What Do Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Do?
Occupation Description Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.
Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Responsibilities
- Relay messages about emergencies, accidents, locations of crew and personnel, and fire hazard conditions.
- Administer regulations regarding sanitation, fire prevention, violation corrections, and related forest regulations.
- Inspect forest tracts and logging areas for fire hazards such as accumulated wastes or mishandling of combustibles, and recommend appropriate fire prevention measures.
- Locate forest fires on area maps, using azimuth sighters and known landmarks.
- Compile and report meteorological data, such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, and types of cloud formations.
- Direct maintenance and repair of firefighting equipment, or requisition new equipment.
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Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Needed Skills
These are the skills Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Job Titles
- Fire Ranger
- Fire Watcher
- Forest Technician
- Fire Warden
- Forest Patrolman
Are There Job Opportunities for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists?
In the United States, there were 1,700 jobs for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 29.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist by 2026. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist are Texas, Idaho, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Oregon, Colorado, or New Jersey. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Make?
The salary for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists ranges between about $26,660 and $83,810 a year.

Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists who work in California, Oregon, or Texas, make the highest salaries.
How much do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,990 |
Arkansas | $35,620 |
California | $82,000 |
Colorado | $43,650 |
Mississippi | $28,300 |
Oregon | $62,630 |
Texas | $63,470 |
What Tools & Technology do Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists:
- Microsoft Word
- Mapping software
- Fire incident reporting systems
Becoming a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist
Education needed to be a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

Where Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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