No Club  

Most operators offer good SIC positions that will transition into PIC for the right people. Many have accelerated programs to rapidly train and qualify broadly experienced and capable pilots to become type-rated PIC on Type 1's, in a short timeframe. If you can't make the cut, they won't be talking to you. 

As other commenters have noted, make your move into Type 2's, and keep your head down. Talk to the other crews on the fire line, and build a network. Let me repeat that - build a network. You want to know the name of every PIC, SIC, mechanic, fuel truck driver and manager on every fire. Tour their  aircraft and service vans. Talk, but more importantly, listen!  We all know who the good up and coming guys are - they have a good attitude, work hard, have great looking aircraft, and know what they are doing. This information gets fed back through the system, and when companies are looking, they talk to their crews, and if the same names keep coming up, they will be looking hard at you. This means don't be out drinking all night, always show up on time ready to work, look the part, play the part, be the part. If you're a flake, everyone will know it, and you will build a rapid reputation, and not the one you want. If you gain this reputation, you will never shake it off. If you do, I will always admire you, because it is ten times harder than just doing it right

Every year I meet dozens of new faces, to add to the old ones I've known for decades. I will work and assist anyone, and will help any operator, friend, or foe. I treat everyone as a friend, love what I do, and take great pride in being a helicopter professional.   

Nothing worthwhile in life is easy or simple. There are huge opportunities on today's horizon, you just need to pay attention, and play the game. 

Oh, and most Chief Pilots are way younger than the guys that work for them.