The Kenai/Kodiak Area Forestry office will be holding its annual Basic Firefighting (Red Card) class on two consecutive weekends later this month. Those weekends are April 22-24 and April 29-May 1 in person at its office on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna. To qualify for the class, the Alaska Division of Forestry states that students must pass an arduous pack test (hiking 3 miles with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) on April 16.
Basic Wildland Firefighter Training is designed for people who are interested in becoming wildland firefighters. It is an entry level course that provides basic knowledge needed to fight wildland fire. After successfully completing the course, students will be issued a nationally recognized Red Card. The training consists of 35 hours of class and field training. Full attendance is required. Eligible students must be a minimum of 18 years old by May 1st.
Positions may also be available including dispatch, ground support, drivers, retardant base or finance/administrative. Pack test is not required for these positions. There is an online Red Card class available as well.
For questions or more information, contact Mike Hayes at (907) 260 – 4214 or Patrick Quiner at (907) 260 – 4270.
