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
- Estimate sizes and characteristics of fires, and report findings to base camps by radio or telephone.
- Patrol assigned areas, looking for forest fires, hazardous conditions, and weather phenomena.
- Inspect forest tracts and logging areas for fire hazards such as accumulated wastes or mishandling of combustibles, and recommend appropriate fire prevention measures.
- Direct crews working on firelines during forest fires.
- Locate forest fires on area maps, using azimuth sighters and known landmarks.
- Maintain records and logbooks.
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Things a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Fire Information Officer
- Observer
- Forest Technician
- Fire Behavior Analyst
- Forester
Are There Job Opportunities for Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,700 jobs in the United States for Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 200 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Average Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Salary
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 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
How do I Become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

What work experience do I need to become a Forest Fire Inspector or Prevention Specialist?

Where Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists Work

The table below shows the approximate number of Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists employed by various industries.

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