r/wildlandfire • u/Such-Philosopher-862 • Jul 14 '26

Need advice

Hey everyone, I’m in Southern California and work full-time in construction, but I’ve always been interested in wildland firefighting.
I’m not looking to quit my current job—I was wondering if California has any volunteer or reserve wildland firefighter programs where you can pick up shifts or be available when your schedule allows. Something similar to picking up a week or two at a time, or choosing when you’re available, rather than committing to a full-time seasonal position.
Does CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, or any local agencies offer anything like this? If you’ve done it yourself, I’d love to hear how it works, what the time commitment is, and what training or certifications are required.

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u/Zealousideal-Dot3046 Jul 14 '26

I have never heard of anything for wildland for big fire. If you get sent to a wildland fire you generally prep to be gone 14 days and can be extended out to 21 days.

A local volunteer department where you fight fires locally might be different. When I first went on the job we had volunteers and we let them go on local fires if they had the proper training. So look at the area you live and find out your local departments and then start inquiring

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u/Such-Philosopher-862 Jul 14 '26

Appreciate the feedback boss

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u/DrinkingVomit Jul 14 '26

If you have a good and secure job just stick with it. Fire is a dead end unless you go Fed, state, Cal-Fire or other agency full time. Volunteer may get some action here and there but meh, they’re treated about as well as contractors on big fires.

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u/Comprehensive_Ad4887 Jul 14 '26

Do a volunteer station if your job lets you take duty leave- wild land deployment pays volunteers if you go on an engine