interagency
Basic
Wildland
Firefighter
Academy
What is it?
This rigorous twenty days of training is specifically designed for those seeking a seasonal firefighter job with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) or a Federal forest fire agency such as the United States Forest Service (USFS).
Graduates of this Academy also meet the minimum wildland fire training requirements needed to apply for seasonal wildland fire control positions with most other fire agencies in California.
In addition to the required wildland firefighting subjects, the Academy includes Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat FRO) and Confined Space Awareness training.
When is it?
The Interagency Basic Wildland Firefighter Academy is conducted on Saturdays and Sundays for TEN consecutive weekends in the Spring (160 hours). Students are also required to complete substantial self-study and homework assignments each week.
How to enroll...
Enroll on-line at www.portervillecollege.edu. This class typically fills very rapidly and slots are awarded on a first-come, first serve basis. Check the College website for enrollment dates. Those who sign up the day enrollment opens will have the best chance of securing a seat. If you need enrollment assistance, please call the Porterville College Admissions Office at (559) 791-2220.
Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites. However, to be successful in this Academy a student MUST be in top physical condition and able to perform arduous physical tasks such as hiking, climbing, dragging fire hose and cutting fire line with hand tools for extended periods of time.
Academy students must also purchase and wear an approved Academy uniform and provide their own Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Students may not share gear.
What certificates are issued?
Certificates issued upon successful completion of the Academy may include:
- Hazardous Materials - First Responder Operations
- Confined Space Rescue - Awareness
- NWCG S-130 Firefighter Training
- NWCG S-190 Basic Fire Behavior
- CAL FIRE Basic Firefighter (67 Hour)
NOTE! Only those students who successfully pass ALL written and hands-on skills evaluations required by CAL FIRE will receive the CAL FIRE certificate.
What about First Aid training?
Though not required to enroll in the Academy, and not taught during the Academy, when applying for a job most local and State fire agencies will want you to have current first aid and CPR certification at the Public Safety First Aid level or above. It is recommended that you consider taking the Emergency Medical Technician I class that is also offered at Porterville College.
Will completion of the Academy guarantee a job?
Though past graduates of this Academy have been highly successful in getting jobs as seasonal firefighters, there is no guarantee, expressed or implied, that completion of this Academy will result in employment by any fire agency. In addition to completing this training, students will have to meet other pre-employment requirements established by the various fire agencies.
Contact Information …
For more information, contact:
Rich Stover -
rstover@portervillecollege.edu
559-791-2449 (Voicemail)
Please limit inquiries to essential questions. Due to the volume of phone calls and emails received about our Fire Academies, response to inquiries may be delayed. Email is preferred.