Wildland Fire Technology Program Grows

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.”

The second cohort of the Wildland Fire Academy successfully graduated 32 students in April. Notably, all student fees and equipment costs for the second academy were fully covered through a congressionally funded grant, removing financial barriers and supporting their pathway into wildland fire careers.
 
Wildland Fire Chief Brandon Burrill told graduates during an on-campus ceremony that departments are competing for skilled and experience wildland firefighters. Plus, after decades without one, a pay increase for federal wildland firefighters was approved.
 
“For the first time in my career, there is a growing recognition for the need for skilled and capable wildland firefighters, not just workers but leaders who can change the future and break the long history of devastation,” said Burrill, a 23-year veteran with the U.S. Fire Service and adjunct faculty member for 14 years.

The Wildland Fire Technology program provides training in hand crew formation, fire line construction, and the use of wildland fire tools and equipment. All trainees will meet and exceed the minimum entry level qualifications for a United States Forest Service Wildland firefighter and meet and exceed the minimum entry level qualifications for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.  Students completing the program will be prepared for immediate employment in high-demand jobs with the U.S. Forest Service and California Department of Forestry, as well as positions with municipal fire departments.

“Being in the Wildland Fire Academy was one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences,” said Eneas Arrezola, who also served as the second academy’s photographer and videographer. “It pushed me mentally and physically and taught me the value of true teamwork.”
 
Twenty-two students who completed the inaugural academy have secured employment with the U.S. Forest Service, serving on hand crews and engine companies across California, with one student placed in Idaho.
 
Kayla Glenn graduated from the first Wildland Fire Academy and now works for the U.S. Forest Service’s prestigious Dalton Hotshot Crew, out of Glendora. Initially, she took classes in the Fire Technology program but later stumbled upon Wildland Fire, instantly “falling in love with everything about it.”
 
“I found myself wanting to learn more and more each day,” Glenn said. “I like the challenge and fighting fire out in the wilderness opposed to structural firefighting, wildland firefighting requires a lot of knowledge, skills and pure determination.  Being out in places where the public has never been is invigorating. I find myself a student of fire every day.”
 
Sam Dominguez, also a member of the inaugural academy, currently works as a wildland firefighter assigned to an Angeles National Forest station near Mt. Baldy. He said he originally joined the program with the intention of getting experience to fight structural fires. Yet, like Glenn, he found wildland firefighting to be his true calling.

“I haven't looked back,” Dominguez said. “Ultimately, the best part about being a wildland firefighter is the type of people you meet and the relationships you build with your crew. From the lowest guy on the totem pole to my captain, we are all the same and care for each other. Plus, I get to hike to some really cool places.”

Wildland Fire Technology Program