How do I get to the Academy?
What airport should I fly into?
Do I need to bring my own sheets, pillow, towel, or alarm clock?
How do I apply?
When is my Academy?
What uniforms components are required for the Academy?
What kind of shape do I need to be in for the Academy?
How much experience do I need to be an apprentice?
Do people ever fail out of the Academy?
Where can I find a directory for the Apprenticeship Program?
How do I get a copy of my college transcripts?
When can I convert?
My question wasn't answered here. Who can I contact for information?
Q. How do I get to the Academy?
From I-80 exit onto Watt Ave. North
Turn Left on Peacekeeper Way
Go through first stop light
The Wildland Fire Training and Conference Center is on the right just
before the second stop light
Our address is:
Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
3237 Peacekeeper Way
McClellan, CA 95652
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Q. What airport should I fly into?
You should fly into the Sacramento International Airport ( SMF ). Please make sure that we get a copy of your itinerary so that we are there to pick you up.
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Q. Do I need to bring my own sheets, pillow, towel, or alarm clock?
Sheets, a blanket, comforter, and a pillow will be provided for you. You will need to bring your own towel and personal toiletries.
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Q. How do I apply?
Please see our Jobs page for more information on applying.
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Q. When is my Academy?
Academy dates can be found in the Academy section of the site under Dates.
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Q. What uniforms components are required for the Academy?
A list of required uniform components can be found in the Basic and Advanced Academy Letters.
For both the Basic Academy Forest Service and BLM students will need:
- 2 each -short sleeve uniform shirt (polo style not allowed)
- 1 each - long sleeve uniform shirt
- 2 pair - field uniform trousers (not nomex, Academy preference will be the dark green for FS employees)
- 2 each - name plate (1 ea. for shirt and jacket)
- 1 each - agency badge
- 1 each - uniform tie (solid color, not striped)
- 1 each - uniform belt (black or brown leather, not cloth or web)
- 1 each - 3-season jacket
- 1 pair - shoes (black or dark brown, no tennis shoes)
Optional Uniform Components (BLM and Forest Service)
- Agency ball cap or beanie (non-agency ball caps are not allowed, i.e. any hat with your module or forest/district name on it)
The academy stresses a professional appearance, so having a full uniform complement is a requirement. Additionally, your uniform must always be cleaned and pressed. There are irons available in each dorm, and there are several dry cleaners in the area. A dirty, wrinkled, and/or incomplete uniform is unacceptable. There will be frequent uniform inspections.
Crew bosses, staff, and instructors have the same uniform requirements.
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Q. What kind of shape do I need to be in for the Academy?
The WFAP adheres to the physical standards listed in table 6.2 of the Fitness and Work Capacity handbook, and highly encourages that Apprentices arrive ready to meet or exceed the minimum standards: 25 push-ups, 45 sit-ups, 2-7 pull-ups, and 10:30 for the 1.5 mile run.During your time at the Academy we will introduce various fitness programs and philosophies such as: Crossfit, Boot Camp, etc, as well as traditional cardiovascular conditioning and strength training techniques. To prepare yourself, please refer to Fitness and Work Capacity, 2009 Edition and Introduction to FireFit.
You are expected to arrive in a physical condition that allows you to perform the duties of a firefighter and fully participate in all physical training and field exercises. The physical fitness testing standard for the Academy is the Fitness Challenge established by the BLM National Fire Operations: Fittness Challenge. It's important to show up healthy, uninjured, and with a good pair of running shoes. If you have an injury or ailment that would prevent you from participating in fitness activities or field exercises, inform your Regional or Unit Manager before you show up to the Academy! If you arrive unable to fully participate you will be sent home and will be required to complete the Academy at a later date.
The Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) is a condition of employment, and must be successfully completed in 45:00 minutes or less prior to arrival at the Academy. Your Regional Coordinator or Unit Manager will submit the documentation signed by a individual who is authorized to administer the test showing you have passed at the required arduous level within the past 12 months.
Q. How much experience do I need to be an apprentice?
Because you are making a commitment that will last several years we do recommend that apprentices have some wildland fire experience. Most apprentices had several seasons of fire experience before they were hired into the apprenticeship program, but you are not required to have any experience. You cannot attend the academies until you have 500 hours of wildland fire experience.
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Q. Do people ever fail out of the Academy?
Apprentices are required to pass all Academy course material at the 70% level. If an Apprentice fails an exam they will be allowed to retake that exam once. Failure of a retake or failure of more than one exam per academy will result in the apprentice being removed from the academy and/or Apprenticeship Program.
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Q. Where can I find a directory for the Apprenticeship Program?
Regional Coordinator and Unit Manager contacts
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Q. How do I get a copy of my college transcripts?
For academies at McClellan (American River College) visit the college's transcripts information page for instructions.
If you attended the academy at Ft. Hunter Liggett you will need to request your transcripts from Hartnell College.
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Q. When can I convert?
The process for conversion may be initiated once you:
Have completed the Basic and Advanced Academies.
Have completed all Related and Supplemental Technical Training.
Have completed all of your Work Process Hours.
If under the 2006 Standards you will need a minimum of 2 years in the program.
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Q. My question wasn't answered here. Who can I contact for information?
For questions or comments please
Contact the WFAP staff e-mailTop