Am I Too Old to Be a Wildland Firefighter?
There’s a 19-year age gap between me and my coworker in this photo, but we were both doing the same work on the fire
It’s never too late to become a wildland firefighter and start your career!
Whether you’re 30, 37, or even older, if you’re fit and motivated age shouldn’t be a deterrent.
One of my coworkers (who is a killer firefighter) started at 35 after years of being a raft guide and tiring of the tip life and being far away all summer. I work with plenty of other wildland firefighters who are in their late 30s and early 40s and they are just as capable and generally more level headed than the late teens/ early 20 somethings on the fireline.
The only real limiting factor is that it can be VERY difficult to get a permanent federal fire job after you turn 37 (Also it’s easier in the BLM than the Forest Service). So depending on your age you have plenty of time to try it a few seasons and still get a permanent job before that cut off. Once you're in the perm club, age isn't an issue, but it's helpful to get that done before you turn 37.
There's ways around it, but generally it sets you back quite a bit. One of the ways is merit based federal jobs, but you need a minimum of 36 months as a federal firefighter to apply for merit based positions, which are pretty much the only perm positions available after age 37.
So not to scare you off because there are way more perm jobs available now than when I started so it's not really that hard to get one.
Contract crews don't have this cut off that I know of so that's an option too.
Another option is getting on with your local structure department in a permanent or volunteer position and then this age cut off won't affect you at all. Structure departments are a great way to get qualifications and get sent out on fire assignments. If you’re closer to 40 than 35 this would be a really great option to get fire quals and see if you like wildland and also be part of a really important community group.
I loved my time as a volunteer firefighter and our department sent out engines and small crews to wildfires around the state. It really is a good deal for people who want the skills and to do the work but not be gone from family or their regular job all summer.
Don’t let your age set you back! If you’re interested in becoming a wildland firefighter there are plenty of options.
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