Program Overview

The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Wildland Firefighter trains students for beginning-level wildland firefighter and meets the standards for National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). Includes wildland fire behavior, fire control tactics, human factors on the fireline, standards for firefighter safety and survival, introduction to the incident command system, and a field exercise.

Program Objectives

1. Fire Behavior Understanding: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of wildland fire behavior, including factors such as weather, topography, and fuel types, enabling them to make informed decisions in the field.

2. Firefighter Safety Protocols: The program emphasizes safety as a top priority, teaching participants the necessary safety protocols and strategies to protect themselves and their team members during wildland firefighting operations.

3. Hands-On Fire Suppression Techniques: Participants will engage in practical training exercises to develop proficiency in using firefighting tools, equipment, and techniques specific to wildland fire situations.

4. Team Collaboration: The program instills the importance of effective teamwork and communication in the challenging and fast-paced environment of wildland firefighting. Participants will learn to work cohesively as part of a firefighting crew.

5. Emergency Response Planning: Participants will be trained in developing and executing emergency response plans, ensuring efficient and organized efforts in the face of rapidly changing fire conditions.

6. Environmental Stewardship: The program promotes a sense of environmental responsibility, teaching participants how to balance effective firefighting with preserving natural resources and ecosystems.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

• Apply basic principles and procedures for wildland firefighting.
• Describe the purpose of the Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations.
• Explain what the Lookouts, Communication, Escape Routes, and Safety Zone (LCES) system is and how it relates to the Standard Firefighting Orders.
• Describe the various communication methods and tools used for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Describe the methods for extinguishing a fire with or without the use of water.
• Demonstrate the construction of a fireline to required standards using various methods, tools, equipment, and techniques.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Wildland Firefighter
• Firefighter Crew Member
• Firefighter Technician
• Fire Management Specialist
• Prescribed Fire Technician
• Fire Operations Coordinator
• Fire Prevention Technician
• Fire and Resource Technician
• Fire Control Officer
• Forest Firefighter

Skills you will gain

• Emergency Management
• Emergency Response Planning
• Environmental Stewardship
• Physical Fitness
• Safety Protocols
• Team Collaboration
• Fire Behavior Understanding
• Wildland Fire Suppression
• Outdoor Skills
• Firefighting Equipment