Alaskans eager to begin a career in wildland firefighting don’t have to wait until spring to get started!
The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is offering Virtual Basic Wildland Firefighting (Red Card) Training in February 2025. This course qualifies participants to work as wildland firefighters during the upcoming fire season and is available statewide through the online Navigate platform.
Course Overview
The online red card training includes both online and in-person components. Students must have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone, as well as high-speed internet.
Course Details:
- Session 1: February 3–13, 2025 (Registration closes January 27th)
- Session 2: February 17–26, 2025 (Registration closes February 10th)
- Cost: Approximately $60
The online portion includes live, instructor-led Zoom meetings, self-study modules, quizzes, and a final exam (minimum score of 70% required). The virtual component takes approximately 30 hours, with a daily time commitment of 2–3 hours of self study.
Hands-On Training
To complete the certification, students must participate in an 8-hour, in-person Field Day at a local Forestry office in late April or early May. During the Field Day, participants will demonstrate shelter deployment skills, complete the fitness Pack Test, and perform other essential firefighting activities.
Registration
The registration deadline is one week before the session start date. Visit forestry.alaska.gov/training/schedule to register or learn more about the course and schedule.
“Offering this training virtually during the winter gives rookie firefighters a head start and helps prepare them for the upcoming fire season,” said DOF Wildland Fire & Aviation Chief Norm McDonald. “This also alleviates some of the training demand our area offices face each spring.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to begin your journey as a Wildland Firefighter!
Contact DOF Training Specialist Nathan Zalewski at (907) 451-2691 or nathan.zalewski@alaska.gov for more information.
Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 