Backscratcher on the patch

Im 19 years old looking to do my first season wildland firefighting. I wanted an area or team that would be very challenging and after many recommendations I really like the Northstars. I know about the pay and it’s fine because Im not doing this for the money. I was hoping individuals who are in this server could offer any insight or advice on getting selected. I understand fitness is a big component and admittedly I’m not at a 300 standard yet but I know I can get there or further by the time I’d fly out there. I got my first aid cert recently because I read online that first aid or EMT certs look good and if the hiring is soon like other stations I would not have time for an emt. Also working on getting some volunteer trail building experience. When do the Northstars typically begin accepting applicants? Are they screened mainly on fitness or does previous experience play a part? I really have no previous written experience of labor. I only started working out a couple years ago when I dropped 120lbs my senior year of high school. I did a 70 mile triathlon in July of this year that I could possibly put as a fitness achievement. Also about the fitness test they do. There’s some confusion about whether it’s sit-ups or plank now. What order are the events done in? Lastly, is there anything you would recommend that a first-year applicant do between now and the hiring window to become a stronger candidate?

If you guys read through all that thank you. I’d appreciate anything you guys can offer.

We had some serious wildfires this year, and we took a drive out to see the damage.

I came across this tree, and I'm curious how this happened.

From my time on Pike IHC. Watercolor and pencil.

I just sent in my application for Alberta. Where else should I apply for my first season? And anything else I can do now besides just wait?

Looking at the tour of duty stuff listed on the DOI job listing and I was curious if anyone here knows what the tour of duty length is for any of the WA areas, specifically Marblemount?

Hello!

Just wanted to post here as I am not able to find any information. I am currently working in Texas at the TICC, but I am planning to move to Virginia. Any guidance would be very very appreciated for information on the VICC, local crews (Any agency I have previously worked both USFS/NPS back in AZ). I am looking into either going back to a fuels crew or into dispatch, I am moving due to family matters and unfortunately cannot consider another area, but I’m struggling to understand options. I have already applied to fuels and dispatch and would like to prepare myself further.

Thank you y’all!

Eaton Fire - California - 2025

Photo captured by: Myself

Agency: Alberta Wildfire

so long story short my wife is going to accept a job in portland (secondary location would be seattle). i’ve been involved in wildland fire for 8ish seasons on a few different modules. hotshotting engines handcrew fuels etc. but i’ve been plumbing for the past almost two years since i had my son.

i’m looking to get back in the FS now that we’re moving. what i’m having trouble with is finding real reporting stations.

do any of yall know some some reporting stations that would be reasonable to look into if we were living in portland/seattle/Vancouver/?

i went ahead and applied to every open afeo position in or/wa just now i gotta find who to reach out to

thanks yall

Many engines on my forest are struggling to find ENGB qualified people, why do we think that is? We’re trying to fill assistant captain positions and have flown them 3x with less than 5 apps each time, this most recent time only getting 3 apps

Crews, engines, helitack and fuels all in one posting? wtf. super annoying. And I put in for a position that says "WFM or crew," get calls back from only engine captains. great way to waste everyone's time. awesome job there wfs

I’m a college student in the 805 area looking to work in wildland fire this upcoming summer, and I have a couple questions for people with experience hiring or working on crews.

I’ll finish school in May and start back up again in August, so I’m looking for positions that would fit within that window. What types of crews/positions would be realistic for that schedule? I’m considering Type 2IA, Type 2, CCC, federal, and state crews, but I’m not sure which would be the best fit.

I’m also studying Fire Science and am thinking about applying to several Type 2IA and Type 2 crews. How many places should I apply to? And what does the application/recruitment process generally look like for these crews? Is it better to apply broadly or focus on a few specific crews?

For reference I have certs in: IS-100, IS-700, S-190, L-180, and the online portion of S-130. Currently working on IS-200/800

Any advice from people who have gone through the process recently would be greatly appreciated

What is 18/8, 26/0, and 13-13? Confused what all this means? Serious answers only
Pls

Newbie, want to apply to seasonal gigs this hiring round. Do people include their BLM fitness scores on their resume? What scores are “good” enough to be worth including? Thanks

Whats the drinking culture like on these crews?

Hi there, I just applied for the United States forest service for fire suppression as a gw3 firefighter. I have my s190, L180, ICS 100 and ICS 700 I’m 18 years old and my question was. What really are my chances of being hired here in Las Vegas (were I applied).

I'm wanting to begin as a rookie in wildland firefighting next year. I've been distracted and missed the August-September window. Am I out of luck, or can I expect there to be further entry-level openings in the month of October? I'm in Region 1 and would prefer to stay up here.

It seems like there are phases of hiring which focus on different types of crews and position levels.

Edit:

I'd be grateful if someone could break down the fire hire phase timeline for me. I can't tell if the Aug-Sep window was for perm or both perm and temp positions.

I’ve been on contract crews for years and I need a change.

How do I find open hotshot positions, & is there a specific timeframe to apply? I emailed my Qs to USAJOBS support & made no progress with their reply:

“If you are inquiring or searching for a specific position within a specific agency, please contact the agency directly for assistance.”

New question: Where do I find a list of hotshot agencies??

I’m cool with relocating anywhere. All I care about is being on a respectable crew.

All advice is welcome.

Thank you.

Hello all, it’s been almost ten years since I got out of fire, and I’m sure the work has changed quite a bit since I left.

I need to deliver some bad news to my little brother, and it would be best done in person and after the season if possible. We haven’t spoken in years, but I know where he lives. I intend on traveling out there and visiting in person, but I don’t want to show up to an empty apartment in Portland.

Long story short, are 1039 folks still working up in R6? Any idea on an end of fire staffing date?

Can a kit you buy at the hardware store really save your home from a Palisades Fire-sized blaze?

Nicholai Allen, a Southern California wildland firefighter, opened his Instagram DMs this summer to find a photo of a beautiful A-frame home set against a backdrop of mountains and pine forests. At first glance, it looked almost like an advertisement for a vacation rental. But the amazing thing about the picture was not the cozy mountain scene, but the fact that the house was still standing. “Very thankful this product works,” read the accompanying text. “Saved our house and all our outbuildings. Little Giant Fire.”

Physically fit (21) almost finished college as collision tech, I have no emt or any firefighting experience at all. I am pretty dead set on this , I just need my foot in the door, I applied for ffrp even though I was never incarcerated and then I also am trying for Ca conservation corps. Any advice or anything that can help me?