UK Fire Cats
UK Fire Cats Application
To participate in UK Fire Cats each fall semester, you must submit your application by March 31.
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):
- Resume
- Cover letter
- 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.
Careers in Wildland Fire
View Videos on Wildland Fire Careers
- REI Presents: Women In Fire
- U.S. Forest Service and Student Conservation Association Integrated Fire and Recreation Internship Program
Learn More About Wildland Fire
- How to Become a Firefighter - National Wildfire Coordinating Group
- Careers in forestry: Nature’s office suite - Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Forest Service Careers - Real Jobs, Real Impact - U.S. Forest Service
In the News
UK's Fire Cats: College students, 'good firefighters' - by Natalie Parks - Kentucky Kernel (October 24, 2019)
UK Fire Cats Wrap Up Their First Wildfire Season - by Carl Nathe and Carol Lea Spence - UKNow (May 14, 2014)
Questions?
For questions or additional information on the undergraduate forestry program, contact Laura Lhotka, Forestry Academic Coordinator at 859-257-8718 or laura.lhotka@uky.edu. Also, email Laura if you would like to arrange an in-person visit or a Zoom meeting. Let us know how we can help!
Email Laura Lhotka