Upcoming Wildland Fire Academy Informational Meetings

DateDayTimeLocation
December 17, 2025Wednesday6:00 p.m.Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320
January 21, 2026Wednesday6:00 p.m.Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320
February 25, 2026Wednesday6:00 p.m.Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320
March 25, 2026Wednesday6:00 p.m.Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320
April 29, 2026Wednesday6:00 p.m.Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601
in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320

NEXT CLASS SPRING (JANUARY) 2026

***Class 29 Application below – scroll down***

1. Wildland Fire Academy Requirements

Complete the following before applying:

  • Attend one (1) Informational Meeting. There are two (2) options to meet this requirement.
    • OPTION 1 – Attend one (1) in-person Wildland Fire Academy informational meeting that are specific to the Wildland Fire Academy program only. Upcoming dates will be shown above if these are available. OR,
    • OPTION 2 – Attend one (1) online Fire Academy information meeting that includes the Wildland Fire Academy program, but is not specific to it. These meetings are presented over Zoom on the second (2nd) Tuesday of every month. To access the webpage with the ZOOM link click here. (Click item #1 to expand and view contents.)
  • Complete FTEC 044
  • Complete one (1) of the following: WFT101, WFT102, WFT103, WFT104, or WFT105.

2. Pass the PACK Test

You must earn a qualifying time on the mandatory Work Capacity Test, also known as the Pack Test. The WCT is administered in compliance with NWCG standards for arduous duty (NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1).

To pass the WCT, you must complete a 3-mile walk over level terrain in under 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.

The NFIC Fire Fitness Challenge, a physical conditioning program, can help prepare you for the WCT.

Below is a downloadable Work Capacity Test Guide (Pack Test Guide).

Pack TestDownload

3. Pack Test Dates

FIRST Pack Test – (has been completed)

The application deadline has been extended, however, any applications received up until January 23, 2026, may be placed on a waitlist.

SECOND Pack Test

A second Pack Test will take place at a later time and date (to be determined), sometime in mid November or early December 2025.

The test will be administered at Rio Hondo College – at 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier CA, 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building in classroom 320 (on the third floor) at 0700.

** Applications must be dropped off in person from 8am-5pm, Monday thru Friday at the Santa Fe Springs Fire Academy located at 11400 Greenstone Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-4621.

4. Pre Academy Training Dates

If accepted, candidates will move forward and be invited to take part in “Class 29 Pre Academy Training”. While this step is not mandatory to be accepted into the academy, it is highly recommended. This training contains a self-directed online component and must be completed prior to attending. More information (including a link) will be provided once your application is approved by the Fire Academy Counselor.

The proposed Pre Academy Training dates are December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 2025. So, plan accordingly.  

5. How to Enroll in the Wildland Fire Academy

Submit the Wildland Fire Academy application along with the medical form. The medical form needs to be completed by your doctor. If you do not have your own provider, Rio Hondo College’s Student Health Center offers physicals at $0 cost to students, only offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30-11:30am and 1:00-4:00pm. Students must have a photo ID and know their RHC student ID number. For more information please call (562-908-3438).

WILDLAND FIRE ACADEMY – ***Click here for – Class 29 – APPLICATION***

Application deadline is on October 6th, 2025 from 0900-1400 has been extended to

Friday, October 10, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.

Applications must be submitted in person at the Rio Hondo Fire Academy located at 11400 Greenstone Ave. Santa Fe Springs, 90607-4621.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE WILDLAND FIRE ACADEMY

  • You will complete a rigorous physical training program. You will run trails, perform calisthenics, become proficient in wildland fire hand line construction, complete wildland engine hose evolutions, and hike miles of trails under realistic training conditions.
  • Classroom instruction and block exams will help you retain all that you learn.
  • The staff will provide a professional, realistic level of training and counseling.
  • You will meet a great group of men and women who share your desire for a fire service career. Some may become your lifelong friends.
  • You will have the opportunity to join one of the best hand crews working for the Angeles National Forest. Completing the academy is a giant step toward obtaining a fire service career.

For more information or to contact the Wildland Fire Academy, please email [email protected]

How to Schedule a Counseling Appointment.

Contact our counselor Diana Valladares at [email protected] by email.

Make an Appointment today! Appointments can be held in person, over ZOOM, and by phone.

To make an appointment email the following information:

SUBJECT: Counseling Appt

Include these three things in the body of your email:

  • Provide your Río Hondo student ID number (example: 001-##-####)
  • Provide 3 options of dates and times that you are available for an appointment
  • A good call back phone number