Red Card Certification Information

The following information is a basic overview of the components required for a “Red Card”.It is not intended to replace the 310-1 Wildland Qualification System Guide.

AGENCY or HOME UNIT:
Any individual that wants to get a red card or maintain a red card, must have an agency or home unit to sponsor them. The AGENCY issues the card and administers the physical agility test. In many cases they will also pay for the required classes.

There are many different agencies available. Rural, volunteer and even some municipal fire departments have “wildland divisions”, or have wildland qualified personnel.The major land management agencies also have fire divisions. The US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, the Nature Conservancy and state forest service offices, such as the Arizona State Land Department all have opportunities for fire positions. Many agencies will pick up seasonal firefighters for the summer.

This is where the footwork comes in. Anyone interested in a fire position needs to hit the streets and find a sponsoring agency. Ask to speak to the person in charge of training. They will be able to help you. The “Red Card” is an Interagency Incident Qualification Card. When you go to a fire or other incident, your qualifications are listed on the card. Wildland firefighters start with the basic position of Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2). You build up qualified positions with training and experience. In order to be qualified as an FFT2, you need:

1. The required classroom training.
2. A completed task book.
3. The qualification system is “Performance Based”.
4. )The physical agility test (administered by your agency).

The required classes can be taken at Wildfire Academies across the country, Community Colleges, the Arizona State Fire Marshall’s sponsored class, or “in-house” with your agency.

For the position of FFT2 you need the following classes:

• S-130 Basic Firefighting
• S-190 Basic Fire Behavior
• I-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
• L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline

These classes are taught together as one class (S-130/190). The class includes a day of field exercises. You may take this class at the Arizona Wildfire Academy without a sponsoring agency. The agency/home unit initiates and issues the task books.

At the Arizona Wildfire Academy, a task book for the Firefighter Type 2 position is issued with the class. Most of the “tasks” are performed during the field exercises, and signed off by the instructor. There are a couple of tasks that will need to be signed off by your agency/home unit when you return.

Your agency/home unit will administer the physical agility portion of the requirement. In many cases the “pack test” is used as the requirement. This is a walking test done with 45 pounds of weight, carried three miles within approximately 45 minutes. The times vary with elevation, and it is done on a flat surface. Being in shape is one of the most important elements of safety!