Here in the US we also have air attack above the fire but he is controlling the overall strategy for that period.
As for training, you can do a baic long line training course and then get hired by a company that will bring you on and train on the job. The USFS allows companies to have an approved program for having a trainee "fire pilot" in the pilot seat and a "trainer" in the other seat---type 2 helos only. I have one of the approved training programs and have one for other pilots if they want to pay.