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Delaware Department of
Agriculture

Delaware Wildland Fire Crew



New firefighters attending the 2025 initial training: TBD

Returning firefighters attending RT-130/Fire Camp (2025): TBD

Delaware sawyers in Montana

 

Wildfire Classes


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, and they must bring the certificates to class.

 

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 (2025 date TBD) 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. Register here: RT-130 registration.

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.

 

Delaware crew at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial

 

Erich BurkentineAre 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?Fire Brochure

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


Eligible crew members must be 18 years or older, complete all four training courses (see below), pass a work-capacity pack test, be willing to travel for at least two weeks, have a commitment to serving the public and work well with others.

Each year, the Delaware Forest Service offers courses required for certification under the National Wildfire Coordinating Group guidelines:

  • ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (completed online)
  • IS-700, Introduction to National Incident Management System (completed online)
  • S-130 Firefighter Training
  • S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
  • In addition, an annual work capacity (physical fitness) test is required. To qualify, you must carry a 45-pound pack over a three-mile course in under 45 minutes. A health screen questionnaire must be completed prior to taking the test. The capstone of the training series is an annual “Fire Camp” featuring hands-on instruction on a “live-burn” simulation.

Delaware wildland fire crews have worked on assignments in many states, including California, Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming.

  • Camaraderie: You will be part of a well-organized and highly efficient team of dedicated wildland firefighters with whom you will share unique life experiences.
  • Adventure: No two assignments are exactly alike, but you can be sure that the crew will work in a picturesque area with challenging terrain features that offer spectacular vistas.
  • Experience: Your newly-acquired wildland fire knowledge and skills will improve your effectiveness in in-state incidents, including fire in the wildland/urban area.
  • NIMS Compliance: All firefighters work under the Incident Command System, and you will see first-hand how this system operates on a large scale.
  • Leadership: Advanced training for future roles at the squad boss and crew boss level are available for interested firefighters.
  • Financial Gain: Every firefighter position is fully paid. A typical 16-day tour of duty will usually average between 220 and 250 working hours.

Contact the Delaware Forest Service at (302) 698-4500, or write to 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

 

 

In The News


 

 

For more information, contact Delaware’s Wildland Fire Supervisor Sam Topper at (302) 856-2893 or email Sam Topper.


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