UK Fire Cats

Fire Season

Spring Fire Season - Feb. 15 through April 30
Fall Fire Season - Oct. 1 through Dec. 15

Eligibility

• Full-time student enrolled at Univ. of Kentucky
• Good academic standing  (2.0 cumulative GPA or better)
• Successful completion (or anticipated completion prior to start of fire season) of S-130/S-190/L-180/IS-100/IS-700 Wildland Fire Training (These trainings are usually completed during FOR 255 Forest Fire.)

Application Process

There are 21 slots available for UK Fire Cats. All new applicants must email the following to Laura Lhotka (laura.lhotka@uky.edu):

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. List of 3 references

Applications are due March 31. Students must be willing to participate in a pre-employment interview. Applicants will be notified prior to the end of spring semester if they are selected. The UK Fire Cats term begins at the beginning of each academic year with the start of fall semester.

Selection Criteria for 21 Person Roster

• Current Fire Cats automatically accepted
• Preference given to: (in order) Forestry majors, NRES majors, then all other majors
• Preference given to: (in order) seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen, graduate student. (This is based on year in degree program, not necessarily credit hours.)
• Ability to participate in mandatory training (RT-130) and work capacity test. These are usually held the second weekend in September.
• Anticipated weekend availability during fire seasons
• Successful completion of work capacity test (walk 3 miles in 45 minutes with 45 lb weighted vest)

Requirements

• Absences on assigned workdays must be pre-approved by KDF Crew Leader. 
• Three unexcused absences may result in loss of position on 21 person roster and student must return gear to Laura Lhotka. Students which have forfeited gear may qualify for the program at the next application process.
• Roster vacancies will be filled by alternates that have completed trainings and KDF employment paperwork.