Firefighting: Growth that lasts a lifetime

Be a better version of yourself. Go everywhere you are needed. Help people and communities. Be part of something bigger. Become a wildland firefighter.
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4.7 star rating on Google

YOUR TEAM IS WAITING
Our Crews are sent everywhere they are needed, anywhere in the country. You will be gone for weeks at a time, doing work that few are willing and able to do. Everyone is sacrificing something to be there. There will be long days, short nights, and plenty of challenges. You and your team will persevere and become stronger, together and as individuals.
testimonials

Crew Boss
"Great pay, very safety oriented, amazing working locations, better yourself physically/mentally, acquire leadership skills, team oriented, too many Pros to list”

- Crew boss review April 9th, 2019

"The work itself is incredible - go to places where you are really needed and do the work that is so desperately required to help save our forests.”

- Current employee review October 24th, 2022

First Year Firefighter

Crew Boss

"This company will always give you new challenges and opportunities for vertical growth”

- Current employee, Google review
"This Company is comprised of men and women who are focused on being professional, efficient, and safe. Training is hard, it's challenging by design. If you are wanting to push yourself to new limits, look no further...”

- Current Employee, Google Review

First Year Firefighter

Crew Boss
"Great company for anyone interested in becoming a firefighter. You can develop discipline, travel the country, and get a nice paycheck on top of everything.”

- Current Employee, Google Review

FAQs

Q: When does fire season start?
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: 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 with friends from their crew. Dust Busters does not provide lodging but we are happy to advise you on the options available.
Q: Is this a paid training?
A:  Dust Busters covers the tuition for all training courses so that you may attend for free. You are not paid during the training.
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 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: How much will i get paid?
A: Entry level firefighters earn $19.20/hr while working a fire incident. This rate includes your base rate plus any supplemental pays-Hazard, safety, fringe etc. An average incident is anywhere from 175-200 hours, this works out to be about $3200-$3600 gross each fire run.
Q: When should i come to Oregon?
A: Dust Busters will tell you when it is time to come to Oregon. You 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: What if I am a student?
A: Many of our firefighters are current students who fight fire on their summer break. If you need to be back 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 in time.

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Founders Note
I started Dust Busters in 2000 to establish a private company that operated at the same level of professionalism as government agencies. I quickly realized my goal was to make Dust Busters the best place in the world to work as a wildland fire fighter. Through a host of systems comprised of competitive pay, mutual respect, leadership development, and advancement opportunities, we've realized that goal. We strive every day to be the safest, most professional, and hardest working, which gives us a feeling of accomplishment that can't be found elsewhere.