WILLIAMS WILDLAND FIRE SERVICES

How do we get to the fire and what is our plan for accomodations?

WWFS provides transportation to and from the fire. You will likely be traveling by the brush trucks although we do have other modes of transportation for crew travel and swap. It is your responsibility to make it to our dispatch location to mate up with our mode of transportation. Once we arrive at the incident, we will be staying in government provided lodging or a fire camp, camp may be located near the fire where we can pitch our tents, eat, bathe, and rest up for the next day.

Where does WWFS typically fight fires? 

WWFS is called when the nation's forests are on fire.  WWFS has a Region 8 water handling contracts and provides engines to support suppression efforts. This allows us to respond to local fires in Region 8 and anywhere else in the continental United States.  We have fought fires in more than 13 states over the past  10 years.

Do I have to live nearby the dispatch site? 

It is preferred that you live within a two/three hour radius of our equipment dispatch location of Lake City, Florida.  We must be ready to roll to the incident within 6 hours of being dispatched. 

What equipment is provided and what equipment do I need to provide? 

WWFS will provide all personal protective equipment required for the position including nomex flame resistant shirts and pants, hard hat, goggles, fire shelter, head lamp, gloves, day pack, hearing protection, and eye protection.  The recommended personally provided gear for wildland firefighters is below under WAR BAG and also will be discussed again during training. You should have a good pair of fire boots (not provided by WWFS) (leather work boots, lace-up, 8" high, vibrum soles, non-steel toed), a tent and a sleeping bag, and your personal items.

What is the work capacity fitness test (pack test)?

The work capacity fitness test, also referred to as the "pack test", is a three mile hike while carrying a 45 pound pack. This test must be completed in less than 45 minutes.  The pack test can be retaken under certain circumstances, and may require a doctors release.

What type of identification is required? 

You must have two forms of government issued ID, one of which must have a picture. Student ID cards are not an acceptable form of government picture ID. Driver's licenses, social security cards and government issued passports are all acceptable forms of government issued ID.  Our training department will evaluate your identification for compliance to the contract requirements.

How long does the training take, and are there any fees? 

The entry-level, basic wildland firefighting training (S130/S190) are courses that can be 90 % taken online here. The other 10 % must be taken at our facility along with the "Pack Test". You must take 100% of the training in order to be issued your red card. There is no fee for the training if you intend to work for WWFS during the wildfire season.

How I work long hours and how much should I expect to make? 

Wildland firefighters often work long hours, averaging 12-14 hours a day (80-100hrs/week). You may be dispatched to wildfire assignments for up to 14 days straight or more if fire conditions warrant.

The starting wage for FFT 2 is approximately $175/dy and $350/dy for ENGB. WWFS provides Workers Comp benefits for its workforce, any other insurance and health benefits are the responsibility of the worker.

When does the job begin and how many hours will I work? 

Wildland firefighter positions are seasonal, on-call positions. The duration of these positions is very unpredictable based on factors such as weather conditions, ignitions and fuel moisture content. Based on the trends of past years, the wildfire season can begin as early as January and end as late as December.

Is there a minimum age requirement to fight fires? 

Wildland firefighters must be at least 18 years of age.

Can firefighting be dangerous? 

Wildland firefighting is absolutely a dangerous profession.  We have implented saftey procedures and risks are minimized by providing supervisors experienced in fire behavior and the company requirements to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and by working together and following company policies.  We offer several field day operations in the pre-season to reinforce the use of PP&E and we use a mentoring system so each new firefighter has a mentor, a person with more than one season of experience, during their first season.

What does a wildland firefighter do? 

Wildland firefighters work under difficult and extreme conditions.   Typically they are self disciplined outdoor types who are in excellent physical condition and enjoy working closely with 19 other crewmembers. During incidents they aid in the suppression of fires by constructing fireline, fuels reduction, and hose lays and other duties as assigned.

As an on-call firefighter for Williams Wildland Fire Services, LLC, what can I expect? 

As an on-call seasonal firefighter you will be compensated for the time in which you are working, including during travel to the fire. The time during which you are waiting for a dispatch call is not compensated.