Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I sign up?
A: Go to the "Apply Here" tab and submit a contact form, or you can call our office if you have further questions.
Q: When does the fire season typically start for Dust Busters?
A: Depends on the needs of each fire season, on average, we start hitting our peak season around the end of July and early August and runs through the middle of September.
Q: Will there be guaranteed full time employment during the fire season?
A: Our seasonal employees are on a call-when-needed basis. The upside to this is our employees are able to go and do what they want on their own time as long as they are within the dispatch response time.
Q: Is lodging provided for out of state employees?
A: We have many out of state employees who come work in Oregon for the summer. Most choose to stay at hostels, campgrounds, or stay nearby with friends from their crew. Dust Busters does not provide lodging but we are happy to advise you on the available options.
Q: Are there career advancement opportunities in wildland firefighting with Dust Busters?
A: Absolutely yes. All of our leadership started as a first year firefighter in Dust Busters. We actively train and prepare our future leaders for success. Our crew bosses are offered year-round employment.
Q: What is a fire dispatch like?
A: If you are on a crew that gets dispatched, we send out an automated call. If you accept a dispatch, you'll need to arrive at the compound with your required gear. Then, you'll be issued your nomex and and gear, you'll ride in company vehicles to the fire incident.
Q: What gear do I need?
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A: We recommend only getting required gear AFTER your entry level training. You'll be required to have fire rated boots and various camping gear (please see PDF). All line specific gear like nomex, line packs, PPE, and fire shelters will be issued to you at a dispatch.
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q: what if I'm a student?
A: Many of our firefighters are current students who fight fire on their summer break. If you need to be back home at a certain time for school we will always honor that and make sure you are home on time. Even if you are in the middle of a run, we will make sure to get you home on time.
Q: when should I come to Oregon?
A: Dust Busters staff will tell you when it is time to come to Oregon. You'll likely want to come here once we start sending out the first 2-3 crews. Make sure to call the office regularly to check in.
Q: How much will i get paid?
A: Entry level firefighters currently earn $19.20/hr while working a fire incident. An average full run is 180-200 hours, this works out to be about $3200-$3600 gross each fire run (before taxes).
Q: Do i have to live in OreGon?
A: No. We have many employees who live in other states. You will have to travel to Oregon for your training and the fire season.
Q: Does Dust Busters Pay for travel?
A: Once your crew mobilizes to a fire all travel expenses are paid. You are responsible for travel to the dispatch location.
Q: Is there a physical fitness requirement?
A: You will need to pass a Work Capacity Fitness Test (Packtest) to be certified. The test is a 3 mile walk with a 45lb backpack that must be completed in under 45 minutes without running. You will be taking the packtest first thing at your field training.
For Government representatives
Q: As a government representative am I authorized to use the Dust Busters Incident Response Crews?
A: The answer is absolutely yes.
- Dust Busters Plus LLC is contracted under a Inter-Agency Contract.
- Any government agency is able to place Resource Orders for our Contract Crews.
- Once an incident has been declared in your state, the government ends up paying for all costs related to crew operations.
Q: Are private companies under contract with the government able to work for national disasters?
A: Under the National Response Plan, Wildland Fire Resources may assist in response to national emergencies. This gives Government officials the authority to place orders against our current contract.
Q: How will my Agency be charged for these services of Dust Busters Plus LLC?
A: As part of our contract requirements, we will provide all services, supervision, equipment, supplies, transportation and
trained personnel necessary. Your agency will be invoiced on a per/hour, per/person rate.
trained personnel necessary. Your agency will be invoiced on a per/hour, per/person rate.