Upcoming Wildland Fire Academy Informational Meetings
| Date | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 24, 2025 | Thursday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| May 20, 2025 | Tuesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
| June 25, 2025 | Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | Rio Hondo College 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 in the Administration of Justice Building, Classroom 320 |
Wildland Fire Academy Requirements
Complete the following before applying:
- Attend one informational meeting. There are two options that meet this requirement.
- Option 1 – Attend one in-person Wildland Fire Academy informational meeting specific only to the Wildland Fire Academy program. Upcoming dates will be shown above if there are dates available.
- Option 2 – Attend one online Fire Academy information meeting that will cover the Wildland Fire Academy program. These meetings are presented over Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month. You can access the link on the Fire Academy Cadets page (item #1, click to expand and view contents).
- Complete FTEC 044
- Complete one of the following: WFT101, WFT102, WFT103, WFT104, or WFT105
You must also 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
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. A link containing both forms will be available in the early fall. These forms are typically due at the beginning of November.
What to Expect at 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