Wildland Firefighter Program

The following training is required to work as a National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Firefighter:

• Complete the NWCG L180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, S130 Firefighter Training, S190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior and FEMA's I-100 and IS-700; These training opportunities are virtual training available online and should take 30+ hours to complete. 
• Attend an in-person Fire Field Day with an NWCG qualified instructor. Instructors must be in the NWCG system and qualified as a single resource boss in order to teach a Field Day. 
• Summary of Online Wildland Fire Training
• Pass the Work Capacity Test. The work capacity test is an annual physical fitness test. It consists of walking 3 miles with 45lb vest in under 45 minutes. The WCT may be administered after you are hired. 
• Submit a Health Screen Questionnaire.
• Complete an Informed Consent form.
• Participate in an annual refresher.

Wildland Fire jobs are available through State Agencies, the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Not-for-profit Organizations, Contractors, and others.

The Illinois DNR Forestry Fire crew hires wildland firefighters on a temporary, as needed, hourly pay basis.  The Fire Crew is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working on the fireline and begin to build qualifications.  Crew members will learn from senior members of the crew and should have the opportunity to respond to and work on wildland fire suppression.  To be sponsored by the IL DNR, firefighters must reside in Illinois.  Most states have a similar program.  For more information or to apply to work on the crew, please contact Ben Snyder, contact information below.  You may also complete the AD application: AD Application for IDNR Fire Crew

Wildland Fire Crew assignments may last 18 or more days.  Crews can be sent anywhere in the country. You are required to be part of the crew for the entire assignment.  You are required to follow the crew operation manual.

Specialized firefighting equipment is provided for the duration of the mobilization. Items like boots, eye protection, personal gear, sleeping bags, and tents are required and provided by you. Check with the IDNR Forestry Fire Program Manager for equipment specifics.

Crews are typically made available for national mobilization from mid-June through mid-September.

There are opportunities for individuals to mobilize as a "single resource". This requires additional specialized training and qualifications. For more information on single resource qualifications and assignments, contact the Forestry Fire Program Manager.

If you are interested in attending a Fire Field Day, please contact the Forestry Fire Program Manager, listed below.  Field days are only offered during the spring and fall.  

Ben Snyder
Forestry Fire Program Manager
Cell: 618-534-9521
Email: benjamin.snyder@illinois.gov