Wildland Fire Technology
38 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
WFT 101 Wildland Fire Behavior
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- WFT 302
- Transfers to
- CSU
A study of wildland fire behavior. Topics include influences that affect basic wildland fire behavior, the seven factors that must be continuously monitored in making wildland fire behavior predictions, and identification of the tools necessary to make spot fire behavior predictions.
WFT 102 Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- WFT 302
- Transfers to
- CSU
An exploration of the situations and conditions that result in fire shelter deployments, serious injuries and fatalities for wildland firefighters. (F)
WFT 103 Wildland Fire Operations
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- WFT 302
- Transfers to
- CSU
An exploration of the command structure and operational processes for ground and air operations in the control of wildland fires.
WFT 104 Wildland Public Information Officer, Prevention, and Investigation
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- WFT 302
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents the roles and functions of the information officer, emphasizing fire prevention and investigation communications.
WFT 105 Wildland Fire Planning, Logistics, and Finance
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- WFT 302
- Transfers to
- CSU
Explores the roles, responsibilities and functions of the planning, logistics, and finance sections that are utilized during the control of wildland fires.
WFT 301 Introduction to Incident Command System IS700 & IS800
- Units
- 0.5
- C-ID
- N/A
An introduction to the principles of the Incident Command System, its structures and terminology. (A)
WFT 302 Basic Incident Command System I-200
- Units
- 0.5
- Advisory
- WFT 301
A continuation of Wildland Fire Technology 301 providing a basic introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS). Develops the foundation necessary for the student to participate as a member of a wildland fire incident. Topics include the principles and features of ICS, an organizational overview, incident facilities, incident resources, and common responsibilities. (A)
WFT 303 Intermediate Incident Command System I-300
- Units
- 1.5
- Advisory
- WFT 302
A study of the organizational elements within each section of the ICS, staffing considerations, and reporting relationships. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have completed EMS 313.
WFT 304 Advanced Incident Command System I-400
- Units
- 1
- Advisory
- WFT 303
A course of study that pertains to ICS relationships and duties of command staff members, Agency Representatives, and activation of the command general staff. Not open to students who are enrolled in or who have completed EMS 314. (A)
WFT 305 Firefighter Training S-130
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
Course of study designed to train new firefighters in basic firefighting skills and the knowledge necessary to effectively handle wildland firefighting situations.
WFT 306 Advanced Firefighter Training S-131
- Units
- 0.5
- C-ID
- n/a
Course of study that provides advanced wildland firefighting training and education for those who wish to become qualified in the first level supervision position of advanced firefighter/squad boss.
WFT 307 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior S-190
- Units
- 0.5
- C-ID
- n\a
Course of study that provides an introduction to wildland fire behavior issues that are important to wildland fire spread and safety to firefighters involved in suppression.
WFT 308 Initial Attack Commander ICT S-200
- Units
- 1.5
- C-ID
- n/a
Course of study designed for the initial attack commander of small non-complex wildland fires the ability to safely suppress the fire within the guidelines of the incident command system and agency guidelines.
WFT 309 Fire Operations in the Urban Interface S-215
- Units
- 1
A course of study to prepare initial attack incident commanders and company officers to effectively deal with wildland fires that threaten life, property, and improvements.
WFT 310 Portable Pumps and Water Use S-211
- Units
- 1.5
- C-ID
- n/a
Course of study for firefighters to gain competency in the use of portable pumps and water in wildland fire fighting.
WFT 311 Wildfire Powersaws S-212
- Units
- 1.5
- C-ID
- n/a
Course for those planning to operate, or directly supervise, the operation of chain saws on wildfires.
WFT 312 Firing Operations S-219
- Units
- 2
The application of safety considerations involved in a firing operation. Topics include planning, ignition procedures and techniques and equipment applicable to wildland and prescribed fire. The role of the ignition specialist or firing boss as the organization manages escalation from non-complex to a complex fire situation will also be addressed.
WFT 313 Crew Boss S-230
- Units
- 1.5
- C-ID
- n/a
Course is designed to identify the hazards and risks on wildland fires and teach the tactics which are appropriate for the crew boss during various wildland fire situations. The course also identifies crew boss responsibilities prior to and during mobilization, on the incident and during demobilization.
WFT 314 Engine Boss S-321
- Units
- 0.5
Course designed to prepare advanced firefighters/squad bosses with the ability to understand and function as an engine boss in the control of wildland fires. This course presents the issues of tactics and safety in the control of wildland fires, and identifies the mobilization and demobilization procedures of a engine crew on a wildland fire incident.
WFT 315 Heavy Equipment Boss S-236
- Units
- 1
Course is designed to prepare advanced firefighters/squad bosses with the ability to understand and function as a dozer boss in the control of wildland fires. Topics include the issues of tactics and safety in the control of wildland fires and identifies the mobilization and demobilization procedures of a dozer on a wildland fire incident.
WFT 316 Field Observer S-244
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
Provides the necessary skills to function as a field observer on a wildland fire incident. The use of various types of maps in wildland fire control will be emphasized.
WFT 318 Status/Check-In Recorder S-248
- Units
- 0.5
Presents how to record information on location and status of equipment, record information of personnel on appropriate forms, and develop organization charts and assignments lists based on information recorded.
WFT 319 Fire Business Management Principles S-260
- Units
- 1
- C-ID
- n/a
This course of study is designed to teach the basic concepts of fiscal management of wildland fire incidents. It includes correct and fiscally sound personnel and equipment procurement, time recording, and proper documentation.
WFT 320 Applied Business Management Principles S-261
- Units
- 1.5
This course of study presents an understanding of the fiscal issues of wildland firefighting. It includes employee responsibilities and conduct, be able to recruit personnel and equipment for wildland firefighting, and provide fiscally sound equipment and personnel time recording.
WFT 321 Basic Air Operations S-270
- Units
- 1
- C-ID
- n/a
This course covers aircraft types and capabilities, aviation management and safety for flying in and working with agency aircraft, tactical and logistical uses of aircraft, and requirements for helicopter take-off and landing areas. Note: The regulations, procedures and policies addressed in this course are primarily those governing federal agency and ICS operations. State, county, or other political subdivisions using this course will need to consult their agency having jurisdiction with respect to regulations, procedures and policies.
WFT 323 Extended Attack Incident Commander S-300
- Units
- 1
The course includes what is required to take over the command of the wildland fire incident, what is entailed in a complete and up-to-date incident briefing prior to taking control of the incident, and to determine when the incident commander will assume command of an incident.
WFT 324 Task Force/Strike Team Leader S-330
- Units
- 1.5
- C-ID
- n/a
Topics include utilization of increments of equipment in saving lives and property, and to develop the skills necessary to supervise the various types of equipment in wildland fire control.
WFT 325 Division/Group Supervisor S-339
- Units
- 1
- C-ID
- n/a
A course of study for Initial Attack Incident Commanders, Task Force/Strike Team Leaders to be able to function as a Division/Group Supervisor on a wildland fire incident. The course defines and differentiates between the division and group supervisor positions, and teaches the difference between the two positions. The relationships of Division/Group Supervisor is contrasted with Strike Team Leader, Task Force Leader, and Initial Attack Incident Commander.
WFT 326 Air Support Group Supervisor S-375
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
The course identifies the duties of the Air Support Group Supervisor, who is primarily responsible for supporting and managing logistical support for helibase and helispot operations. The course identifies resource/supplies dispatched for air support group, requests special air support items from appropriate sources through logistics section, determines need for assignment of personnel and equipment at each helibase and helispot, and maintains coordination with airbases supporting the incident.
WFT 327 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations S-390
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
Topics include local and regional fire behavior issues that are critical to wildland firefighting, comparison of the effects of daytime solar radiation and nighttime heat losses from various sources, descriptions of their effects on wildland fire behavior. The relationship among general, local (convective), 20-foot, and mid-flame winds is presented along with a description of how topography affects fuels and their availability for combustion. How to determine spotting components, safety zone requirements, plotting fire size and shape, point source calculations, extreme fire behavior, and documentation required for briefings for fire line safety are also covered.
WFT 328 Safety Officer S-404
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
Topics include how to make recommendations that will address those risks or hazards with the highest potential for accidents or injury and follow through with those of lesser degree, how to develop and present alternatives, and present issues related to direct intervention to immediately correct a dangerous situation.
WFT 329 Air Operations Branch Director S-470
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
A detailed study of the ICS aviation organization. It includes understanding the latest regional aviation program and direction, the ability to apply the latest aviation tools and equipment used in the suppression of wildfires, application of the principles of safety when using aviation resources, recognition of the importance of following aviation regulation when using call-when-needed aircraft, and interaction among the aviation organization on an incident.
WFT 330 Followership to Leadership L-280
- Units
- 1
- C-ID
- n/a
Designed as a self-assessment opportunity for individuals preparing for a leadership role. Topics include leadership values and principles, transition challenges for new leaders, situational leadership, teambuilding, and ethical decision-making.
WFT 331 Incident Leadership L-381
- Units
- 2
- C-ID
- n/a
Presents leadership development training for incident response personnel who will function in fireline command roles. Topics include the leadership tools to effectively exert command and control over a quickly assembled team in a time constrained and rapidly changing incident environment.
WFT 332 Facilitative Instructor M-410
- Units
- 2
This course of study is to provide experienced wildland firefighting personnel with technical competence in fire management and other disciplines to become effective adult education instructors.
WFT 333 Prescribed Fire Implementation RX-301
- Units
- 2
A study of the requirements and components for developing burn prescriptions and operational plans. Topics include identification of burning techniques applied to meet burn plan requirements, execution of the operational plan meeting local management objectives, smoke dispersal, and visibility objectives within public health standards.
WFT 334 Introduction to Fire Effects RX-310
- Units
- 2
This course of study present an understanding of land use activity and controlled fire situations. This course includes a description of fire as an ecological process, applications and limitations of fire use, first order fire effects and how to measure them, and the interaction of fire characteristics on natural and cultural resource components that determines first order fire effects.
WFT 335 Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation RX-341
- Units
- 2
This course of study is for experienced prescribed Fire Managers and Prescribed Fire Behavior Analysts, and presents in detail the legal, professional, and ethical reasons for managing smoke.