Wildland firefighting is extremely dangerous work that is both physically and mentally demanding. Firefighters often spend days or even weeks in the wilderness in hot and smoky conditions as they fight fires. They live in a rustic fire camp, a temporary site set up to provide shelter and support when a wildland fire breaks out.
During severe fire seasons, wildland firefighters might be sent from their home states to fight fires in other states. These assignments can be challenging for firefighters with young families.
When battling blazes, wildland firefighters wear protective gear, which can be very heavy and hot. It is physically taxing to carry and use firefighting equipment as they climb hills or travel through other rugged terrain to reach fires in roadless areas.
Many wildland firefighters work seasonally—usually six months a year during fire season (although global climate change is turning fire “season” into fire “year” in some locations). Seasonal wildland firefighters may work 12 to 16 hours at a time when fighting major fires. During the offseason, they must find others way to earn money and support their families.
Despite these challenges (and the low pay and lack of benefits in many jobs), the majority of wildland firefighters love their jobs. They enjoy being outdoors and sleeping under the stars, the opportunities for travel, the adrenaline rush of fighting fires, and the fact that they are protecting people, homes and strictures, and often some of America’s most beautiful natural areas.
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