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NEW FIREFIGHTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The information on this page is provided to answer common questions of
individuals wishing to enter the exciting field of wildland firefighting.
1. I have no
previous wildland fire experience, so how do I become a firefighter?
New firefighters must register and successfully complete S-130: Basic Firefighter and S-190: Introduction to
Wildland Fire Behavior training. These entry-level courses are conducted over a five [5] day period. Successful completion of the entry-level courses and the Work Capacity Fitness Test [WCFT] makes you eligible to begin working as a certified Wildland Firefighter.
2. What is a
Work Capacity Fitness Test [WCFT]? Those wishing
to work on hand crews or engines must complete and pass the WCFT at the arduous
level. The arduous guidelines require
the successful completion of a three (3) miles hike with a 45-pound pack in 45
minutes. Participating personnel must
provide Government issued photo ID at the time of the test. Your instructor will provide WCFT training
and guidance during class.
3. How
much does class cost? ASP Fire
will pay the cost of all your wildland training courses, as long as you intend
to work for us. If you transfer to
another company, we will provide your fire file to you for $35.00.
4. How
do I register for class? You must create a user account to complete 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. Anyone showing up for a class without registering will not be permitted to enter the class.
5. Do I need an email account to set-up a user account? YES, you can't register for classes unless you set-up a user account and you can't set-up an ASP Fire account without an email address.
6. What if I don't have an email account? You can go to Gmail or Yahoo and create a FREE email account. After getting your new email account you can create an ASP Fire user account.
7. Why do I need to create an ASP Fire user account to register for training? Our company is very large and online registration helps us manage firefighter information in real time. You can also update your personal contact information online without having to contact the office.
8. What if I can't attend a class that I registered? Once logged in to your user account, select the Register tab. Located the class you are unable to attend and un-check it.not If you donot have a computer you can register in person by completing a registration
form at our Albany office and providing it to our receptionist or by calling
the office and registering over the phone 541.967.8425.
9. What
will I learn in the entry-level class?
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 in an effort 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 fireline tool use and maintenance, map and compass skills and common
wildland fire terminology. Above all,
you will learn that effective communication and a commitment to safety is a top
priority at all times.
10. Where are
the training classes held? Once you are at the Registration Page you can click on the City link in the Location column. This will bring up the map for that specific training location. Click the map and enter the location from where you are traveling and Google Maps will map your directions..
11. How
do I apply to work for ASP Fire? You must
be 18 years or older to apply. An application and employee packet will be
provided to you during the first day of the entry-level class. You will need to provide a government issued
picture identification and social security card to complete the
application process. We are looking for
reliable, hard working firefighters, who display the ability to work
effectively in teams.
12. What
will I get paid? Entry-level firefighters will be paid
approximately $11.75 per hour. Pay increases with experience and training
and is also based on conduct and performance evaluations. Typically, firefighters reach overtime by
day 3 – overtime is paid at one and a half times your regular pay rate. Overtime is paid on hours over 40 in a one-week
period.
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