Firefighters take a few seconds prior to being dispatched to the 2010 Wallow FireSILVER CITY, NM (CBS5) -
The Gila National Forest plans to recruit wildland firefighters and other fire support positions for the Southwest Firefighters program.
The program, which supplements firefighting capabilities, is an organized wildland firefighting crew employed on a call-when-needed basis. The program provides the necessary training, supervision and equipment for wildland firefighting.
To qualify, a person must be 18 years of age by Jan. 1, 2012, pass a pack test and attend firefighting and safety training. Training courses for firefighting and safety will be offered through the Silver City Ranger District and other Ranger Districts (RD) on the Forest.
The Black Range RD is currently offering these courses starting in mid-January. If personal preference is to attend these courses in Tor C, people can contact the District office at (575) 894-6677.
The pack test is a test of physical endurance that requires walking a three-mile course with a 45-pound pack in less than 45 minutes.
To become a SWFF crew member or assist with other fire support positions such as timekeeper, driver, Public Information Officer, etc., interested individuals must attend at least one of the two scheduled information meetings:
- Jan. 9, 2012, 6 p.m., in Silver City at the Grant County Convention Center, 3031 U.S. Highway 180 East
- Jan. 17, 2012, 6 p.m., in Silver City at the Grant County Convention Center, 3031 U.S. Highway 180 East
For additional information, contact Forest Training Coordinator Glenda Womack at the Supervisor's Office in Silver City at (575) 388-8362. Forest office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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