For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

1. (a)

   1. (1) “Firefighter” means any firefighter employed by a public agency, including, but not limited to, any firefighter who is a paramedic or emergency medical technician, irrespective of rank. “Firefighter” also means an employee of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection holding a temporary appointment to a firefighter position and employed as a seasonal firefighter.
   2. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), “firefighter” does not include an inmate of a state or local correctional agency who performs firefighting or related duties or persons who are subject to Chapter 9.7 (commencing with Section 3300).
   3. (3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), this chapter does not apply to any employee who has not successfully completed the probationary period established by the employee’s employer as a condition of employment.
   4. (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), this chapter shall apply to an employee of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection holding a temporary appointment to a firefighter position who has commenced employment in a second consecutive fire season with the department even though the person holding this position does not serve a probationary period.
2. (b) “Public agency” has the meaning given that term by Section 53101.
3. (c) “Punitive action” means any action that may lead to dismissal, demotion, suspension, reduction in salary, written reprimand, or transfer for purposes of punishment.