Sign-up now for wildland fire fighting course

The U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with Kern Valley High School and the Regional Occupation Program (ROP) will provide a Wildland Fire Fighting Course for the 2010 spring semester. The course is designed to cover the basic information needed for beginning fire fighters with federal and county agencies in the field of Wildland Fire supression. It will include instruction in basic fire fighting, engine and pump use, chain saws, firing devices, air operations and others.

This course is offered to high school seniors and graduates who have an interest in fire fighting occupations. Anyone who is interested may call Kern Valley High School counselor, Pam Steiler at 760-379-2611 for more information. Non-high school participants who wish to apply for this course must complete and submit an application no later than Dec. 15 to the counseling office at the high school. The class size will be kept to 36 and it will be held daily from 12:59 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Classes will begin Jan. 4 and end June 3, 2010.

The classes will offer an opportunity to complete required basic Wildland Fire training and enhance chances of employment in this field with the U.S. Forest Service, Kern County Fire Department and Bureau of Land Management.