Applications are open for the Women in Wildfire Training Camp in Shasta Trinity National Forest

REDDING, Calif. – Applications are now open for the Women in Wildfire Training Camp in Shasta Trinity National Forest.

The program lasts six days and five nights and focuses on giving women the resources and skills they need to apply for entry-level jobs in the wilderness and fire service. The women are taught leadership skills, the basics of wildland firefighting and how to prepare a government-standard resume.

The training camp will take place from March 30th to April 4th, 2025 and applications are possible until November 1st.

You must be between 18 and 37 years old to apply for the training camp. However, according to a training camp graduate, exceptions are sometimes made for applicants who turn 18 at the start of the training camp or who already have military experience.

Former six-year teacher Brenna Jones took part in the program in 2017 and said it completely changed her life. Jones is now the Helitack Squad Leader for Shasta-Trinity Helitack, H-506.

“I taught for six years and just attended this camp for that one week and met all of these strong women who work hard and are successful in the Forest Service and federal agencies in these wildland firefighting positions. I think it could change someone’s life,” Jones said.

Jones emphasizes the importance of the network the training camp gave her and how it helped establish her career in wildland firefighting, an industry in which women are severely underrepresented, according to Jones.

Jones said 24 applicants will be selected for the training camp and they are specifically looking for women who are serious about seeking Forest Service jobs in primary fire areas.

To successfully complete the program, applicants must complete all six days of the training program and be in good physical condition to pass the Forest Service Work Ability Test at the demanding level by completing a three-mile walk in a 45-pound vest in less Travel time than 45 minutes.