What does it take to become a wildland firefighter?

 

By Danielle Harrison

Smoke Signals editor

In June 2024, I was walking through the Tribal Governance Center when an interesting sight at the old powwow grounds outside caught my eye.

There were approximately 20 people, wearing what appeared to be heavy weighted packs, briskly walking and “wogging” around the perimeter, over and over. Several Tribal Natural Resources employees stood nearby.

Curious, I emailed Tribal Fire Management and Protection Program Manager Andrew Puerini and asked what was going on. He informed me that it was the annual wildland firefighter arduous pack test, which would-be and current firefighters must pass yearly in order to gain or keep their certification. He also included a link with more information.

After scanning it, I saw there were three categories of testing: Arduous, moderate and light, with corresponding fitness tests for each one. Light duty is a one mile walk over level terrain in less than 16 minutes. Moderate duty is two miles over level terrain in less than 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack. Arduous duty is a three-mile walk over level terrain in less than 45 minutes carrying a 45-pound pack.

Additionally, arduous duty firefighting positions require a thorough Department of Interior medical exam and qualification certificate before one can participate in the initial pack test, and then every three years afterward.

I’ve been a longtime runner and triathlete, so physical challenges are nothing new to me. However, I’d never tried to do anything remotely like the pack test and wasn’t sure if I could, as I tend to be a better runner than walker, and that’s without an additional 45 pounds!

Intrigued, I asked Puerini if he’d be willing to let me do the arduous test and write a story about the experience. He responded enthusiastically.

I told Smoke Signals Photojournalist/Assistant Editor Michelle Alaimo that I was doing the test and was surprised when she responded that she’d be willing to join me as a way to commemorate turning 50. Michelle added that she’d always been interested in wildland firefighting and would like to take it a step further by earning her red card.

During this process, I learned that a wildland firefighter doesn’t necessarily have to be sent out to battle blazes in faraway places. They can also do summer Grand Ronde Reservation patrols on the weekends or holidays, as well as participate in prescribed burns.

Fast forward to February 2025: I began training once a week or so at the local gym, at first carrying 20 pounds. I couldn’t do more than 20 minutes on the treadmill at first. I slowly increased the weight and as the weather became nicer, took my workouts outdoors to the local track. I also focused on strength training for my core and legs to be able to withstand the extra weight.

By early June, I was up to the required 45 pounds but with a sore knee from the added weight and pain radiating through my hip and lower back at times, I wasn’t sure if my 49-year-old self could keep up with the mostly young participants.

Meanwhile, Michelle was working hard to complete the required 40 hours of online classwork and trying to schedule time to finish the field day training, which includes learning how to use engines, pumps, tools and complete a lifesaving fire shelter exercise, among other drills. Completing this process would enable her to earn her wildland firefighter red card.

The pack test was set for Friday, June 20, which turned out to be a very wet and somewhat cold day. Undeterred, the recruits did a warmup jog and stretches at the Natural Resources Department before proceeding to the powwow grounds. Wanting to get the test done as soon as possible, Michelle and I volunteered to be in the first group. When all was said and done, we both passed the test with several minutes to spare.

All in all, I’m glad to have taken on this challenge and would strongly encourage others who are interested in wildland firefighting to at least consider going through the process. Everyone who participated in the pack test with us was helpful and encouraging. I’d also like to give a shout-out to all of the Natural Resources employees, especially Puerini, for being so accommodating during this process.

Michelle’s story

I have always had an interest in photography and a fascination with firefighting. In my time working for the Tribe, I have thought about being on the wildland firefighting crew, but never thought it could be an option due to my full-time position and being unable to be sent out to a fire for days or weeks at a time. So, I was happy to photograph training activities or prescribed burns locally.

Last year, Smoke Signals Editor Danielle Harrison and I were watching the prospective wildland firefighters do the pack test, which is part of receiving your red card to become a wildland firefighter. Harrison stated she was going to do the pack test this year as a personal challenge and I said I’d join her in the challenge. After learning about the red card process, I decided I wanted to try to compete the entire process and earn my red card.

The medical exam was the most in-depth exam I’ve ever had, but if you pass, you know you are healthy!

The pack test was probably the most physically challenging thing I’ve done, yet not as difficult as I envisioned. I started training a few months before the test, but also didn’t train as much as I thought I would.

I didn’t care if I finished last on pack test day, I just didn’t want to fail. The worst part of the pack test was the weight of the 45-pound vest on my collarbone. For me, it was almost more of a mental challenge than a physical one. I just kept telling myself to keep moving and when I successfully completed it, I couldn’t get the vest off fast enough!

To learn more about what’s involved in becoming a wildland firefighter, watch the YouTube video, “Smoke Signals staff trains for wildland firefighting,” by Smoke Signals Social Media/Digital Journalist Kamiah Koch, or call Puerini at 503-879-1696 or Jim Pinder at 503-879-2332.