Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test

Richard Carvalho Course Descriptions & Required Materials

Title: Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test

Introduction: Welcome to the Wildland Firefighter Work Capacity Test (WFWC) resource page, hosted by the Healthy Forest Alliance. The WFWC, commonly known as the pack test, is a critical assessment for wildland firefighters, ensuring they possess the necessary physical fitness to perform their duties safely and effectively.

What is the WFWC Test? The WFWC Test measures a wildland firefighter's ability to perform essential tasks under strenuous conditions. It consists of walking a predetermined distance within a set time while carrying a specific weight. There are three levels of the test:

Arduous: Walk 3 miles within 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.

Moderate: Walk 2 miles within 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack.

Light: Walk 1 mile within 16 minutes without carrying a pack.
Test Level Distance Weight
Arduous 3 miles 45 lbs
Moderate 2 miles 25 lbs
Light 1 mile None

 

Arduous:

  • Advanced Faller (FAL1)
  • Basic Faller (FAL3)
  • Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB)
  • Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
  • Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB)
  • Felling Boss, Single Resource (FELB)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
  • Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
  • Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB)
  • Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
  • Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
  • Intermediate Faller (FAL2)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)

Moderate:

Light:

  • Base/Camp Manager (BCMG)
  • Incident Communications Technician (COMT)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1)
  • Safety Officer, Line (SOFR)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

None:

  • Display Processor (DPRO) 
  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)
  • Facilities Unit Leader (FACL)
  • Incident Training Specialist (TNSP)
  • Prescribed Fire Manager (RXMG)

Preparing for the WFWC Test: Successful completion of the WFWC Test requires thorough preparation. Candidates should focus on improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, and overall fitness. Here are some tips:

  • Incorporate regular cardio and strength training exercises into your routine.
  • Practice walking with a weighted pack to simulate test conditions.
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your training efforts.

Registering for the WFWC Test: To register for the WFWC Test, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Healthy Forest Alliance website.
  2. Navigate to the WFWC Test registration page.
  3. Complete the online registration form, providing accurate personal information and selecting your preferred test date and location.
  4. Pay any applicable registration fees, if required.
  5. Submit any necessary documentation, such as proof of fitness certification or medical clearance.

For assistance with registration or inquiries about the test, please contact our support team at [insert contact information].

Test Day Procedures: On the day of the test, candidates should arrive early to complete check-in procedures. Ensure you have the required equipment, including appropriate footwear and clothing, as well as a hydration system. Follow instructions from test administrators and adhere to safety protocols throughout the test.

After the Test: Upon completing the test, candidates will receive their results and, if successful, certification. Maintain your fitness levels to remain prepared for future firefighting duties. Explore additional training opportunities and resources to further enhance your skills and readiness.

Resources and Additional Information: For more information on the WFWC Test, training programs, and official guidelines, please visit the following resources:

  • [Healthy Forest Alliance Website]
  • [National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fitness Guidelines]
  • [Wildland Firefighters Foundation]

Conclusion: The WFWC Test is a crucial assessment for wildland firefighters, ensuring they possess the physical fitness required to tackle the challenges of the job. By adequately preparing for and completing the test, candidates demonstrate their commitment to safety and readiness in protecting our forests and communities from wildfire threats. We encourage all aspiring and current wildland firefighters to take the necessary steps to excel in the WFWC Test and beyond.

ICS 300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents

Richard Carvalho Course Descriptions & Required Materials

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

This course provides training for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). This course expands upon information covered in the ICS 100 and ICS 200 courses.

COURSE HOUR:

0900-1800

COURSE LOCATION:

VARIOUS. Please see course listings for course dates and locations.

Designed For: Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in incidents. Note: During a Type 3 incident, some or all of the Command and General Staff positions may be activated, as well as Division/Group Supervisor and/or Unit Leader level positions. These incidents may extend into multiple operational periods.

PREREQUISITES:

  • IS0100, Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • IS0200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
  • IS0700, National Incident Management System, An Introduction
  • IS0800, National Response Framework, An Introduction .

 

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING TO CLASS:

NOTES:

Participants enrolled in this courses will receive a Pre-study packet or online pre-study that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.

ICS 200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

Richard Carvalho Course Descriptions & Required Materials

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

This course reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.

COURSE HOUR:

0900-1800

COURSE LOCATION:

VARIOUS. Please see course listings for course dates and locations.

Designed For: The intended audience(s) are response personnel at the supervisory level who are involved with emergency planning, response, or recovery efforts. This includes fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel as well as a large variety of disciplines including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), federal workers, health care workers, higher education, law enforcement, public works, and schools.

PREREQUISITES:

None
 

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING TO CLASS:

  •  
  •  

NOTES:

Participants enrolled in this courses will receive a Pre-study packet or online pre-study that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.

S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use

Richard Carvalho Course Descriptions & Required Materials

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

This course is designed to provide knowledge and skills to design, setup, operate, troubleshoot, and shut down portable water delivery systems. The focus is on portable pumps – it does not address water delivery for engines. Topics covered include: portable water delivery systems; equipment; roles and responsibilities; and system design and hydraulics. There is also a field exercise where students will apply what they learned in the classroom.

COURSE HOUR:

0900-1800

COURSE LOCATION:

VARIOUS. Please see course listings for course dates and locations.

Designed For: Personnel desiring to be State Fire Training Firefighter 2 or Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5), or those wanting to learn more about portable pumps and water use

PREREQUISITES:

None
 

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING TO CLASS:

  • Approved hardhat (full brim or cap style).
  • Wrap-around eye protection (safety glasses or shield).
  • Hearing protection (earplugs or muffs) with NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 20 or more.
  • Gloves that are slip-resistant and appropriate for the weather conditions.
  • Long-sleeved shirt appropriate for the weather conditions.  Nomex is optional during the field exercises.
  • Cut-resistant boots with non-slip sole (generally, leather with Vibram-sole.)
  • Incident Response Pocket Guide.
  •  

NOTES:

Participants enrolled in this courses will receive a Pre-study packet or online pre-study that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.

L-280: Followership to Leadership

Richard Carvalho Course Descriptions & Required Materials

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

This training course is designed as a self-assessment opportunity for individuals preparing to step into a leadership role. The course combines one day of classroom instruction followed by a second day in the field with students working through a series of problem solving events in small teams (Field Leadership Assessment Course). Topics include leadership values and principles, transition challenges for new leaders, situational leadership, team cohesion factors, ethical decision-making, and after action review techniques. Some course delivery may be arduous in nature.

COURSE HOUR:

0900-1800

COURSE LOCATION:

VARIOUS. Please see course listings for course dates and locations.

Designed For: Personnel desiring to be qualified as a single resource boss.

PREREQUISITES:

Experience on incident assignments in operations or support functions. Successful completion of L-180, Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. Satisfactory completion of pre-course work.
 

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING TO CLASS:

  • The Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun by Wes Roberts (Publisher: Warner)
  • Leading in the Wildland Fire Service, PMS 494-2
  • Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461
  • Student Workbook

NOTES:

Participants enrolled in this courses will receive a Pre-study packet or online pre-study that must be completed prior to attending and available to the instructor at the beginning of the class.

Press Release

Wolfpack Gear Inc. Donates 25 Fireline Packs to Support Prescribed Fire Practitioners through the Healthy Forest Alliance

About The Healthy Forest Alliance

Healthy Forest Alliance Inc. is a Nonprofit Corporation - CA - Public Benefit (5446339)