Wildland Fire Division
Where Forest Meets Home, We Stand Guard
Orcas Island isn't just surrounded by water - it's covered by forest. Most island homes sit in the Wildland Urban Intermix (WUI), where structures and wilderness intersect. Any house fire can become a wildland fire. Any wildland fire can threaten homes. Our wildland firefighters are the specialized force protecting both.
The WUI Reality: Living Among the Trees
Forget suburban fire departments with clear property lines. On Orcas Island, homes are nestled among Douglas firs, madrones, and dense Pacific Northwest forest. This isn't just scenic - it's a fire environment that demands specialized knowledge, equipment, and tactics.
Why WUI fires are different:
Structure fires spread to forest within minutes
Wildland fires threaten homes with ember attacks and radiant heat
Limited water access requires creative suppression strategies
Rough terrain challenges equipment and personnel access
Weather and wind dramatically affect fire behavior
Year-Round Fire Season
Summer isn't our only fire season. While dry conditions from June through September create peak wildfire danger, Orcas Island wildland fires can happen year-round.
Why we stay ready 12 months:
Winter storms create fuel loads from downed trees and branches
Spring drying conditions ignite accumulated debris
Fall wind events spread fires rapidly
Human activities create ignition sources regardless of season
Our wildland division trains and responds 365 days a year.
The Rich Tradition of Wildland Firefighting
Wildland firefighting has deep roots in American fire service. For over a century, thousands of seasonal firefighters have deployed across the West to protect our forests and communities. OIFR wildland firefighters are part of this proud tradition.
National connection:
Standardized training through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG)
Red Card certification allowing deployment statewide and regionally
Interagency cooperation with federal, state, and local fire agencies
Professional development opportunities across the wildland fire community
Specialized Equipment for Island Wildfire
Brush Trucks: Our Mobile Water Source
Two specialized wildland engines carry approximately 200 gallons each:
All-terrain capability for rough forest and narrow driveway access
High-pressure pumps for maximum water efficiency
Foam systems for enhanced suppression effectiveness
Equipment storage for hand tools and specialized gear
Mark 3 Pumps: Reaching the Unreachable
Portable pumps extend our suppression reach:
Remote location capability where trucks can't access
Lightweight deployment by firefighting crews
Draft capability from ponds, streams, and drop tanks
Extended hose lays for distant water sources
Water Tenders: Creating Supply Where None Exists
No forest hydrants? No problem:
Drop tank operations create instant water sources
Shuttle operations maintain continuous water supply
Strategic positioning for maximum tactical advantage
The Tools of the Trade
Wildland firefighters master traditional hand tools with storied histories:
Pulaskis - combination axe and adze for cutting and digging
McLeods - combination rake and hoe for firebreaks
Fire swatters - for smothering flames on grass and light fuels
Hoes - for scraping firebreaks to mineral soil
Reinhart Shovel - for throwing dirt and cutting line
Rakes - for clearing duff and light fuels
Each tool has specific applications. Mastering them all is essential.
The Universal Uniform
You'll recognize wildland firefighters anywhere:
Green pants (Nomex fire-resistant fabric)
Yellow shirts (high-visibility fire-resistant material)
Yellow helmets with clear face shields
Leather boots with aggressive tread for rough terrain
Fire shelters - last-resort personal protection
This isn't fashion - it's function. The uniform provides protection, visibility, and immediate identification in multi-agency operations.
Training and Certification
Basic Wildland Training
Every wildland firefighter starts with foundation courses:
S-130 Firefighter Training - basic wildland firefighting skills
S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior - understanding how fires spread
L-180 Human Factors - decision-making under stress
Fitness standards - pack test and physical requirements
Red Card Certification
Qualified firefighters earn Red Cards enabling:
Statewide deployment to major fire incidents
Regional assignments during severe fire seasons
Specialized team positions on incident management teams
Career advancement in wildland fire service
Advanced Opportunities
Experienced wildland firefighters can pursue:
Crew leader positions managing firefighting resources
Heavy equipment operations for dozers and engines
Air operations coordinating helicopter and air tanker support
Incident command roles on complex fires
Multi-Agency Partnership
Washington State DNR
The Department of Natural Resources provides crucial support:
Additional ground personnel and wildland engines for extended operations
Air resources including helicopters and air tankers
Incident management for large fire events
Weather and fire danger forecasting
Mutual Aid Network
Island firefighting requires regional cooperation:
San Juan Island fire departments provide mutual aid
Lopez Island crews respond to major incidents
Shaw Island resources supplement operations
We deploy to help neighboring departments
When wildfire threatens, agency boundaries disappear.
Fire Behavior: Reading the Forest
Wildland firefighters are students of fire and weather behavior:
Fuel types and moisture content affecting spread rates
Topography channeling fire movement uphill and through draws
Weather patterns driving fire intensity and direction
Time of day affecting fire activity and suppression success
Understanding fire behavior means predicting where fires will go - and getting there first.
The Physical and Mental Challenge
Wildland firefighting pushes every limit:
Extreme physical demands in difficult terrain
Heat stress from fires and protective equipment
Long operational periods during extended incidents
Mental endurance through exhausting conditions
Team coordination in dangerous, dynamic environments
Real-World Impact
Our wildland division protects what islanders love most:
Forest ecosystems and natural beauty
Homes nestled in the WUI
Infrastructure including power lines and communication systems
Recreation areas like Moran State Park
Air quality during fire events
Career Pathways
Wildland experience opens doors:
Seasonal firefighting with federal and state agencies
Full-time careers in wildland fire management
Incident management positions on major fires
Prescribed burning and forest management
Fire research and equipment development
Why Our Wildland Firefighters Love It
Ask them why they do this demanding work:
Protecting the forest that defines island life
Working in wild places most people never see
Mastering ancient skills with modern applications
Being part of something bigger than any single fire
Making the difference between a small fire and a disaster
Ready to Fight Fire in the Forest?
Wildland fire suppression needs dedicated people who:
Love working outdoors in challenging conditions
Can maintain fitness for demanding physical work
Think strategically about fire behavior and tactics
Work effectively as part of specialized crews
Commit to continuous learning about evolving fire science
We'll teach you to read the forest and fight fire like a professional.
What's Next?
Interested in wildland firefighting? Contact us to learn about:
Basic wildland training requirements and schedules
Physical fitness standards and pack test requirements
Red Card certification pathways and opportunities
Deployment possibilities for regional fire assignments
Contact Information:
Phone: (360) 376-2331
Email: info@orcasfire.org
Visit: Eastsound Fire Station to see wildland equipment
Ready to stand between wildfire and the forest we call home?