Rio Hondo College Wildland Fire Academy
Next Wildland Fire Academy: Class 30
Spring 2027
January 25, 2027 – March 19, 2027
1. WILDLAND FIRE ACADEMY REQUIREMENTS
- Apply with Rio Hondo College.
- Schedule an appointment with our Fire Counselor, Diana Valladares.
- Complete 2 required classes:
- FTEC 044 – Physical Fitness & Ability for the Firefighter
- One of the following courses:
- WFT 101 – Wildland Fire Behavior
- WFT 102 – Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival
- WFT 103 – Wildland Fire Operations
- WFT 104 – Wildland Fire Investigation, Prevention and Public Information OR
- WFT 105 – Wildland Fire Logistics, Finance and Planning
Classes are scheduled online, in-person or in hybrid format throughout the year.
Please visit our “Class Schedule” to view when these courses are offered.
2. INFORMATION MEETINGS
It is highly encouraged that you attend one or both of the following meetings to learn more about the program. Both informational meetings are open to anyone that is interested in joining the Wildland Fire Academy. There is no registration/sign-up required. Just show up!
- Once a month our Wildland Fire Academy Instructors host an in-person informational meeting that goes over our Wildland Fire Academy. You can find information below.
- Every second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm, our Fire Technology Division offers a Zoom Informational Meeting. This meeting reviews Wildland Fire Academy, Fire Academy and EMT. You can find information below.
Upcoming Wildland Fire Academy Informational Meetings
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 26, 2026 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| September 30, 2026 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| October 28, 2026 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| November 18, 2026 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| December 16, 2026 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
Fire Academy Informational Meetings
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:
- Zoom Link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/7249996179
- Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +16699006833, 7249996179# or +13462487799, 7249996179#
3. HOW TO ENROLL
Once you have completed your Wildland Fire Academy Requirements you will be eligible to apply. Applications for the WFA will be available during the FALL semester. Next section includes details.
4. IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
Applications for the SPRING 2027 WFA will be available online starting on September 1, 2026
Completed applications are due on November 2, 2026,
from 9 am to 4 pm at the Santa Fe Springs Fire Academy
located at 11400 Greenstone Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
A part of the WFA application process is to also participate in the following three events (click on triangle to expand and read more information):
Date, time and details for these three events will be shared with applicants after they submit their WFA application.
PACK TEST
The PACK Test is scheduled for the early morning of November 07, 2026.
Date subject to change
What is the PACK Test? The PACK Test is a 3-mile walk over level terrain that must be completed in under 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound weighted vest. To learn more about the PACK Test, also known as the Work
Capacity Test, please review the Work Capacity Test Guide below. Reviewing this material will help you prepare.
Below is a downloadable Work Capacity Test Guide (Pack Test Guide)
PRE ACADEMY TRAINING DATES
ORIENTATION
5. WILDLAND FIRE ACADEMY APPLICATION
The application requires you to complete a medical physical examination. You can utilize Rio Hondo College’s Student Health Center, if you do not have your own provider. Student Health Center MEDICAL PHYSICAL Information
- Student Services Building, SS-230 – Phone number: 562-908-3438
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays only
- 8:30-12:30pm and 1:00-4:00pm
- Student must bring photo ID and know their RHC student ID number
- $0 cost for medical physical
If you have additional questions, email [email protected]
