US Forest Service , Sequoia National Forest

Contact:  Mary Chislock, Public Affairs , 559-784-1500

Fire Crews Gear Up For the 2008 Wildland Fire Season

Porterville, CA., March 7, 2008.  The Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument Organized Crew (OC) program is again gearing up for this year's wildland fire season. "This program has been in existence for nearly 50 years on the Sequoia National Forest.  Over 450 crewmembers are recruited locally and hired by the Forest Service for 'on-call' national and local emergencies," stated Tina Terrell, Forest Supervisor

The recruits are temporary employees, dispatched nationwide to emergency incidents requiring 365-day availability.  The 15 crews hired are organized into three firefighting sectors called the Cobras, Black Eagles, and Scorpions.  In addition, two to three camp crews are also hired to perform support duties in fire camp. 

"These firefighting crews are well known for their work on wildland fires and projects throughout California and other parts of the nation.  This temporary workforce is an invaluable supplement to the wildland fire fighting resources of the Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument," stated Brent Skaggs, Fire Management Officer.

The OC crews are supervised by agency personnel and follow the same national training requirements for all wildland fire duties.  Upon successful completion of the work capacity test, each crewmember receives an additional 40 hours of required Annual Fire Safety Refresher training.  Leadership positions, selected from the crews complete additional training.

For more information about the Sequoia National Forest Organized Crew program, contact Robert Benik at (559) 784-1500.

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Who: Over 100 firefighter recruits will be qualifying for the physical work capacity test.

What: Recruits will perform a timed 3-mile walk wearing a 45-pound backpack.  Agency personnel will be on the track supporting and motivating the recruits to successfully complete the test. The non-suppression camp crews will complete a "light" 1-mile work capacity test.

When: Saturday, March 8, 2008.  8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Where: Monache High School outdoor track and field.   960 N. Newcomb Street, Porterville.