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Career Details : Forest Firefighters

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Description

Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Fells trees, cuts and clears brush, and digs trenches to contain fire, using ax, chain saw, or shovel.
  • Packs parachutes.
  • Parachutes from aircraft and guides direction of fall toward clear landing area near scene of fire.
  • Orients self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collects supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.
  • Works as member of fire-fighting crew.
  • Patrols burned area after fire to watch for hot spots that may restart fire.
  • Ascertains best method for attacking fire and communicates plan to airplane or base camp, using two-way radio.
  • Extinguishes flames and embers to suppress fire, using shovel or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Frustrating Circumstances
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
    • Hazardous Situations

    Related Majors

    Major Add to MyFSA
    Environmental Protection Scienceadd Environmental Protection Science to MyFSA
    Fire Scienceadd Fire Science to MyFSA
    Fire Science/Public Safetyadd Fire Science/Public Safety to MyFSA
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