After an intensive week of training, our 2026 first-year firefighters have officially completed DFPA's Basic Fire School and have now transitioned into operational assignments throughout the Douglas District.

These newly hired wildland firefighters will begin rotating through schedules to help staff engines, where they'll continue building the skills and experience needed to protect the communities we serve.

Training doesn't end here. Throughout the fire season, firefighters will continue expanding their knowledge through ongoing instruction, including DFPA's Medical Emergency Response Plan (MERP) training. As weather and fire conditions allow, additional live fire training opportunities will also be conducted to reinforce the techniques and experience gained during Basic Fire School.

Congratulations to our newest firefighters on completing this important milestone. We look forward to watching your careers grow as you join the long tradition of protecting the forests, resources, and communities of the Douglas District.