January 10, 2013, Silver City, NM-  The Gila National Forest will be conducting the second training session for the Southwest Forest Fire Fighter recruitment program from February 25 through March 1. This session will be given for any interested individuals over the age of 18 and will focus on fire fighter and camp crew positions.
 
 
To qualify for the SWFFF recruitment program, all candidates, including returnees, must attend the Introductory Meeting on January 15, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Gila Supervisors’ Office at 3005 E. Camino del Bosque in Silver City. New candidates must also attend all of the 40 hour class on February 25 through March 1st from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Bataan Memorial Park, 35 Old Ft. Bayard Rd. in Ft. Bayard.
 
Candidates must bring the following documents to the Introductory meeting to be accepted into the training session:  2 forms of personal identification, one of which must have a picture.  Personal ID can be current state issued drivers’ license, current passport, or social security card.  Additionally, candidates must bring their bank account routing information for direct deposit purposes.  Application packets are currently available at the Gila National Forest Supervisors’ Office in Silver City, between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  It is strongly advised to have applications completed prior to the Introductory meeting.  Background checks and drug testing may be applied.  Candidates who do not attend both the Introductory meeting and the 40 hour training class will not be accepted into the SWFFF program.  Candidates must also pass the Work Capacity Test, which involves walking 3 miles with a 45 pound pack in 45 minutes.  Good physical fitness is a critical factor in passing this test and it is advised that individuals begin a fitness regimen immediately to assure they will pass the arduous fitness test.
 
For further information, please contact Gabe Holguin, Gila National Forest Fire Staff Officer, at 575.388.8233, or 575.388.8201.