To join a forest fire crew, one should first recognize that fighting wildfires is no simple walk in the woods; it is a very dangerous business; more firefighters are lost each year fighting wildfires than house fires.  This is why the 10 Fire Orders and the 18 Situations That Shout Watch Out were adopted, to help make Wildland Firefighters more aware of the dangers.  One should also be in good physical condition.  The rigors of hiking through the woods, often on steep terrain, over rocks and through streams while carrying several pounds of equipment demand it.  Although this does not represent the conditions on all fires, it does happen.  You could also find yourself in a situation in which your only option is to dump your equipment and run.  In some conditions, wildfire behavior can be difficult to predict, especially if you are not familiar with terrain and changing weather conditions.  With the passage of a front, you will experience a 90 degree shift in the wind.  Suddenly the flank you have been working is now the head fire and it's racing toward you at high speed and with great intensity.  You will need to be alert and observant.  There are a great many other things that can cause you harm, that aren't covered by the Watch Out Situations.  "Widow Makers" -- dead trees which when burned become weakened, creating the danger of them falling (ON YOUR HEAD), and "Ash Pots" -- stumps which have burned out, leaving an ash filled hole in the ground which you could step in and break your leg are just two of the more common ones.

        Now that we have taken time for the reality check, let's talk about the meat and potatoes of how you would join a crew.  If you know of a Forest Fire Warden (or Special Assistant) in your area, you could just simply talk to him or her.  (Yes, guys there are female Wardens and they are just as knowledgeable and fight fire just as aggressively as the men.)  Perhaps you know someone who is a crew member, they can certainly put you in contact with their Warden.  If you don't know anyone, then the best way is to contact your local Bureau of Forestry Field Office for the District in which you live.  (i.e. Carbon County is in Weiser Forest District 18)  Refer to the District Map and Field Office List for your location.  They can tell you who your local Warden is and how to contact him or her.

        Once you have signed-up, you will need training.  Your Warden can provide some of this training, but you will still need to attend some classes such as Basic Wildland Firefighting and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior.  There are many classes you could take, but these are the two most important.  You will also need to obtain some basic equipment; a list of this equipment is available on this site, see What Equipment Should I Have.  Your Warden may be able to help you obtain some of the items on this list.  The gear on this list will be required, for you to attend the training classes.

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