Program Overview

The MFD Wildland Firefighter Program was designed
with you in mind.

Wildland firefighters engaged in suppression operations at a vegetation fire

#1: Designed for Working Professionals

As Paramedic/Firefighters, we understand you cannot put your life, or your career, on hold for extended amounts of time to achieve Firefighting and EMS certifications.

As educators, as working professionals, and as learners we have designed a program that is proven to achieve results while also giving you maximum flexibility for your personal and professional life.

The Wildland Firefighter Program has the perfect balance between on-line instruction and in-person instruction to accommodate your busy schedule.

#2: Complete Outside of a Formal Classroom Setting

This is a hybrid course. This means you will spend time completing work online, you will attend online classes with a live instructor, and then you will complete in-person training as part of Skills Days.

Students will achieve multiple certificates through the online section of class. These include FEMA Incident Management Certifications.

The online classes will give you the opportunity to work with an instructor to answer questions and apply the principles you have learned through the online courses and instruction. 

#3: Participate in Skills Days

You will be required to attend an in-person, two day skills camp during the last week of the course.

Friday Evening: You will complete shelter deployment training and a shelter deployment test. You will also complete the work capacity test which is a 3-mile hike, on flat ground, while wearing a 45lb weight vest. It must be finished in 45 minutes or less.

Saturday (Full Day): You will train on, and then practice, the following skills: progressive hose-lay, cutting handline, mobile attack, structure protection, mop up, and draft tank set up.

#4: Course Completion

After successfully completing the course work, the skills days, and the work capacity test, you will receive a course completion certificate.

 

This certificate will verify that you are certified in S-130, S-190, and L-180 and that you have also successfully passed the Work Capacity Test and a Field Day. This qualifies you for your 'Red Card' for wildland firefighting.

 

You will be able to present these certifications to your desired fire department, the Bureau of Land Management, or Forest Service agency to work as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2 – Wildland Firefighter).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Wildland Fires. Departments may have more testing for you to show competency in these skills.

Yes. Most fire departments like to see and hire people with previous fire training. Greatest chances of employment are with BLM and the Forrest Service with these certifications. 

No. You will have to apply to and test for the department you want to work for.

Yes, Firefighting is a challenging and physical career. Candidates need to remain in good shape to accomplish the hard tasks associated with the class. Students will be required to carry a 45 lb pack while using shovels and tools to dig in various types of soil. Students also need to be able to hike a distance of 3 miles while wearing the 45 lb pack. Lastly, students will need to work in environments that are hot and dry.

You are able to attempt the pack test twice, just stay in touch with your instructor.

Any student requesting a refund will receive:
  • 100% refund up to 10 days prior to the first class date.
  • 50% refund up to, and through, the first class date.
  • There is no refund after the first class date.
Refunds will be returned within 30 days from the first class date. To officially withdraw from the course, students must send an email, within the withdrawal deadlines listed, to receive any kind of refund. Emails should be sent to info@esnalearning.com with the subject listed as ‘Refund Request.’ To qualify for a 100% refund of tuition, a student must officially withdraw no later than 10 days prior to the start of their course. To qualify for a 50% refund of tuition, a student must officially withdraw no later than by the end of the first day of class. There will be no refunds after the end of the first day of class.