During the 2009 fire season, two wildland fire crews from New Hampshire were involved in fighting wildland fires outside of New Hampshire. One was sent to Quebec, Canada and the other crew was sent to Alaska. This is the first time a fire crew from New Hampshire has been sent to Alaska to assist in the firefighting efforts.
Purpose
New Hampshire makes available wildland fire fighting forces to support the national effort to suppress wildland fires to protect lives, personal property and natural resources. This national mobilization effort provides valuable training opportunities for career-oriented fire fighters. Out-of-state fire fighting assignments benefits New Hampshire by increasing the fire fighting skills, techniques and preparedness of our New Hampshire crews.
Background
The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, Forest Protection Bureau has participated in the national mobilization of wildland fire fighting crews since 1975, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Crews and single resources have been dispatched to many states over the years crisscrossing the nation. Requests for and coordination of resources (crews, overhead, engines, equipment) comes through the U.S. Forest Service. The Division staffs and maintains support functions for a mobilization center at the Manchester airport. The center facilitates the movement of crews and personnel from all New England states and New York to other points throughout the country where fire fighting help is needed.
Training and Qualifications
To be a part of the New Hampshire wildland fire crews individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of the full 24-hour S-130/190, L-180, and I-100 class.
- Successfully complete the "work capacity test". The work capacity test also known as the pack test, requires walking three miles in 45 minutes with a 45 pound pack. This test must be completed annually.
- Successful completion of IS-700. This class is offered at the NH Fire Academy and can also be taken online at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700a.asp. A copy of your certificate will need to be on file in the Concord office. All personnel from Strike Team Leader/Unit Leader and above will also be required to have IS-800 also.
Annual Qualifications
Every qualified individual must pass the physical (work capacity test) requirements each year plus take the annual fire crew refresher. Both are generally scheduled together for convenience. Four to six days are scheduled each year for all qualified fire fighters to re-qualify and to receive updated information and/or training.
Work Copacity Testing for Wildland Firefighters
Annual qualifications are held at various locations across the State of New Hampshire. For fire fighters that have not been out-of-state on a fire crew or have not been out in the last five years are required to attend a "fire crew orientation" held on a week end in June.
General Information
The Division of Forests and Lands, Forest Protection Bureau, maintains a list of all qualified individuals that make themselves available to participate. When a dispatch call is received, individuals typically have 4-8 hours to assemble at the Forestry Warehouse at Bear Brook in Allenstown. Directions to Warehouse . To be a member of a fire crew you must be able to make a two week to sixteen day commitment of time even though many assignments do not last that long in early spring or late fall. Individuals assigned to a fire crew will be issued personal protective equipment when they arrive at the Concord Warehouse.
