By Mary O’KEEFE

With the threat looming of an increase in wildfires, the U.S. Forest Service is looking for those who are interested in a career in wildland firefighting. A study published in November 2021 found that due to climate change the number of wildfires could increase about 32% by the 2040s. The U.S. Forest Service is looking for candidates for its Wildland Fire Explorer program.

“It is our youth program [similar] to other fire and police Explorer programs,” said Oscar Vargas, division chief, U.S. Forest Service Angeles National Forest.

Like many Explorer programs, the U.S. Forest Service has been struggling with recruitment.

“For the last [27] years the Explorer program has been a key recruitment source for us,” Vargas said. The Angeles National Forest Explorer Academy was established in 1995 for those 16 to 21 years old. It is the only Explorer program in the nation specific to wildland firefighting.

“The program introduces students to the techniques used in wildland firefighting and the potential for a career with the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies and departments in Southern California,” according to the Forest Service website.

“[The cadets] learn specialized wildland firefighting,” Vargas said. “They learn leadership and teamwork.”

He added that one of the best things about the Explorer program is how it helps people truly “explore” a career in wildland firefighting.

“It allows them to see if they want this as a [career] goal,” he said.

Vargas added there is high turnaround in the U.S. Forest Service so having a program that allows people to experience what wildland firefighting actually entails is a great boots-on-the-ground way to learn about the career.

There are several aspects to the training and a career with the Forest Service. It is a federal agency so, although firefighters are trained within the ANF, if they choose to move forward in their career they can apply to fight wildland fires throughout the country. ANF is the only Explorer program that specializes in wildland firefighting.

The Explorers learn firefighting but they also learn fire management, which is the main focus of the U.S. Forest Service. They are taught new techniques and fire eco-systems. The U.S. Forest Service has several positions; some are science-based while others focus on firefighting, management and law enforcement.

The Explorer program also covers training for hand crews, fire engine operations, mop-up and fire prevention.

“They learn fire science and management, which is part of prescribed burns,” Vargas said.

The Wildland Fire Explorer program has three Explorer posts: Post 99 is in Sylmar, Post 100 is on Little Tujunga Canyon Road in San Fernando and Post 101 is in Green Valley.

Once a year Explorers will participate in a fire Explorer academy.

“It is a year-round program. We meet once a week from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,” Vargas said. “Explorers can join anytime.”

For more information, visit explorewildfire.com.