Upcoming Wildland Fire Academy Informational Meetings
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2025 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| September 24, 2025 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| October 4, 2025 | Saturday | 12:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| October 29, 2025 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
***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)
3. Pack Test Dates
FIRST Pack Test
The first Pack test will take place on October 11, 2025.
Only candidates who applied by the October 6 deadline will be allowed to take the October 11 test.
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.
SECOND Pack Test
A second Pack test may open up and is “tentatively” scheduled for November 22, 2025.
Only candidates who applied by the November 17 deadline will be allowed to take the November 22 test.
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.
***Only the fastest Pack test times will be accepted for the second test.
***The new cadet “Mandatory Orientation Meeting” is also scheduled on this date.
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 a Wildland Fire Academy application with the medical form. The medical form needs to be completed by your doctor after a physical examination.
Application deadline is on October 6th, 2025 from 0900-1400.
***NOTE: A second application period will open up IF there are still spots remaining after the first deadline. The second application period will open on Monday, October 13, 2025 and these will be due on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 0900-1400 ONLY.***
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.
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