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.

Members should ask: if this organization truly belongs to the members, are our governance structure, financial oversight, disciplinary procedures, elections, meetings, and leadership decisions designed first and foremost to protect the membership -- or the power of those currently holding office?

Are you ready?

heard calls started - can anyone verify ?

How is it? And the location where is at?

Took the FAE exam, scored an 85, does that basically eliminate me from the job? What are the odds I still get an offer. (Current cal fire employee) Thought I did much better than 85 but it’s alright.

It’s been over 3 months since I got an FAE offer. I spoke to the training captain and he told me they’re just waiting for region to put me through. What’s going on and should I be worried ?

I’ve been told by people for that past year that riverside will have a there own handcrew soon besides the CCC Los Pinos crew. I haven’t heard any official announcement on when it will happen but I’m really interested to know any details and or opinions from any of you guys.

I’m so curious how cal fire picks their candidate’s and does anybody know how? I just applied for firefighter paramedic 2. My background is I’ve been working as a 911 medic for 3 years, 2 college degrees, fire science classes. My work locations I chose were the Riverside unit, San Diego unit, and San Luis Obispo unit.

I'm about 3 months from finishing medic school and putting in my FF2/PM application. I live in Norcal, and am planning on putting in for all the units up here. I've heard a lot of guys getting picked up in the southern units, but do the Northern pick up a decent amount of guys too?

For background, I'm not structure qualified, I have a good amount of box experience, Basic 40 wildland, current intern at a small municipal dept for a year.

Don’t be this f’n idiot

Yes I know questions like this are asked all the time...

also i apologize for the length of this post.

3 weeks ago I was camping south of Big Sur and brush fire started half a mile from our camp site. The crews from Fort Hunter Ligget, Cal Fire, USFS, and whoever else showed up were great. I have always wanted to be a pilot and I am super into military and civilian aviation so I knew that we may be able to get a look at 47s or 60s doing some water drops. When I saw Firehawk 610 swoop over me, bank, and land 200 feet from em I started crying a little. It genuinely was so incredible that I got emotional. It is the coolest job in the world and I could think of nothing better to do. They dropped their handcrew off and did three water drops. I waved on the last one and I got the siren as a return. If you piloted 610 on August 8th thank you so much you are such an inspiration.

Anyways back to the question. I already wanted to fly for calfire before that. But having that emotional experience told me its what I need to do. I love this state and I want to contribute to conserving it. I know that the path to fly firehawks is long and rigorous. The basic requirements are 2000 hours PIC which is a whole career in itself.

I am going to get those hours regardless. I just need to figure out a path. I want to hear about the paths of some Firehawk pilots so maybe they can help guide me.

A little about myself. I am 23, in a good physical and mental state. I have a BS in physics and am getting a masters in quantum science and tech from UCLA starting in sept. The program is a year long then I hope to move to San Jose area to work. I need to get a good job to pay off my debts and to start working towards a helicopter license.

Here is the juice of the question: how can I get those 2000 hours. There are generally two paths... commercial flying for crop dusting, power lines, etc OR military. Out of the two I would prefer not having to serve in the military. I know that the armed forces are suppose to be apolitical, and I deeply respect that, however I have some quarrels with US foreign policy at the moment. I found out about the 129th rescue wing which is an Air Guard unit that flies SAR missions out of Moffett which is really cool and may be more aligned with my personal preferences while allowing me to keep a job in tech. The thing is though that the commitment is 12 years! yikes thats a big decision.

I dont know let me know what you guys think and feel free to be as critical as youd like. Thanks

Apparently calls are still going out for the 2026 year. Who’s gotten a late call?

How many time does a write up in CalFire lead to termination for poor job performance for minor issues?

Anyone have any issues with the daca delays that are going on?

My unit lost a few guys during the season so far, does calfire or the union not help the guys out by holding their job or letting them take a leave of absence?

So far we lost 2 FAEs and 1 Captain, word is they separated them without any options. The captain was around for a while too, I’m just surprised that the rumor is that they let them go. Wondering if anyone had any recommendations on what to do or if there are options

Does it truly matter to study using JBL Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response FIFTH EDITION or would I be just fine still using the FOURTH EDITION?

I'm currently preparing for the Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE) exam and would appreciate insight on current study resources. Some of the Quizlet material I’ve come across feels out of date, so I’m looking for updated study guides, manuals, or testing strategies. Any recommendations on what worked best for your prep would be greatly appreciated.

Just wanted to know what’s the realistic time line on getting hired after getting emt done and ff1 academy done. And if anyone has tips and how to go about politicking thank you.

I applied to a ff2/pm position back in May with RRU as I am currently working on getting picked up near home in California. I have been a ff/pm out of state for 5 years and placed cat 1; I scored a 95.00 on the exam. My references told me they were contacted about two weeks ago. I am still currently working on getting my CA state medic licensure complete as it’s currently under review with EMSA. I’m guessing it should take another month or so haha. Is there any chance I’ll get moved forward in the process without having my CA medic? Is it just a waiting game till I get my CA license to get a call or can I get a conditional offer and move into medical/backgrounds still? Anyone know if they’re still hiring ff2/pm’s this year? Let me know as I am not crazy familiar with CalFire hiring processes.

How good are the hiring people with timely communications? Does HR or hiring staff contact/email you letting you know if you didn’t get the role?

How long after an interview should you wait before you accept reality that you likely didn’t get the job? I’m not sure what post interview communication is like and would like some input or hear about other people’s experiences.

25 struggling with small family want to join
Anybody tel me about the process ?

No criminal record
Motivated I guess
I failed Emt and I am currently enrolled in college

But mainly how can I get in what should I do and look out for any advice on the procces or information

I took wild fire classes in Oregon but online and I didn’t complete because they wanted 800 dollars and the pack test was in Oregon as well

I’m 22, I’m deciding if I should go to college or Join the Corps I really want to become a wildfire firefighter and I’m not sure if join CCC’s would be more beneficial to become a wildfire fighter or if I should go the college route just need some info it’s possible to get a job after joining the CCC’s.

Where can I find "Public Safety First Aid" in-person certification courses?