Magalia Fire Center

Corpsmembers train with and work directly with CCC and CAL FIRE personnel as Type 1 fire crews that work on “hot” lines on the fire’s edge. Experience as a Magalia Fire Center firefighter can lead to career opportunities in wildland firefighting.

Requirements: Previous experience is not required to join the Wildland Firefighting Program at the Magalia Fire Center. However, the program requires determination, mental toughness, and physical fitness including:

• High School Diploma, GED, or high school equivalent
• Corpsmembers must successful complete pack test to begin fire training, which consists of a three mile hike carrying 45 pounds completed in less than 45 minutes
• Physical Fitness Test:
  • 25 push-ups in two minutes
  • 25 sit-ups in one minute or hold plank for one minute
  • 5 pull-ups in one minute or hold onto bar for one minute
  • Complete a two-mile hike uphill (an 800-foot elevation rise) in 30 minutes wearing full fire-protective gear (boots, hardhat, gloves, and fire-protective clothing over uniform) and carrying a 40-pound backpack and a chain saw, shovel, or other hand tool.
• Written Test: After completing the classroom portion of the CAL FIRE/CCC fire training, all applicants are required to pass a firefighter written exam to remain at Magalia Fire Center. Corpsmembers who do not pass can transfer to another residential CCC center.
• Physical Exam: Corpsmembers must have a CCC pre-employment physical exam once they arrive at Magalia Fire Center. The must be cleared by the CCC’s physician to perform the duties of a wildland firefighter, including working long hours over multiple days in heat, dust, and smoke.

Course Description: The CAL FIRE Fire Crew Firefighter Training course at the Magalia Fire Center provides physically fit CCC Corpsmembers with the basic skills in wildland fire suppression.

• There will be 20 quizzes. The cumulative score must be 80% or higher. One retake allowed.
• There will be a comprehensive 50 question final exam that Corpsmembers must pass with an 80% or higher. One retake allowed.
• Corpsmembers will write on paper or recite the “10 Standard Firefighter Orders” with 100% accuracy. One retake allowed.
• Corpsmembers will write on paper or recite the “18 Watch-out Situations” with 100% accuracy. One retake allowed.
• Corpsmembers must be able to deploy and get into a fire shelter in 30 seconds or less in full wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Program Schedule: In the winter, days of operation are Monday through Friday. During fire season, the Magalia Fire Center operates seven days a week and is able to respond to fires 24 hours a day. When crews are dispatched to a fire, the typical schedule is 24 hours on, with little or no rest, often cutting fire line for hours at a time. This is followed by 24 hours off. Corpsmembers should be prepared to be out on assignment for 14 to 21 days at a time, with only one day off before returning to an emergency.

Corpsmembers continue training and work on fuel reduction projects and other outdoor projects in nearby forests and parks when they aren’t responding to a fire or an emergency. They also take career, leadership, or personal development classes in the evenings. On weekends and days off, there are often volunteer opportunities and recreational trips.

The Culinary Program at the Magalia Fire Center provides Corpsmembers with training and on-the-job work experience in a commercial kitchen. Corpsmembers also have the opportunity to earn a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certificate.

Under the supervision of professional culinary staff, Corpsmembers daily prepare meals for 60 or more people.

During fire season, kitchen staff may have to cook for 100 or more people on very short notice and be required to work extra shifts when the Magalia Fire Center is designated a base of operation for visiting fire crews deployed on nearby fires.

Experience gained through the Culinary Program positions Corpsmembers for careers in commercial and institutional food preparation.

Corpsmembers in the culinary program participate in all other aspects of the CCC program, but are not required to meet the fitness standards for fire training.