The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Hand Crew Program operates under the guidance of the Special Operations Division within the Wildland Operations Battalion.

The OCFA runs one Type 2 Hand Crew staffed by twenty full-time Hand Crew Firefighters (HCFFs). The Santiago Crew is staffed by full-time HCFFs and runs year round.

The crew overhead consists of one Superintendent and two Assistant Superintendents. An additional two full-time HCFFs are detailed to the OCFAs two dozers as dozer swampers.

The primary function of the Hand Crew is to perform hazardous fuels reduction projects and wildland fire suppression. Other duties include: construction; fabrication; maintenance and repair of hand tools, power equipment, and vehicles; and clean up activities. HCFFs assist with department functions such as centralized wildland training and providing manpower for our training academies, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Section, and Urban Search and Rescue Program (US&R).

To view the comprehensive classification specification for Hand Crew Firefighter, please visit www.ocfa.org.

A typical workday includes station maintenance, vehicle and equipment checks, safety training, physical fitness training, and project work either in the field or at Camp.

The OCFA HCFFs work ten (10) hour shifts from 0700 to 1700 on a 4/10 schedule. Crews may be called back during off-duty hours for in-county fires and staffing assignments. HCFFs commonly experience extended staffing hours for initial attack coverage and fire assignments during the fire season (May through October). HCFFs will frequently be called on for 24-hour coverage during high fire danger days and may work extended multiday assignments as dictated by the incident or fire danger.

Our Hand Crew maintains coverage four (4) days a week, Monday through Thursday, for initial attack fires in the OCFA’s jurisdiction and may staff additional days with elevated fire danger. While assigned to fires, the crew is expected to operate safely in adverse conditions including long hours, steep terrain, and extreme temperatures. The Hand Crew is self-sufficient by design, requiring little logistical support. The HCFFs duties on a fire may include, but are not limited to: direct and indirect line construction, falling operations, firing operations, mop-up, and fire suppression repair.

The OCFA Hand Crew conducts ongoing project work within Orange County in coordination with the OCFA Wildland Resource Planner and Pre-Fire Management Section of the Community Risk Reduction Department (CRR). Project work is completed to reduce fire risk in interface areas, reduce invasive plant species.

Career development is a top priority for the OCFA’s Hand Crew Program. We aim to broaden crew members’ experience, education, and qualifications as Wildland Firefighters. We also strive to provide new experiences for those who are looking to pursue a position as a career Firefighter. Participation in the HCFF Mentorship Program is voluntary.

Participants are assigned an experienced crew member to mentor them one-on-one. Participants are also given opportunities to do station visits and ride-alongs with an OCFA engine or truck company. The program allows our HCFFs to immerse themselves in firehouse culture and be exposed to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), structural firefighting and learn the roles and responsibilities of a probationary firefighter with the OCFA.

1. How do I physically prepare for the job of Hand Crew Firefighter?

Crew members are expected to participate in physical training (PT) daily in addition to project work, training, and fire responses. During your initial training you should expect to do PT twice a day. Our PT is designed for job function on the Hand Crew which focuses on long duration, moderate load, and aerobic capacity. Physical training is predominantly altering days of running and hiking with calisthenics and an occasional CrossFit style circuit. The runs are usually moderate pace for three (3) to five (5) miles on trails with varying terrain. The hikes are also moderate pace and anywhere from one (1) to two (2) hours in duration in terrain with varying steepness and footing. Calisthenics include, but are not limited to: push ups, pull ups, sit ups, squats, lunges and burpees.

2. What kind of career progression should I expect as a Hand Crew Firefighter?

HCFFs are eligible to attend NWCG and California State Fire Training classes at the OCFA. Crew members may open up task books and work on qualifications including Firefighter Type 1 and Crew Boss.

3. What is the salary for a HCFF?

Base salary for a HCFF is $16.95 per hour and the maximum is $22.84 per hour.

4. What certifications or qualifications do I need to become a HCFF?

The minimum qualifications to apply for the position are age 18 and a high school diploma, however, due to the large number of candidates for the position, the OCFA additionally looks for candidates having both the S-130 Firefighting and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior certificates. Having both of these certificates will greatly increase your chance of moving forward in the screening process.

5. What is the hiring process for becoming a municipal firefighter with the OCFA?

To be hired as a career Firefighter with the OCFA, crew members must participate in the recruitment process for Firefighter Trainee (FFT). To view the recruitment process, please view the FFT Hiring Process Overview. It is considered a promotion if crew members are selected to enter the FFT Academy.

6. Does the OCFA provide housing for HCFFs?

No. Employees are responsible for securing and maintaining their own housing.