r/Wildfire

thoughts on dealing with these people?

several coworkers are bitter divorced dads and others seem to be overall unhappy with life choices etc. constant bitching about everything and anything. its like they live for the drama and have nothing else in life except work. they try to suck you into drama that is work and non work related and when i resist, i am the bad guy. i want to have fun at work and cut and burn shit or put fires out

is it really just because i am young and newly permanent? does everyone become so bitter in this job?

So last month I applied to a wildland firefighter position at my local national park. I recently just got notification that I was referred to the hiring manager. Is there a average on how long it takes before hearing something back? I had already spoke to the FMO a week or so ago so they know im interested. Will they still conduct interviews or just fast track the process since from what i understand they’re doing this since theres a “critical” staffing need? Thanks!

contacted jim green to ask about fire-resistant options. they replied can build with heat-resistant adhesive and outsoles as a custom boot order ($400).

anyone here happen to have done this with them? thoughts on if this customisation would allow these boots to work safely on the fireline?

African Troopers - Jim Green

https://preview.redd.it/5bdsvo0s17xg1.png?width=1183&format=png&auto=webp&s=6ecc97eafc201c3ec06e328b8406dca3b5617d46

Hi guys. I’m 22 and from the UK, I was interested in becoming a park ranger over here but need some travel and a bit more excitement in my life. I’m hoping to do my first season wildland firefighting in Alberta next year (I heard Alberta and BC were the best to get into) and wanted to run my plan past people with experience to see if I’m missing anything, sorry this is quite a long post.

I’m planning on applying to the more northern/remote bases like Slave Lake, Peace River, High Level, Fort McMurray, and Lac La Biche since I’ve heard they’re my best shot at getting hired as an international. I also ideally would want accommodation on base, I don’t care if it’s shabby.

Before applying, I’m getting some relevant qualifications (chainsaw maintenance and tree felling, outdoor emergency first aid) to try and improve my chances, and obviously the IEC Working Holiday Visa. I’m in pretty good shape so I’m not worried about passing the WFX-FIT test.

My understanding is you apply around October–November, interview online, and then have to travel fairly short notice in January for the fitness test and medical. The season would then start around April and run through late August or early September.

Main things I’m trying to figure out: how realistic it is to get hired as a UK applicant in a first season? whether those extra qualifications actually make a difference, how the January travel logistics usually work in practice, and basically anything I might’ve gotten wrong or am missing.

I’ve also briefly looked into Australia, but it seems mostly volunteer-based—just wondering if there’s any real paid pathway there for internationals because I have family in NSW.

It’s really hard to find information about this kind of career online so any advice, corrections, or connections would be really appreciated 🙌

Who’s been through one and what did they have you do? Sounds like we’re getting a visit this spring.

R2, if that makes any difference. Thanks, friends

This is a silly question, but I keep thinking about it. If a bucket is being refilled in a waterbody that has manatees, there's no way one could end up in a bucket, right?

Ok this is naybe going to sound ridiculous BUT.....I have worked fire for a couple years and if I leave my radio on at night/get put on night ops theres a random broad cast of random letters/numbers and ive never been able to get anyone to explain wtf it is.

Is it the soviet sleeper cells putting out hits on big foot? Radio techs adjusting something? Wtf is it!??

Hi guys I have a question if anyone can give me some advice. I'm a 5ft woman and I've been practicing for the pack test for 2 months now and I'm kinda struggling to make time. Not sure if it's my stride or what. I average about a 15:30 pace per mile but I want to get better. Any advice is appreciated and shout out to all you heros out there

Hey all, recently turned 18, and am lining up for a job through a private contractor to get my foot in the door of wildland firefighting this summer. I recently got my feet scanned since I've always had issues finding shoes that fit, and I really want a good boot to use. Apparently I have unusually wide feet, and a high instep 🤷.

I'm curious what boot brands are recommended (especially for wide feet) for beginners. I've read lots of stories on here about people my age getting a cheap boot and hating every minute of their time on the line. I've read through a few posts and have seen several brands recommended (whites, jk, nicks, danners, Kenetrek, etc.) But have also seen just as contradictory opinions for the same boots. (Mostly that XYZ brand has fallen off, in recent years, etc.)

Any recommendations for fitment or techniques to help mitigate my high instep, any inserts, etc?

Thanks!