Building the Wildland Fire Workforce

Building the Wildland Fire Workforce

From Kansas Canopy by Kansas Forest Service

December 3, 2025 · 48 min · Season 5 · Episode 11

About this episode

Christopher Hanson discusses the wildland fire career path and training opportunities in Kansas.

In this episode, we are joined by Christopher Hanson , Workforce Development Specialist at the Kansas Forest Service. Christopher breaks down the wildland fire career path—from getting RED CARD qualified to pursuing advanced roles—while sharing what makes Kansas wildfire unique. He also highlights training opportunities offered by KFS, the importance of fitness and mental resilience, and how mentorship and statewide programs help grow the next generation of fire professionals. Firefighter Training: https://www.kansasforests.org/fire/wildlandfiretraining.html About the Fire Program: https://www.kansasforests.org/about/meet_our_staff/firemanagement.html

People in this episode

Guest: Christopher Hanson

Topics covered

  • wildland fire workforce
  • career path
  • training opportunities
  • fitness
  • mental resilience
  • mentorship

Keywords

  • wildfire
  • firefighter training
  • Kansas Forest Service

Mentioned in this episode

Products: RED CARD qualification, firefighter training

Places: Kansas

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