Alaskans looking to start a career in wildland firefighting can take a class in February that will qualify them for work this summer. The state Division of Forestry is piloting a new basic wildland firefighting (Red Card) class to be held February 14-25. The course will be offered statewide through the online Navigate platform and features both virtual and in-person components. Students need access to a computer with a webcam and a microphone, as well as high-speed internet.
The class includes an in-person field day at a local area office in the spring. Students can schedule a date and location for their field day and fitness test when they register. Students must participate in the field day and pass a fitness test to complete the class. Upon completion, students will be eligible to receive a Red Card to work on a crew or in other wildland firefighting support positions.
The virtual component of the class will take approximately 30 hours with a daily time commitment of 2-3 hours for self-study. The class will feature daily Zoom meetings, quizzes and a final exam that students must achieve a minimum score of 70%. Instructors will be available via email or phone to answer questions as they come up.
The registration deadline for the class is February 8th. Students can register here. The cost is $55 with the purchase of an e-book or $73 for a paperback book. Students may apply for financial assistance if they cannot afford the class.
