RandyMac
Stiff Member
I have a few of those stories.
Looking to get into Fire Contracting in NorCal
- Thread starter JRoland
- Start date
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I was told a few days ago that Cal Fire was continuing to take applications for contractors as of this week. I do not know the reason maybe there has been a poor response from previous contractors. This years rate for fallers' was $2,000 a day. Which sounds great until you put all the expenses down. If however you can get a good array of assignments then it can be worth while. I received a much more positive response than I did several years ago. This year is out for me as I already have numerous commitments. I have two F250 4X4's which I would like to use with 400 gallons tanks, but they wanted 10,000 gallon capacity trucks which I will consider. I was trying to convey that I can be pretty much any place in California in 10 hours, but they were concerned about contractors being in certain zones or grids. At any rate one can get a great deal of information from their local coordinator. Maybe Dogs can elaborate on the system and protocol. Thanks
JRoland
ArboristSite Operative
At the class we learned that the last two years they changed their call out protocol. So it is more likely that contractors get called to fires closer to them.
They call everyone in a 2 mile radius, then extend out in 2 mile increments until they have enough staffing.
That being said, they also don‘t have enough Contractors signed up so far, so they are having to call folks from a distance to meet their needs.
Ted I assume you meant the pay for fallers is $2,000.00 per falling module, 2 guys.
Each Module consists basicly of one experienced saw operator and one aid for carring equipment and such. Each of those units should receive about $2,100 per day or per call. Each unit must have the ability to travel to remote difficult areas and then hike the rest of the way to the actual effected area or fire. The reason for a sturdy reliable 4 X 4 and supporting items. One thing that has been an issue with me is finding individuals who are ready to work at a moments notice and work hard. From my experience I have yet to be surprised, wind comes up humidity falls fires start and grab your hat. A team might need help in an area and excuses are not looked at in favored way. I think. Thanks
JRoland
ArboristSite Operative
Here’s the specs for the faller module from the current guide.
sbhooper
Addicted to ArboristSite
My kid is a sawyer and he has told me that they limit the size of trees that he can cut. The big dogs are called in for huge/and/or dangerous trees. The average stuff is taken care of by the ground crews. He said that the fallers are no joke and cut some serious trees. They run big saws and really know what they are doing. It pays very well, but you had better have your act together to do that.
Yes we have big trees here that need to be brought down in a controlled manner. The work that I have seen done does not seem difficult at all. Most of the work that is needed are not huge trees, but trees that are currently burning that need to come down. Then there are just smaller trees that are in the way so they need to be cut. Some times a six footer need to be brought down quick so it should not be left for a rookie.
I worked for the USDA USFS many years ago in many FF capacities, Helitack crew and so on. In my days hiring outside contractors was some thing the USFS did quite a bit of. In the Umatilla district where I worked there were always dozer operators that were contracting most of the year doing clearing. If their services were needed for FF duties they were called and they responded. It was not at all like the Cal Fire in California as I see it. The USFS always had a list of people to call for certain situations, but when they needed some one for some thing they would relax the rules. When Cal Fire first started to be an entity I tried to contact them offering services, but their attitude was that every thing was under control. Recently I was in contact with a supervisor who was very polite and quite personable. He was ready to assist to get people approved for out side contracting. In my immediate surrounding area two services are needed which are fallers and water tenders. One thing that Cal Fire will not budge on is their FF safety training class even though my experience and advance CPR training means nothing. So the FF safety class must be updated every year. Because of the Covid issue the classed were cut short. Right now water tending seems to be the most promising direction as far as immediate useful service. My contract supervisor said he would make the contact list available, but have not seen it yet. We have been overwhelmed with fires for the last two months though.
Maybe a thread to get contractors together to pool resources and gain experience would be in order. Thanks
JRoland
ArboristSite Operative
After initially taking the class I went to work as a faller for a local logging contractor. It was good work, falling some decent hazard trees. Then our unit got burnt. Apparently we’re going back to log there soon, but driving a water tender on the fire is the gig for right now. 
sbhooper
Addicted to ArboristSite
Cal Fire is a s### s####. Out of state fire fighting crews cannot go fight fire there, until they go through Kalifornia fire training. SMDH. The arrogance and stupidity is what has gotten their state in the mess they are now.
JRoland
ArboristSite Operative
I’m not sure about the logistics for folks coming from out of state-
At this fire ( Creek Fire, I’m in the south zone) I see folks from various states ( a lot of rigs from Texas here) and I heard there’s crews from Mexico here - although I have not seen them. But I’ve also worked nights and been in pretty much one division / zone the whole time. There’s also military / National Guard crews.
Is there at least a small possibility that Cal fire doesn't want to be sued when crews from other states with nothing comparable to California terrain encounter conditions for which they are completely unprepared? Here's some info on Nebraska's highest point - lousy prep for conditions in the coastal range, much less the Sierras.
Panorama Point also known as Constable Mountain, is the highest natural point in Nebraska, at an elevation of 5,429 feet (1,655 m) above sea level. It is located in southwestern Kimball County, near the point where Nebraska and Wyoming meet on Colorado's northern boundary. Despite its name and elevation, Panorama Point is not a mountain or a hill; it is merely a low rise on the High Plains.
wait, theres a "high spot" in Nebraska? I remember hemp growing in the ditches but no hills to speak of.
People from all over can work with or for Cal Fire provided that certain criteria is met. I have plenty of FF experience, but the updated class is essential and necessary. I do not agree with all requirements but it is the same for every one. The class in the past is about a $100 and can be completed in a long day. Requirements could change at any moment but for most part the conditions seem reasonable. A person could arrange to have equipment available at a certain location when red flag warnings arise. At the fire that was close to my house there were nine water tenders working hard for several days. Cal fire did not seem too particular how work progressed just make it happen. Thanks
My current truck is only available at 1100 to 1200 gallons which is possible to use for water tender, but I do not think the set up is ideal. JR your set up looks like a 4,000 gallon give or take and I would think that when fire season is over you will not want to drive for awhile. Probably a very good gig with some sell deserved break coming. I have been thinking pretty hard if I would allow my business to take on a tender responsibility. I will be sixty nine next season so not sure how much more gas is in the tank. Thanks
The problem with ******s from out of state is a common problem. If you knew anything about firefighting you would know that a lack of knowledge regarding local conditions is deadly. Look up "10 and 18s". Showing up to a fire as a freelancer will earn you an escort out of the area by law enforcement. Showing up with a water tender and one driver, or showing up with a chainsaw will get you the same treatment, regardless whether the fire is Cal Fire or federal.
The 63 year old retired hairdresser from Texas who came out (with her son I believe) "to make a little money" who was killed in a crash had no business being here. (That opinion got me kicked of a wildland fire forum). I read she could cut line all day with the boys. Bull. Too many people think wildland firefighting consists of driving around in a Type 6 while the inmate hand crews do all the work.
I have worked a contract water tender and been a contract (CWN) faller. I have worked with several contract fallers who were so much better than I was that I hardly spoke a word so I didn't look like a fool. For the guys that want to come to Cali to work as a faller lets start by asking how many 60" trees have you fallen? Have you hiked in a mile or two carrying everything you need? Who is you module partner? Have you ever worked a burn where snags are falling? There is nothing more dangerous than snags. OK you may not be scared of snags but I am.
Out of staters should stay home unless you have formal training, the required certs, all the required PPE and radios, and have your will made out.
Bravo. Telling it like it is has never been popular and seemingly even less so today. In the end, you usually earn the respect of those who use their heads. Even if you don't, you can maintain your own.
Ron
Thanks Ron. So many people are so tender they can't abide anyone else having an opinion different than theirs.
Think far too many folks confuse opinion with facts these days, then get ass hurt when some one corrects them.
There is a reason I work alone
