Wildland Fire Fighters live for fire season, that time of year when temperatures are high, the forest is dry, and a singal sprak can let hell loose in your backyard! I'm a part-time, wildland firefighter. I was been bitten by the 'fire bug' in 1998, and now I just can't get enough of the action.
Fire is the enemy. Its purpose is to consume and distroy. It will consume and distroy you too, if you get in the way!
I am a Type II Wildland Firefighter. My crew and I usually are assigned the less interesting/ less dangerous assignments: Dig fire lines, install hose-lays, mop-up, rehab, and engine crew.
Type I crews have more fun. They are the Smoke Jumpers, and Hotshots. Usually they perform initial attack, back burn, bucket drops (helicopter water drops), etc.
But thankfully, there's usually more work than even they can handle, so Type II's get to do some of the same things.
Did I mention the views. Some of these fires occur in the most scenic areas in the world. We even get to spikeout in these areas sometimes!
Better yet, in roadless areas, we fly in.
Don't get burned.
~Scott. |
