Second Academy Finished This Spring

It’s a statistic that California may not like to boast about: It’s the most wildfire-prone state in the nation, with 610 wildfires burning over 59,000 acres and destroying 16,251 structures so far in 2025.  What many once referred to as “fire season” is unfortunately no longer limited to just one part of the year—wildfires are now a year-round threat.

To address this growing need and support industry efforts to combat wildfires locally and across the state, Mt. SAC last year established a Wildland Fire Technology Certificate and Degree program to train and certify wildland firefighters.

“These jobs are good paying, with wages well above the family-sustaining level and have projected growth over the next decade and beyond,” said Ray Mosack, director of Public Safety Programs. “Between now and 2030, California will need to fill an estimated 21,520 job openings for firefighters due to retirements, resignations, and growth positions.”