New firefighters attending the 2025 initial training (S-190/S-130):

January 18-19, 2025 and February 1-2, 2025
Delaware Department of Agriculture in Dover

 

Returning firefighters attending the 2025 Fire Camp/Field Day (RT-130):

March/April 2025
Blackbird State Forest in Smyrna

 

 

Wildfire Classes

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The Delaware Forest Service is always looking for motivated recruits to enroll in wildfire training classes. There is no cost for training and no previous experience is necessary. Candidates must be over 18 years of age, willing to learn, physically fit, and able to travel for at least two weeks at a time, usually in the summer months.

Completion of all classes is required for prospective wildland firefighters to achieve “red card” certification from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)

This year, all required training classes for rookie firefighters will be offered in-person, including Field Day for S-130 (2025 date TBD). New firefighters must complete all five required classes.

Required courses are listed below, with links to NWCG and FEMA websites, as well as the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).*

* Users may need to set up both a FEMA ID and WFLP account if they have not previously registered.

 

Prerequisite Courses *

* Students must first complete all three prerequisite courses online, and they must bring the certificates to class.

• L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (course link)
• ICS-100 – Introduction to the Incident Command System (course link)
• IS-700 – An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (course link)

 

Core Classes (course registration link)

• S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (in-person)
• S-130: Firefighter Training (in-person)

All completed course certificates must be submitted or brought to class (first day is January 18) to:

Sam Topper
Delaware Forest Service
2320 S. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
sam.topper@delaware.gov

 

Fire Camp

As part of completing the Core Classes, students must also attend “Fire Camp” for a one-day hands-on seminar. Fire camp registration is included in S-130/S-190 registration.

Returning firefighters attending Fire Camp must complete an online registration form before attending.
Stay updated for registration for RT-130.

Students must also complete an arduous “work capacity test” or “pack test” – carrying a 45-pound pack over a three-mile course in 45 minutes or less – to receive their NWCG “red card” and participate on out-of-state fire assignments. This work capacity test will be offered at the Fire Camp.

 

 

Are you interested in participating in an adventure of a lifetime? Would you like to help protect human lives, property, and precious natural resources during a national crisis? Do you have the mental fortitude, physical stamina, and work flexibility to spend at least two weeks or more on a fire line far from home?

Every year, millions of acres of forests, marshes, and grasslands across the United States are ravaged by wildfire. However, thanks to a training program sponsored by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the Delaware State Fire School, citizens across the First State can qualify to serve on national fire crews. Since 1996, the Delaware Forest Service has trained more than 600 volunteer firefighters, and every fire season deploys 20-person crews for out-of-state wildfire assignments.

The program is growing and needs additional firefighters who are interested in assisting the national effort to control and contain devastating wildfires. Delaware used to send only one crew a year but now can send multiple crews.

 

Do you have what it takes to join the Wildfire Crew?

Download the Wildland Fire Program Brochure

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must complete required training courses
• Must pass a work-capacity pack test
• Be willing to travel for at least two weeks
• Commitment to serving the public
• Ability to work well with others
• Must have a clean criminal record

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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