NEW FIREFIGHTER FAQ

New firefighters must register for and successfully complete the National Wildfire Coordinating Group(NWCG) required firefighter training which includes S-130: Basic Firefighter, S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior and L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. These ENTRY LEVEL courses are conducted over a five-day period (40 hours) which includes a hands-on Field Day component.  Successful completion of these courses along with the Work Capacity Test [WCT] will make you eligible to begin work as a Wildland Firefighter.  GFP provides all your NWCG required training for free.

In addition to these NWCG courses, also required are two FEMA self-study courses. (IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System and IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100). These are federally required courses that are administered by FEMA and must be completed through their online independent study program. These courses must be completed no later than the last day of your Entry Level Training Courses. Click here for additional HELP on completing the required IS-700.B and IS-100.C FEMA courses.

Those wishing to work on a hand-crew or engine must complete and pass the WCFT at the arduous level.  The arduous guidelines require the successful completion of a 3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack in under 45 minutes.  This test is required of all agency and contract fire personnel and must be passed before an Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) can be issued.  Every individual working on a fire incident must have a Red Card.  Your instructor will provide WCT training and guidance during class.

GFP Enterprises will pay the cost of all your training courses, as long as you intend to work for us.  We also provide free training to help those interested in advancing to higher level ICS positions – once you gain the proper experience.

You must create a Web Portal User Account to complete class registration.  You can view available courses online prior to registering.  There are a limited number of seats available in our training classes, so register early to guarantee yourself a seat.

It is our electronic system for tracking / managing applicants and employees.  Every GFP Employee must have a Web Portal User Account to register for training classes.  All your future training and work history will be associated with this account.  Our company is very large and online registration streamlines our training and onboarding process.  It also allows us to update your firefighter profile and availability status in real time.   You can also update your personal contact information online without having to contact our office.

YES, you need a valid email address in which you know the password to set up a Web Portal User Account.  You will not be able to register for class unless you set up a Web Portal User Account.  DO NOT USE A FRIEND’S EMAIL ACCOUNT to create your Web Portal User Account.  It needs to be an email that you have access to, as we send training class notifications and future job-related correspondences.

You can go to Gmail or Yahoo! and create a Free email account.  After securing your new account you can create a Web Portal User Account.

You will be introduced to the basic concepts of the fire environment and learn about fire behavior. You will learn that the available fuels, topography, and current weather have major influences on fire behavior. You will learn the importance of continual monitoring these factors to predict when and where the fire is likely to increase in intensity. Maintaining constant situational awareness, establishing escape routes, and knowing safety zone locations will help you remain safe on the fireline. You will be taught fire suppression tactics, tool use and maintenance, and common wildland fire terminology. Above all, you will learn that effective communication and a commitment to safety is always a top priority.

Training class locations are indicated on the training schedule.  When browsing the Training schedule, Click DETAILS.  A dropdown will appear indicating the class location address at the bottom.  You can also click the Google Map. 

You must be over 18 years old to apply and provide proper I-9 documentation when completing the application.  You will receive an orientation the first day of class.  Once you have completed the Entry Level training courses an application will be sent to you via DocuSign along with your WH-153 wage agreement.  We are looking for reliable, hardworking and safety minded individuals with the ability to work well in unique environments and effectively in teams.

Entry Level firefighters start out at $20.35 per hour, which includes $4.80 fringe.  Valid EMT Cardholders and MSPA Approved drivers earn extra pay.  Pay increases with experience and training – it is also based on conduct and your performance.  Typically, overtime is reached by day 3 since you will most likely be working between 12-to-16-hour operational shifts.  Pay accumulates quickly.  We also provide fire boot and campsite allowances each year.

Peak fire season in the western United States typically runs from June to October.  Over the past several years we see a trend of an extending fire season.   Your official start date is the date of our first dispatch.  Work is dependent on the number of fires burning in a given period and the availability of resources.  Not all companies are equal.  How much work you potentially get depends heavily on the quality of the agency/contractor you choose to work for.  GFP has dispatched personnel in as early as January and as late as December.  So, prepare yourself to work after you have completed your training.  You may receive an availability status call if we anticipate a dispatch.  You can also browse for national fire information at NIFC.GOV.

Government regulations do not allow for more than 16 hours daily, unless conducting initial attack [IA].  Based on historical data, the actual average number of hours worked will be somewhere around 14 hours per day.  This will amount to approximately 98+ hours per week – which amounts to a very substantial paycheck.

We are a nationally recognized company and have performed work for multiple government agencies all over the United States in wildland fire, emergency response and disaster recovery.  We are a professional organization with experienced supervisors that will be looking out for your safety and well-being.  We have a positive culture with an exceptional performance record.  We also provide additional work opportunities outside of fire season and want to see you succeed in your career development.  Our people are our most important asset – period.

Simply provide us with the dates you are available on you application and we will accommodate you. Many of our employees are students that return to us each season – we encourage your educational commitment.

First of all, make sure that you have the appropriate wildland fire gear.You’ll learn more about this is class.Make sure that the items on our Personal Gear List are packed so that you may quickly respond to our call.This should include government issued photo ID, double lunch, wildland fire boots (Vibram Soles), personal tent, sleeping bag, 32oz Nalgene H2O bottles, RX / Allergy medications (30-day supply), moisture wicking socks, cotton T-shirts, underwear, toiletry items, shower towel, flip-flops, etc.Upon completion of all employment related documents, successfully passing all required training and fitness testing and as soon as you are ready to work, you need to provide your Availability Status on a weekly basis (during fire season) and less often prior to and after fire season.As jobs come in, we refer to the availability list to quickly find workers that have the skills and experience necessary for the ordered deployment.

YES.  Hauling heavy fire equipment, laying hose, and digging fireline can be grueling, but rewarding work. We strongly urge you to begin physical training in preparation for the fire season – so that you may report to work prepared from Day 1. Being well conditioned is critical in your ability to move quickly in the event an emergency arises. Let the fire environment – the steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke – be the motivation for you to prepare. Let being accountable to yourself and your crew be your motivation. Commit to your physical fitness today. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail – John Wooden.

Generally, you will have 2 hours to safely travel from your location to the Dedicated Dispatch Location (DDL) where we will assemble and prepare for travel to the incident as a crew.  Our DDL’s are currently located in Sisters, OR; Salem, OR and Redding, CA.  As part of the preparation at the DDL, we will provide you with all your required Personal Protective Equipment, line gear and personal gear bag.  You are required to show up with a majority of the items identified on the Personal Gear List.  You will receive a briefing regarding travel logistics, information about the incident and a variety of other dispatch specific topics prior to departing the DDL to the fire.