San Rafael, CA – The application period is open for a Marin County job training program for people interested in firefighting careers who come from underserved, underrepresented, and underfunded communities.
The FIRE Foundry program provides fire fuel reduction work for a crew of 12–17 people and two full-time supervisors.The Fire Innovation, Recruitment & Education (FIRE) Foundry, which was launched in October 2020, is to use emerging fire science technology to reduce wildfire fuels and simultaneously provide skills development and education for populations that have traditionally been underrepresented in fire services. Those who complete the program will be well-suited for full-time employment in the fire services or in a related field by receiving transferrable units that can be applied toward a two- or four-year degree. Recruits will earn a competitive wage and be supported with services and mentorship to help navigate requirements as they advance through the work experience program
Applications are open and Cohort 2023 will begin in January. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 30 may fill out an application on firefoundry.org.
The Marin County Fire Department is working with Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB), College of Marin (COM), fire agencies around the county, and several community partners to mentor the first cohort of participants, which started in January 2022. During the past 10 months, the recruits have taken classes at College of Marin, at other institutions, and out in the field. They participated in community events and contributed to local vegetation management projects and fire fuel reductions. They are on schedule to complete the FIRE Foundry program next spring and continue working with program mentors. Several recruits have already attended a full-time fire academy or been hired to seasonal firefighting positions and as defensible space liaisons with fire departments.
The FIRE Foundry, funded partially by the State of California, provides fire fuel reduction work for a crew of 12–17 people and two full-time supervisors. Services are billed at a rate comparable to private contractors. Agencies such as the Marin Wildfire Protection Authority are eager to assign public safety work to the recruits.
Those interested in the FIRE Foundry program may email info@firefoundry.org and watch a recruitment video for seasonal firefighters. Learn more about local wildfire prevention efforts on the Marin County Fire website, the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority website, or the FIRESafe Marin website.