The Washington Contract Firefighters Association (WCFA) was started in 1998 as a way to fulfill training requirements set forth by the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordinating Group (PNWCG). It is composed of private business owners providing emergency fire suppression services to government agencies. We have limited our membership to businesses in or immediately adjoining Washington State. Our member businesses have many years of wildland firefighting experience and some are current or former members of federal, state, county or municipal fire agencies.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Our primary focus is on providing the training necessary to assuring a safe, professional firefighting force. We are authorized to conduct training up to the level of engine boss (NWCG 200 level). We will issue and manage interagency incident qualification cards (red cards). The association management meets directly with the agency representatives responsible for developing training and equipment standards for contract wildland firefighting. We meet directly with the heads of the Department of Natural Resources, resource protection, and the State Fire Marshals office.

WHY DO YOU NEED US?

There is currently no requirement to join any association. We do provide low cost training that will help you meet contract requirements. We will assist you with allegations of misconduct, contract violations or inspection problems.

WHAT DO YOU GET FOR YOUR DUES?

We will provide discounted training that meets or exceeds the regional contract requirements for Firefighter 2, Advanced Firefighter/ Squad boss and Engine Boss. A certificate and/or task book will be issued to students who complete and pay for their class. You will receive news letters/e-mails that will advise you about contract postings and issues. We will inform you about meeting results with agency representatives. We will assist you with any disputes you have with agency personnel, whether on an incident or at home. We will provide increased pressure on agency personnel to reduce the number of untrained, poorly equipped local use (EERA) providers. We will have periodic meetings where you can provide input on issues you feel are important and vote for the people that you feel will best represent the advancement of private firefighting. Member businesses will be able to assist you in finding low cost clothing and equipment vendors or used equipment.

HOW DO YOU JOIN?

Simply fill out the enclosed membership application and return with your dues. You will be entitled to all member privileges upon receipt of application and payment. Our bylaws require that new members be approved by a majority vote. A mailed ballot to all current members will conduct this vote. We do this to assure that only high quality, professional businesses become members. You will be invited to attend our meetings. If your membership is not approved, you will be refunded your dues on a prorated basis.

WHAT NOW?

Review the enclosed material and decide for yourself if the WCFA can offer you more than the other associations or if we can help make your business more professional. Call me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Sincerely,

Kevin Curfman

President, WCFA

360-880-3473