Welcome David,

My advise,
Research the area of interest, both here and any info you can find regarding gold history of the area
Chances of finding gold is better in areas that gold has been found in the past
Learn how to pan, and depending on the area of interest, learn to use the tools for the area, ie metal detector(s), sluice box, high banking.
Obtain a handheld GPS, learn how to interpret maps, TOPO maps, being a firefighter I would think that would come easy...maybe LOL
It is your responsibility to know you are on the right claim or not, the rules of the area by those that rule the area. BLM, Forest Circus, state, county

Get out there and enjoy the surroundings
Dont forget, gold mining is fun, as your back is barking at you from working your butt off all day

Bill

Thank You Bill

David,

Dont spend alot of $$$ on equipment until you know what type of prospecting you will primarily do, detector(s), sluice(s), clean up concentrates gear, nonmagnetic tweezers, scale

If your operation is wet,
Look for exposed bed rock, crevices, start with these in a known gold bearing area, you "should" find something
Work different spots, test spots.
On new to me spots, I will test three pans worth, nothing move on
I dont do dry, cant offer suggestions

Bill

Thanks Bill