Housing and where and how often wildland firefighters work varies wildly depending on the type of crew and if you’re employed by a federal agency or a private contractor. Here are groups of similar reader questions and my replies. I hope thIs explains what the schedule is like during a fire season, where firefighters can live, and what housing is like.
Read MoreIt’s hard to know what you’re getting into sometimes with a new job or even just a new place that you’ve never been. Google can only help so much. These are questions I like to ask to get a better idea of what the crew and area are like before I commit to a new job.
Read MoreJessica Klein interviewed me for a feature about my website, my fireline experiences and how I’m helping prospective firefighters navigate the application process.
Read MoreHealth insurance is hard in the off-season. While you're employed as a temporary seasonal the government will pay the majority of the plan you pick for you, but when you're not actively employed you are on the hook for the full monthly premium if you want to keep your coverage.
Read MoreIt’s never too late to become a wildland firefighter and start your career! Whether you’re 30, 35 or even 37, if you’re fit and motivated age shouldn’t be a deterrent.
Read MoreI get lots of questions about salary and what to expect money wise in a fire season so here’s info about base pay and hours, overtime and hazard pay.
Read MoreI get lots of questions from women about how to navigate your period while fighting fires. Here are some tips on how to save yourself money and feel comfortable during your time of the month.
Read MoreThis was my experience as a helicopter crewmember (HECM) trainee during a 21-day roll in 2017.
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The Best (and Worst) Wildland Fire Boot Brands. Also, how to choose your ideal boots, how to break them in, and how to care for them during fire season.
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We raised $5385 for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation! The turnout was incredible. There were arm wrestling matches, 272 beers drank, tons of raffle prizes given away, silent auction items, an appearance by Smokey Bear, Megafire author Michael Kodas stopped by, and lots of good times had by all.
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THE5FTFIREFIGHTER and Hideaway Park Brewery are hosting a fundraiser Sunday, February 10, 2019, to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a non-profit that helps families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and assists injured firefighters and their families.
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