WILDLAND FIRE ACADEMY Application Packet Spring 2016 PRIORITY DEADLINE: April 25, 2016 (30 spaces available) CLASSES BEGIN: May 9, 2016 Klamath Community College 7390 South 6th St. Klamath Falls OR 97603 541-882-3521 www.klamathcc.edu Wildland Fire Academy is in collaboration with Oregon Department of Forestry and Fremont-Winema Forest Service Klamath Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution. To request this publication in an alternative format, please call 541.882.3521 1
Application Checklist If you are taking this training as Non-Credit please complete this application and attach items 4-11, including Immunization Form (5 or 6). If you are taking this training for College Credit please complete 1-4, items 5 or 6, and 7-9 in one complete packet. Applications must be received or postmarked by 4:30pm April 25, 2016 to be considered for the Spring 2016 program. NO EXCEPTIONS. 1. Fill out the Special Program Application online at mykcc.klamathcc.edu/ics/admissions/ or fill out and attach a paper KCC Admissions App. 2. Fill out your FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov, listing Klamath Community College as your school. 3. Have official transcripts sent from your high school and any previous college(s). 4. Provide a copy of your American Heart Assoc. Heart Saver First Aid/CPR/AED card showing completion. This must be presented by the end of the program. See your instructor to find out how to get this completed. 5 Provide original records of the following immunizations. 5a Tetanus (within last five years) Date 5b Tuberculosis (TB, within last six months) Date 5c Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR, proof given 2x) Date 5d Varicella (Chicken Pox) Provide proof of one: 1) 2x vaccinations Date 2) Positive Antibody Titer (lab report required) Date 3) Medically-documented proof of past infection Date 5e Hepatitis B (within last two years) Provide proof of one: 1) 1x immunization Date 2) Hepatitis B Titer Date 6. Provide original records of the required immunizations. You can complete the Oregon Certificate of Immunization Status for Colleges & Universities Form in lieu of original records. 7. Complete Background Check from Certified Background at www.certifiedprofile.com. Refer to sample instructions at back of packet ($56 fee, see student instruction form in back of packet). 8. Provide a copy of your Driver s License and a DMV Certified Court Printout from your local DMV (cost is about $3). 9. Provide proof of a physical exam from medical professional show you can safely complete the program. This can be your own doctor or can be completed at Basin Immediate Care. 10. Provide proof of completed ICS-100 and IS-700 from FEMA.gov website. Upon completion a certificate will be provided from the website. 11. Signed liabilty waiver. 2
Frequently Asked Questions What is the Wildland Fire Academy? Wildland firefighters are tasked with combating wildfires and preventing future fires from starting. Wildland firefighting agencies operate at the federal level (National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs), the state level (Fish and Game, Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry and at the local level (Rural Fire Departments) where forest land lies within the incorporated area. While some wildland firefighters work year-round and some work only during the fire season, the work is always strenuous and positions are always highly competitive. Prospective workers can often increase their chances of securing a job by earning a certificate or degree in fire science. The Wildland Fire Academy prepares those willing to get into this job field. By attending this program you will receive a certificate from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group or NWCG. This program is also a pathway to an Associates of Applied Science degree in Natural Resources, with a four-year degree transfer option at Oregon State University s College of Forestry Natural Resources Program. When is it happening? The Wildland Fire Academy is completed over a two week period: Phase Date Time Pack Test May 7 10 am Firefighting II May 9-13 8 am to 5 pm Proficiency Test May 14 9 am Firefighting I May 18-20 8 am to 5 pm Proficiency Test May 21 9 am What is Firefighting II? Yes, you are reading this right, the program starts with Firefighting II. This 40-hour course provides an introduction to wildland fire behavior, wildland firefighting safety and wildland firefighting techniques. The course provides the student with the basic skills necessary to fight wildland fires under close supervision. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize basic weather, topography, and fuel characteristics that influence wildland fire behavior. Students will gain the skills to apply the standard wildland fire safety principles, the use of proper protective equipment, and the use of hand tools and hose lines for fire control operations and demonstrate the acquired skills during the Firefighter Training; S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior; and L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. ICS-100 and IS-700 are to be completed prior to the first day of class. These are offered online through FEMA.gov as a free course. What is Firefighting I? This 12-hour course provides instruction that meets the training requirements for the Wildland Firefighter Type 1 position. The course includes student interaction through the use of reference guides in order to make wildland fire ground assessments and to identify and address safety issues. This class is taught with the mandated National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) curriculum. It contains several tactical decision games designed to facilitate learning the objectives and class discussion. Topics include fireline reference materials, communications, and tactical decision making. 3
Firefighter I consists of S-133 and S-211. You may take Firefighting I only if you can provide proof of completion for Firefighting II. Upon completion of this course, the student will need further on-the-job training before becoming fully qualified as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) through the issuance and completion of a position task book. What is a Pack Test? The Pack test will be a qualifying test that will have applicants wear a 45 pound pack and walk three miles in 45 minutes or less. A passing result is not needed to enter the program but it must be done to complete the program. What is the Proficiency Test? This exam is being able to demonstrate that skills taught during the course. All students will need to demonstrate proficiency. This is pass/fail exam. How do I apply? Applications can be downloaded from the KCC website s Public Safety Center page. Paper applications can be found at reception desk, any student success representative or at the Community Education office all located in building three on the KCC campus. All documents outlined in the application must be submitted along with paper application in order to be considered. Is there an age requirement? Yes, all applicants must be 18 by the time they complete the program (with instructor approval). Will I need any special documentation to apply? Yes, you will need a high school diploma, a criminal background check, immunizations, a signed waiver and a passed physical. If you have current documentation (within the last 6 months) you can waive this requirement. How is the background check used in determining entry into the program? Director and Program Lead will review the background check report, any additional information provided by the applicant, and any other information it considers relevant. Klamath Community College (KCC) may independently seek additional information about the incident that is the subject of the report. If it does so, it will share any additional information obtained with the Director, Program Lead, and the applicant. Each case will be considered individually, and no information will automatically result in the revocation of acceptance. A decision regarding final acceptance will be made only after careful review of factors including, but not limited to, the nature and seriousness of the offense, the circumstances under which the offense occurred, the relationship between the offense and the student's participation in KCC's program curriculum, including its clinical and skills components, the age of the person when the offense was committed, whether the offense was isolated or part of a pattern of behavior, the length of time since the offense was committed, past employment and volunteer experience, past history of misconduct at prior institutions, evidence of successful rehabilitation, and forthrightness of the information about the incident in the opportunities for self-reporting. 4
After fully considering each referred applicant, the Director and Program Lead shall decide either to finalize or withdraw the conditional offer of acceptance extended to the applicant. The Office of Admissions shall advise the applicant of the decision within ten (10) business days of the date of the decision. Is there a deadline to apply? The deadline for the Wildland Academy is April 25, 2016. Please have all of your documents and application in by 4:30 pm on this day. What are the fees? Firefighting II, 5/9-5/13, Non-Credit Pricing Physical (may be waived) $300 Uniform fee $50 Equipment/Facility fee $50 What is the difference? Non-credit courses: Not eligible for financial aid Do not create/effect college transcript Do not create/effect your GPA Books, videos, instruction costs $100 Total Non-Credit Cost = $500 ($200 if Physical is waived) Firefighting II, 5/9-5/13, Credit Pricing - Physical (may be waived) $300 Uniform fee $50 Equipment fee $50 Books, videos, instruction costs $100 Credit Courses: Financial Aid Eligible Create/effect college transcript Create/effect GPA Credit Tuition/fees $306 (3 credits at $102/credit) Total Credit Cost = $806 ($506 if Physical is waived) Physicals may be charged to financial aid for eligible credit students Firefighting I, 5/18 5/20, Non-Credit Pricing Physical (may be waived) $300 Uniform fee $50 Equipment/Facility fee $50 Books, videos, instruction costs $25 Total Non-Credit Cost = $425 $125 (if Physical is waived) Firefighting I, 5/18-5/20 Credit Pricing - Physical (may be waived) $300 Uniform fee $50 5
Equipment fee $50 Books, videos, instruction costs $25 Credit Tuition/fees $102 (1 credit at $102/credit) Total Credit Cost = $527 $227 (if Physical is waived) Physicals may be charged to financial aid for eligible credit students) Am I paying for two sets of uniforms, equipment and books? No, the pricing is set to reflect if a student wishes to take just one of the courses. If you are planning to take the entire program you would only be charged for one set of uniform and equipment but two sets of books since the textbook for FFII and FFI are different. Are there books or supplies to purchase? All textbooks will be provided for in the cost of the course. Uniforms are also required and are a part of the course fees. All students must purchase and wear leather work gloves and leather work boots (boots must be 8 inches tall and nonsteeled-toed). Is this a certificate or a degree? This program is offered as credit and non-credit. The credit portion is part of the Associates of Applied Science program and are transferable to OSU. Upon successful completion of course and arduous work capacity test (pack test) students will be eligible to receive an Incident Qualification Card (aka, red card) with the Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification which is issued by the students employer which will help enable them to compete for jobs. All those who complete the entire program will receive a NWCG certificate for S-110, S-130, S-131, S-190 and L-180. You will also have the certificate from FEMA for completion of the ICS-100 and IS-700 courses. What kind of jobs will I qualify for after this program? Basic wildland firefighter with all local, state, federal and private agencies that perform wildland firefighting duties. These include various fire agencies in Klamath County and also private companies. Who can I contact for more information? Erica Dow Community Education Coordinator Building 3, Community Education Department 541-880-2253 Will classes meet here on the main KCC campus? All classes will be here. The live fire training portion will be off campus and students will learn more about that once in the program. The live fire training may be held in either Klamath or Lake County. 6
What is the job outlook for Wildland Firefighting? Employment in this occupation in 2012 was somewhat larger than the statewide average for all occupations. The total number of job openings is projected to be somewhat higher than the statewide average number of job openings for all occupations through 2022. This occupation is expected to grow at a somewhat slower rate than the statewide average growth rate for all occupations through 2022 (Oregon Department of Employment, 2016). Reasonable employment opportunities exist for trained workers. Is space limited? Yes, space in the Wildland Academy is limited to 30 people. Is there any special training I can do to prepare for the program? Before beginning Wildland Fire Academy all applicants must complete the ICS-100 and IS-700 courses online through FEMA.gov. These are offered as free courses. Proof of completion must be presented with application. The FEMA website will issue a certification as proof of completion. 7
Your Career as a Wildland Firefighter EARLY TRAINING Prospective wildland firefighters should focus their pre-application efforts in two areas: physical and educational. On the physical side, fitness is a key to becoming a good firefighter. Firefighters are held to rigorous fitness standards both during the hiring process when they ll be required to pass an annual pack test and throughout their careers. Cardio training like hiking and running while carrying weight, if possible will be especially useful, as it imitates wildfire working conditions. As much of the job occurs in the backcountry environment, basic outdoorsman and survival skills may also be of use. Specific educational requirements are set by each agency. Applicants who wish to set themselves apart can enroll in fire science and emergency medical technician courses at local vocational schools and community colleges. Most of these programs will be entirely classroom-based, but some may allow students to gain hands-on training in the field. Some of the areas of study which may be required are fire shelter training and ground cover fire training, and more advanced training may be required for specific branches of wildland firefighting like engine crews. In addition to physical and educational requirements, all applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent degree. Aspiring wildland firefighters may find that community fire departments or other potential employers prefer to hire people with previous firefighting experience. Therefore, part of the early training may be working as a volunteer firefighter at a fire department to get a foot in the door. Another way to gain education and experience early is via a degree in fire science. Many fire science programs at both the associate of applied science and bachelor s degree levels incorporate wildland firefighting into their programs. In some cases, it s a single course to introduce the student to the concept of wildland fighting, in other cases students can focus on it with the end goal of entering the profession upon graduation. QUALIFICATION Fire departments, and other state, federal, and private agencies and institutions will often hold recruitment fairs or make announcements on computer-based applications when they have positions to fill. Applicants complete written and physical tests. Because there are often hundreds of applicants for only a few positions, this first round of testing serves as an initial barrier to entry, weeding out the incapable and the unprepared. For those who pass the first round, the process has just begun. To be admitted to departmental training programs, prospective wildland firefighters usually take at least two exams. The first, a written test, generally contains around 100 questions covering essential skills for the job such as spatial awareness, mechanical reasoning and logic. The second part, the Candidate Physical Ability test, is designed to test the applicant s endurance and physical health. Candidates are often required to complete a three-mile hike through rough terrain while carrying 45 pounds of gear. The hike must be completed in 45 minutes or less and running is not allowed. If chosen for the position, applicants will be required to complete fire academy training. Candidates who wish to specialize 8
in wildland firefighting may need to earn a certain credential to qualify. For example, in Oregon, a popular state for wildland firefighting, candidates must earn a Red Card (or Interagency Incident Qualification Card) by finishing the NWCG S-130 Firefighter Training, NWCG S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, NWCG L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, FEMA ICS-100, Introduction to the Incident Command System and FEMA IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction. CAREER ADVANCEMENT (OPTIONAL) In order for a firefighter to advance in the field, they will be required to pursue additional training and education. For those interested, there are many degree programs available in subjects such as advanced techniques in fire management, fuels, public affairs, forest and rangeland ecology and more. While a college degree usually isn t required for entry level jobs, firefighters pursuing leadership positions may need a bachelor s or even a graduate degree in fire science. Firefighting specialty programs are available as well. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service offers courses in aviation fire training for those who want to become Smoke Jumper firefighters, Rappel firefighters, and Hot Shots. Other fire training schools offer courses in prescribed fire modeling and management, smoke management techniques, dispatch, incident command, fire investigation, fire prevention and tactical decision making. 9