Program Overview

The Wildland program’s purpose is to enhance the knowledge, training and efficiency for personnel in wildland operations. This program increases resource versatility within the District’s response area and during California Office of Emergency Services requests to wildland incidents. 

Management Oversight

The Wildland program is directed by the Division Chief of Training with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chiefs. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains the expenses pertaining to general supplies and equipment purchases, contract services, and overtime for training and program administration.

Program Objectives

• Provide all personnel with the necessary training to develop effective and efficient tactics for operating in the unique wildland fire environment.
• Train or facilitate training opportunities for District members within the allocated program budget to ensure continuous professional development.
• Continuously research and evaluate tools, equipment, and personal protective gear suitable for the wildland fire environment, ensuring their effectiveness and practicality.
• Ensure personnel are outfitted with the best and most practical tools and equipment, while providing training on their effective use in wildland fire operations.
• Work toward the development and implementation of a Rapid Extrication Module Support Team (REMS) to enhance emergency response capabilities.

FY 2024-25 Accomplishments

• Completed South Zone training to maintain operational readiness and interagency coordination.

• Acquired new EMPF (Emergency Management Performance Fund) packs for single-resource deployments.

• Expanded equipment inventory to support two Strike Team Engine Leaders (STEN).

• Began standardizing and matching primary and secondary equipment caches for improved efficiency and deployment readiness.

FY 2025-26 Program Initiatives

• Conduct an internal S-223 (Crew Boss) course to develop leadership capabilities for wildland operations.

• Complete South Zone wildland training to ensure regional preparedness and coordination.

• Purchase new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for EMTF and EMPF packs to enhance medical readiness.

• Finalize the standardization and matching of primary and secondary equipment caches for improved deployment efficiency.