Training

Training begins on the crews first day. It is important that crew members view each fire and project as an opportunity to learn.

The initial foundation of training includes:

1. Forest Orientation
2. Crew Orientation
3. Standards for Survival
4. Look-up, Look-down, Look-around
5. Survival triangle
6. L.C.E.S.
7. Common Denominators
8. Line construction
9. Fire Shelter training
10. Communications
11. Human factors on the fireline
12. Working with inmates
13. Lessons learned
14. I.A. procedures
15. S-330 (unit V, Lessons C-D) Task Force/Strike Team Leader
16. S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
17. Fatality review
18. Fireline Handbook
19. Civil Rights
20. Fire Fatality Scenarios
21. Downhill Line construction
22. Light hand on the land
23. First aid/CPR
24. Search and Rescue

Additional training may consist of, but is not limited to:

1. S-131 Advanced Firefighter Training
2. S-215 Fire Operation in the Urban Interface
3. S-211 Portable Pumps and Water use
4. S-212 Power Saws
5. S-271 Helicopter Crew Member
6. S-234 Ignition Operations
7. S-270 Basic Air Operations
8. L-280 Followership to Leadership
9. Maps and compasses

Additional training will be completed at the Superintendent’s discretion as time allows and will be secondary to performing the duties as wildland firefighters.

Because of the strenuous nature of fighting fire, all applicants must successfully pass the Forest Service Work Capacity Test.  This test involves walking 3 miles with a 45lb pack in 45 minutes or less. Furthermore, it is recommended that the following fitness goals be met:

• 1.5 mile run in a time of 10:35 or less
• 40 sit-ups in 60 seconds or less
• 25 pushups in 60 seconds or less
• Chin-ups, based on body weight
  • More than 170 lbs. = 4 chin-ups
  • 135-169 lbs. = 5 chin-ups
  • 110-134 lbs. = 6 chin-ups
  • Less than 110 lbs. = 7 chin-ups

Specific Physical Training Information

Hiking- Hikes will be performed wearing full personal protective equipment and line gear.  Hikes will primarily travel on Klamath IHC’s well beaten paths behind the station.  Hikes will be travelled at crew pace; not keeping up on hikes is an unacceptable work practice for safety reasons.

Running- Runs will be performed wearing appropriate running shoes, shorts and shirt.  Runs will be a minimum of 3 miles and will not exceed 10 miles.

Strength Training Exercises- Strength training will consist of pushups, pull-ups, bar dips, weight lifting, yoga and core exercises.  Exercises will be performed in a manner that aids in the development of muscles more conditioned to the work performed by hotshots.

Stretching- Stretching is an integral part of any physical fitness training program.  The Klamath IHC uses stretching and proper hydration to minimize injury and promote fast recovery from the strenuous PT program.