Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards

​The Department of the Interior is authorized under 5 Code of Federal Regulations 339 - Medical Qualification Determinations to require wildland firefighter medical standards [pdf] for fire positions considered arduous. All arduous wildland firefighters are required to participate in an initial, comprehensive exam and then subsequent periodic exams during their career.

In 2022, the Interior Department’s Wildland Fire Medical Standards Program began transitioning to a new medical exam system. This will not affect how exams are conducted but will increase information security and data protection of personal and medical information.

Training for the new medical standards system will be available for all users. Those who need to verify the medical qualification status of firefighters will be required to complete additional steps prior to accessing the new system.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand the complexity of medical exams and the medical standards program, but each of these processes help to enhance the safety of our firefighting workforce. These frequently asked questions are here to help you through the process! 

For one-on-one technical assistance or questions, please contact us at: wlffcsr@blm.gov.

Wildland firefighters conducting a medical emergency training simulation.
Wildland firefighters conducting a medical emergency training simulation.

Medical Exam Process

All arduous wildland firefighters will be required to participate in an initial, comprehensive exam and then subsequent periodic exams during their career. In 2022, the Interior Department’s Wildland Fire Medical Standards Program is transitioning to a new medical exam system.
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Wildland firefighter filling out form.
Wildland firefighter filling out form.

Medical Review and Waiver Process

In some cases, the exam will reveal a medical condition that precludes individuals from safely performing the essential firefighting functions. Many medical conditions will require firefighters to provide additional information for clarification.
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Ruby Mountain Hotshots training session. Work capacity test. Pack Test.
Ruby Mountain Hotshots training session. Work capacity test. Pack Test.

Medical Qualifications and the Work Capacity Test

This level of work requires a medical exam and physical fitness testing. It is important that you have first completed your medical exam and have a qualification certificate before you can participate in the arduous duty Work Capacity Test (pack test). There are also many other types of wildland firefighting positions that have different physical fitness and testing requirements.
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Fire personnel on the Sieber Fire near Grand Junction, CO. Photo by: Eric Coulter, BLM
Fire personnel on the Sieber Fire near Grand Junction, CO. Photo by: Eric Coulter, BLM

Medical Standards Policy and Bureau Contacts

There are a number of policies and guidance specific to medical standards for wildland firefighters. This page contains these medical standards policies as well as contacts for each Department of the Interior Bureau.
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