Wildland Fire Department | 3 CC - 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

The certificate can lead to careers as a:

• wildland firefighter
• forest and conservation technician
• forestry inspector or investigator
• forestry prevention specialist
• independent fire fighting 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

The Wildland Fire Science program provides training that can lead to seasonal employment in wildland firefighting or to the first step to a career in the forest industry or park service. There are many career tracks in the field of wildland firefighting and forestry. It’s exciting work that requires fundamental survival, safety and firefighting training and skills. It is also important to be physically fit, work well in a team environment, and respond quickly and efficiently to instruction/commands. 

Clackamas Community College is a certified training site recognized by the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG), the Oregon Department of Forestry, and National Forest Service. Program instructors are National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certified and offer 15-30 years of wildland firefighting experience. Many of the courses carry NWCG certification as well as college credit.

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 Communication Skills: Occupational Writing or WR-121 English Composition)

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

Human Relations (3-4 credits- See page 82 for 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).