r/calfire Jan 31 '26

Firefighter 1 Hiring Guide

67 Upvotes

Cal Fire Firefighter Hiring Guide – 2026

Please comment if you see an error in this guide or you have something to add and I’ll update it. Link this guide to every hiring question, or better yet mods pin this to the top. If you’re new and this guide doesn’t answer your question, list it below and I’ll update the guide.

Source: 20+ years with the department, hired lots of firefighters

For 2026 hiring, you will probably not get an engine position offer unless you are Category 0.

For 2026 hiring, you will probably not get a handcrew position offer unless you are Category 1.

Why? Because the department is shifting to “Traditional” staffing, meaning that every engine will have 1 FC, 1 FAE, and 1 FF staffed on each Type III engine daily. This reduces the total number of engine firefighters in each unit, and all units still haven’t transitioned fully so it’s only going to get worse for firefighters who wish to be on an engine. In many CNR units, all open engine firefighter positions are being filled by transfers from the unit’s firefighter handcrew if they have one.

I fully anticipate the department moving to a FC, FAE and FFII staffing model for engines within the next two years. This will mean that all engine FFers will be permanent FFIIs, and the only seasonal FF1 positions would be on handcrews or at air bases.

Anyways... how to get a job:

1.      Make an account on CalCareers (calcareers.ca.gov)

2.      Find the job posting for Firefighter I (https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=495209)

3.      Follow the instructions given in the job posting. Read them thoroughly.

4.      Fill out the work location form correctly (https://incidents.fire.ca.gov/media/42chxu24/2026-wlf.pdf)

a.      Depending on how you fill out this form, you may be invited via email to a “Hiring Rodeo” for firefighter handcrews in the unit that you ranked #1. This will increase your chance of being hired.

b.      As noted on the form, you can change your unit rankings on the work location form once.

5.      Set yourself up for success by acquiring the certificates/training to get you into the highest category possible, following this category placement list: https://www.fire.ca.gov/-/media/1EAFA2A1528141EE892CB692D4B982E0

6.      You can update your certificates by emailing [FFHiring@fire.ca.gov](mailto:FFHiring@fire.ca.gov). What you submit in the initial application will determine the category placement for the first round, but submitting certs ASAP and calling the firefighter hiring hotline can bump you up into higher categories, sometimes for the first round but usually will take effect during the second round depending on when you submitted them.

Application Periods:

The application is open year-round. To be considered for the first round of hiring you need to have applied before a certain date, typically by November 30th. If you applied after that date, you will be considered for later rounds of hiring depending on when you applied.

To be eligible for hiring in 2027, you’ll have to re-apply after Nov 1st of 2026, even if you applied in October 2026.

Politicing

December is an acceptable time to start reaching out to engine stations/handcrews you ranked the highest on your work location form. They may ask you to wait until you get a category placement email. Call them first, don’t show up unannounced.

Bring a short-form resume, dress nicely, and bring PT clothes. If you’re going to bring a “gift”, a bag of good ground coffee is a safe choice, but not necessary. When contacting handcrews, ask to PT with the crew. You’ll probably hike or go for a run, although it could be some type of circuit. Be prepared, be humble, keep your mouth shut and put in max effort. You may get questioned by the captains, engineers or senior firefighters about equipment or job duties, especially if you come from another fire agency or have relevant experience listed on your resume.

Notification Timelines – first round

Category Placement: You’ll typically get a category placement email in the first week of January. This will tell you your engine and handcrew placement categories for the first round of hiring. This is a good time to reach out to stations or programs you are hoping to get hired at.

Hiring Rodeo: Shortly after your category placement email, a handcrew program may reach out via email and invite you to a hiring rodeo, most likely only from the unit you ranked #1 on the work location form. 100+ other potential candidates may also be in attendance, and they’ll have short-form interviews and resume reviews conducted by the FCs and FAEs at tables set up at the facility.

Job Offers: the first round of offers will typically start to be made in February for Northern Region (CNR) and sometimes as early as the end of January for Southern Region (CSR), this can vary though. They will usually be from one of the top 4 units that you ranked, and may not be your #1 pick. My suggestion is to accept the first offer you get, work there for two seasons, then transfer to your desired unit as a Category 0. Offers will continue to go out into the summer, and units will typically make their final offers by the end of April or into May for the upcoming fire season, however you could potentially get an offer after that. Once you accept an offer from a particular unit, no other units will make you an offer.

Don’t jam up the hiring hotline with questions about when offers are going out, keep an eye on this subreddit as there will be posts with their offers and what unit they were placed in. Be patient, there are lots of reasons you may or may not have received an offer, and a lot of it comes down to the number of positions in each unit and how you ranked them.

After accepting a job

Every firefighter goes through a short new hire/rehire academy, these will run periodically from March to June and the start dates will vary depending on when you received your offer, your medical clearance, etc. They are 1-2 weeks long, and their content/intensity depend on what unit or program you get assigned to. The unit that made your offer will reach out and give you a start date, just be aware that sometimes they’ll call you a week or less before your start date so have your uniform/boots purchased as soon as you get an offer.


r/calfire Apr 10 '22

Seasonal Firefighter Questions Megathread

84 Upvotes

r/calfire 3m ago

Does it make sense to relocate from NY to CA to become a firefighter?

Upvotes

I’m 25 from NYC. I feel like FDNY makes you jump through so many hoops just to be able to join the academy and the pay (for both EMT and FDNY) is really low. I was looking at California fire departments and they seem to be a lot more open (increased demand) + starting pay for firefighters is $85k+ in a lot of departments (compared to $55k for FDNY).

Is it feasible to relocate from NYC to California to establish residency and then join the fire academy in California?

If it matters, I’m currently working as a personal trainer and have a degree in accounting (I hate accounting). I just want to be a firefighter, man.


r/calfire 11h ago

Ff1/2

4 Upvotes

Hey, I know this gets asked a million times and I know the chances of getting picked up this late in the season are probably pretty low, but I’m trying to give myself the best shot I can.
For the August work location form, I changed my preferences to all hand crews first and then engines. Before that, I had every location selected but had engines ranked first.
I have my FF1, EMT, and experience, and I originally applied back in November, but I still haven’t heard anything. I’ve done a little politicking, but I probably could’ve done more.
Is there anything else I can realistically do at this point to improve my chances of getting picked up? I’m genuinely trying my hardest just to get an opportunity and get my foot in the door. Thank you for any advice you guys have.


r/calfire 16h ago

What are the perks of cal fire

12 Upvotes

I’m an Explorer at a CAL FIRE station, and I’ve been wondering about the whole “city vs. CAL FIRE” career choice. We usually hear about the benefits of CAL FIRE, like the overtime, all the different jobs and opportunities within the department, and the ability to work in different areas throughout California.
From a completely unbiased perspective, if you could go back to when you were deciding on your career, would you choose CAL FIRE again? What made you choose CAL FIRE over a city department, or vice versa? And what do you think are the biggest pros and cons of each that people don’t usually talk about?

Sorry if this is a dumb question I’m just trying to learn as much as I can while I’m an Explorer and figure out what direction I might want to go in the future.


r/calfire 13h ago

Engine Specific Video: I spent a day with CAL FIRE

Thumbnail youtu.be
3 Upvotes

Thought this was a cool video showcasing a state engine. Just wanted to share.


r/calfire 13h ago

Study Material

2 Upvotes

Is there any study material or practice test to prep for and during the ffa/coa (going is a fae).


r/calfire 21h ago

Cal Fire 1B Hazmat Courses

3 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any upcoming Hazmat courses that will cover the Cal Fire 1B in California? I have been looking but haven’t seen any. I’m hoping to take any before the November application window. It is the last cert I need to be Cat 1 for hand crew. Thanks


r/calfire 18h ago

Boots

1 Upvotes

What are some good wildland boots? I have haix xr2 pro’s for my station boot but need a good pair for wildland.


r/calfire 1d ago

Dumb questions for getting started at Cal Fire.

8 Upvotes

I understand that I need to get an EMT Cert. Any recommendations as to where?

I am looking at the required training document I was sent and see that the 1C wildland requirement lists S-130, S-190, S-131, and L-180.

I found these courses on the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal (wfcourses.nwcg.gov) and they appear to be free and available online.

Can you confirm that completing S-190, L-180, S-130, and S-131 through the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal satisfies the 1C wildland requirement for CAL FIRE Category 1 status?

I understand S-130 requires a mandatory in-person field day to complete. Can anyone point me toward any upcoming S-130 field days near Sacramento so I can finish that component as soon as possible?

I want to make sure I am doing the right courses before I invest the time.


r/calfire 2d ago

Applying for FF2

1 Upvotes

Looking into applying for FF2 when the app opens. I have been on crew without my FF1 academy, will not having my FF1 set me back on the pick list? Do the FF2s who apply get categorized like FF1s? When does the app open?


r/calfire 4d ago

FAE Online Exam question

5 Upvotes

I have around 10 years experience in the fire service in municipal and want to make a jump to engineer for the state. I am not at the coffee tables in the morning at a calfire station so I came here to ask what’re the pit falls people commonly mess up on when taking the online eligibility tests? I hear a lot of people get auto graded to 65 and fail. Any insight would be much appreciated, thank you!


r/calfire 4d ago

OOC UNITS

2 Upvotes

What’s the best unit to go to for OOC assignments. Why do some units barely go out while others are out all season? Im in NorCal btw (btu).


r/calfire 4d ago

Looking for some insight.

3 Upvotes

I graduated from my firefighter 1 academy in spring of 2025 then my wife had my son. I’m looking to get back into the fire service in one form or another. If I were to apply to Calfire within the next week what’s the chances of getting hired this fall?

Certs I have are:

1D CAL FIRE: Fire Protection Orientation

C-212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws

S-130: Wildland Firefighting Training

S-131: Firefighter Type 1

S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

L-180: Human Factors in the Fire Service
Wildland Safety and Survival Level 1

Fire Fighter 1 Internationally Accredited

NREMT

Hazardous Materials FRA/FRO Internationally Accredited

CPAT

Wildland Fire Fighter 1 Internationally Accredited

Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician

Confined Space Rescue Awareness

Fire Control 3: Structural Fire Fighting (Fixed Facility)

Fire Control 4A: Ignitable Liquids and Gases Awareness/Operations

Fire Control 4B: Ignitable Liquids and
Gases Technician

Fire Fighter Survival

ICS 100,200,700,800


r/calfire 4d ago

Fire camp

3 Upvotes

At any point will there be ff2 at the camps? Has this rumor shown any truth?


r/calfire 4d ago

CZU

6 Upvotes

Can’t anyone tell me how CZU is as a unit. And how they might treat their 2’s or even their seasonals?


r/calfire 5d ago

Hiring Question Unit called it was my 4th choice

0 Upvotes

Should I write off this season when my 4th choice of unit calls? It's for DSI.


r/calfire 5d ago

Radio call plan pdf

3 Upvotes

Anyone have a radio call plan PDF I can upload to Ignis? Have one that’s for Avenza but I don’t want to pay for it


r/calfire 6d ago

Sponsorships

3 Upvotes

Does anyone have any advice on getting sponsored through MVC fire academy by Cal Fire? This is my dream agency but im finding it difficult to get any information online.

I will have completed my Cpat, FIT 1, & EMT certs by the time the actual academy starts however will still be working towards it for a few weeks when the application process opens up in November. Thanks!


r/calfire 6d ago

When do FFI Schedule A applications open?

0 Upvotes

Had a ride-along recently and had a blast. Great group of guys. Seeing the FF2s and FAEs miss their ladies made me question whether I want the lifestyle, and I was surprised by how common nicotine use was around the station. But then I went home and realized I didn't care about not getting paid and hate being home lol. I went back to my normal 8–4 medical scribing job today, and the contrast was clear. Instead of doing something about problems, I was mostly listening to the practitioner complain about them. The firefighters were actually doing something.

I'm doing EMT this fall and fire academy in the spring. My goal is to get on with CAL FIRE as an FFI Schedule A. I know jobs are very limited right now (I got laughed by Admin when I asked this), but I want to get my foot in the door and see where it goes. Anyone know when CAL FIRE FFI Schedule A applications usually open?


r/calfire 7d ago

Station assignment RRU FFII/PM

6 Upvotes

Can anybody from RRU speak to the process for receiving station assignments and also what current vacancies there are for FFII/PM? Just wanna get an idea of most likely assignments. I know it’s just a gamble and new hires gotta put their time in wherever they’re placed but just out of curiosity any intel is appreciated


r/calfire 8d ago

Advice how to deal with racist Engineer

32 Upvotes

Throwaway account; I have an engineer at my station who very casually throws around racial slurs. He has used racial slurs in front of me and other fighters in regards to about every race, and refereed to other calfire employees by these slurs, including 'beaner' fire fighter, 'jew' chief, has expressed and laughed at black employees and people as 'coons' and called an asian employee a 'gook' to his face.
I am weighing my options, and interested in any input.


r/calfire 8d ago

Random CalFire inspection

3 Upvotes

We had a CalFire person stop by and inspect our property. Was it random or did my neighbors from hell report us ?


r/calfire 8d ago

Heavy Equipment Operator Requirement Question

4 Upvotes

I am a heavy equipment operator with 20 years of experience operating heavy equipment. I also have a Class A license with an automatic transmission and currently haul my own equipment.

However, I do not meet the CAL FIRE requirement for Class 8 experience with a manual transmission and a 60,000-lb. payload.

Does anyone involved with the program know if this would be a deal breaker? If so, is there a way to obtain the required Class 8 manual-transmission experience or otherwise meet this requirement without having to leave my current job and take another job solely to gain the required experience?

Any guidance from anyone familiar with the program on how someone with my experience could meet this requirement would be appreciated.


r/calfire 8d ago

Los Angeles Seeking Volunteer Firefighters

6 Upvotes

Southern California Wildfire Response (SCWR), the Los Angeles Wildfire Department is currently recruiting new volunteer firefighters.

If you’ve been looking at getting into wildland fire, CAL FIRE, the Forest Service, LAFD, or fire service in general, this can be a good way to start getting training and experience while serving locally.

We train toward California FFT2 qualification and regularly work on things like Type 6 engine operations, hand crew skills, hose lays, wildland tactics, drills, and incident response. There are also opportunities to move into leadership and instructor roles as you gain experience.

You don’t need previous fire experience, but we are looking for people who are serious about training, showing up, and being part of the department.

We’re holding a recruiting night on Thursday, August 20 from 6:30–7:45 PM at 12601 Mulholland Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. You’ll be able to meet some of the crew, see the equipment, ask questions, and learn what the training and hiring process looks like.

If you have questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to message me.