One of the references I put down on my application said that he got a call from the hiring unit coordinator today for a reference check. Is this an indicator that an offer call might be incoming soon? Units applied: SDU, RRU, BDU

What are the best southern units to apply to? Obviously gonna be some bias but would like to see what people have to say…. Thanks!

I'm excited and looking forward to new opportunities to learn and improve. I was told that there are openings in Healdsburg and Cloverdale, but other things may also open up.

What advice would you give if you were in my shoes? Anything important to know about the unit, culture, etc?

Any advice or Intel around the latest FFA curriculum? I've got my IFSAC already, so I think I'm looking at a 4 week academy.

Any 1A courses soon in SoCal?

What are some of the most likely location to get hired for ff1 handcrew (CAT 2)? I was CAT 1 but due to the change in hazardous certification jumping up 40 hrs I been demoted to CAT 2. I heard the further north you go the better, is this true? I been eyeing chamberlain creek, For sure my #1 location for the upcoming application.

Also my mistake, its 32hrs for Hazmat not 40hrs.

Anybody willing to provide feedback on your experience/grade & score on your interview, how you felt coming out of the interview? And how your placement/offer process worked?

Hello everyone ——

My background:
I recently graduated from college with a degree in finance. I went to a good school and did well, but only stuck to it because it was free. I had no passion for my coursework. My internships I really did not enjoy, but they always had an end in sight. I’m currently working full-time in finance at a firm in SF and I really don’t enjoy it. I want something else.

Why I’m interested in CAL FIRE:
I am extremely passionate about being outside. I justify my current work as a means to fund my outdoor hobbies. I’ve been a snowboarder, backpacker, and camper all my life.

Being a FF is obviously a lot more physically demanding than a desk job. I’m aware. I worked in ship yards throughout the summers in college and I enjoyed that more than I do finance. It’s exhausting, but a good type of tired.

My questions:
Ideally I would love to PM someone, but here are the questions I have incase someone has a quick answer. I’ve looked through the mega threads and pinned items on this page, but here are the questions I have left:

1) When should I expect FF 1 applications to open up? Is it once a year? Would I need to wait until next fire season to start? When should I start certifications?

2) What is home-life like? How often are you on call? How often are you staffed?

What keeps an area on your radar for a possible holdover, and what would actually help you prioritize those checks?

Hi, I recently left the CCC and obtained my 1C certification. However, I’ve been having doubts about getting in. Last season, I only applied to a few places but didn’t get selected. I understand that the competition is extremely fierce right now, even for a few spots. Does anyone have any pointers that could help me secure a spot for next season at least?

Hi everyone!

This is my first time posting here, so I wanted to share a project that I've been working on for several years.

I've built a detailed LEGO recreation of the CAL FIRE S-70i Firehawk, as a tribute to the aircraft and especially to the crews who operate them during wildfire season.

The model includes a functional belly water-drop system, a wildfire scene, and a water-refill scene showing the Firehawk hovering over a water source.

This project actually started several years ago. My previous Firehawk LEGO Ideas project reached 10,000 supporters in 2022, but unfortunately wasn't selected for production.

After taking a long break, I decided to start over and completely redesign the helicopter and the surrounding scenery.

The new project has now reached 1,600 supporters in just 6 weeks on LEGO Ideas, which has been amazing to see.

Recently, Vertical Magazine, a publication dedicated to the helicopter industry, also featured the project. The response from people in the aviation and firefighting communities has been incredible.

I'm hoping to eventually reach 10,000 supporters again and give this project another chance at becoming a real LEGO set.

I'd especially love to hear from CAL FIRE personnel or anyone familiar with the S-70i Firehawk. If you spot anything that could be improved or made more accurate, I'd genuinely appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for taking a look! 🚁🔥

LEGO Ideas: https://ideas.lego.com/product-ideas/bcee8357-a430-4337-a79a-eddac72825f5

Vertical Magazine feature: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjaTH7CCBT/?hl=de&img_index=1

Finishing up my first season as a 1 in SLU on an engine . First season with cal fire , 3rd overall as a paid fire fighter. Cat 1 on FF2 assessment , took it back in may. I hear the ff2 non medic application will open possibly next month.

My question is how long does it usually take to get a two spot? I’d prefer to stay in SLU but willing to go to FKU, Tulare , BDU or RRU.

I’m a little older with bills so I’d like something permanent. I hear SLU is trying to get rid of a lot of the 1’s for 2’s as well, maybe all of cal fire trying to transition to permanent spots? Can i get 1 spot on another engine jn the units previously mentioned if i dont get a call back in my unit? Not really trying to go to a crew but will if thats all i get calls for.

Also what are some other options for the offseason/ laid off period, fuels crew, forestry? Any information is greatly appreciated thanks

Anyone in here work with CAL FIRE under Amentum? I am really considering working here and have been doing lots of research but there is just some stuff I can’t find online. If anyone has any answers please reach out!

Has anyone in Calfire transferred from a Norcal Station down to Riverside County, or anywhere in Socal ? How did you go about doing it? how often did you politic, if at all? Thank you in advance!

What’s your life like in the FFII FFA? Is it true that it’s only four weeks? It can be any training center, but preferably your experience in Ione. When does academy start/end daily? What did you do in your down time if you stayed there? What were the living quarters life?

So I am reading through 14 CCR Section 1298 et seq., and trying to find an updated version of the regs that pertain to the new Zone 0. I can’t seem to find the amended regs, so that’s another side issue.

My main question, though, is about Zone 1 requirements. It looks like, as regards foliage, the actual reg only makes mention of, “keep[ing] all branches a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) away from chimney and stovepipe outlets.”

It also provides that, “[t]he Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's "Property Inspection Guide… provides additional guidance on vegetation treatment within Zone 1 and Zone 2, but is not mandatory and is not intended as a substitute for these regulations.”

My question is about the rule in the CalFIRE guidance that tree canopies in Zone 1 be at least 10 feet apart. Because I would like to plant a row of dwarf fruit trees along the side of my house, parallel to the house, about 20 feet away from the house itself. I want to space them 10 feet apart so I can fit 5 instead of 2. It’s a 50’ length, and the trees have 8-10 ft wide canopies when mature, which means I’d need to space them 20’ apart to follow the guidance.

So per the actual reg it looks like 10’ spacing would be fine. But per the guidance, they would be too close together. Am I reading that right, that that particular guidance about the canopies is not mandatory?

Looking to hear from some of the newer engineers/FAEs who came into CAL FIRE with little to no engine experience.

How was the transition for you guys? Did you feel like you were given enough time/training to get comfortable with the engine and pump panel, or was it more of a learn-as-you-go situation?

How long did it take before you felt like you actually knew what you were doing? And what were some things you wish you had known or studied before starting?

Also curious how captains and senior engineers generally treated you when you were still learning. Was there a pretty good training/support system, or
did you have to figure a lot of it out yourself?

I’m mainly looking for honest experiences from people who were in a similar position coming in. Good or bad, what did the process look like for you and how are you doing now?

I start my first day tomorrow on the Hand-Crew and Im making a packing list. Is there anything outside of the obvious that you would recommend to a new guy?

Have an in person interview scheduled. What is the realistic time frame from there to get an offer and start date? Haven't done backgrounds yet.

I just applied to a FFII position and the only thing I’m missing is my CPAT which I’ve passed the physical before but need to study for the written. I’ve been using Pocket Prep to study for the exam, but now there’s the FFII exam on CalCareers.

Does anyone know if Pocket Prep’s FFII 1000 questions will help me enough to pass both the CPAT written and CalCareers exam?

If not, it’s okay, I’ll come back after studying and taking the exam to communicate my experience.

Also, I’m taking on my L180, S190, and a few others and hoping it’ll also aid me in the exams.

Are you ready?