One lesson I’ve had to learn, and re-learn, is that my body is not always willing to go as far as my mind intends to take it.
The Panic Button
Well, here we are again. I recognize that tree… You may be asking yourselves, where are we exactly? Allow me to explain. In October of 2021 I published a piece called Wildland Fire’s Great Exodus, which if you missed it, you're welcome to read by clicking here. The quick synopsis however, is this; federally employed wildland firefighters (WFFs) … Continue reading The Panic Button
One Step at a Time
You know what’s awesome? Analogies. And it just so happens that I have an analogy to share with you, which I’ll happy toss your way in just a moment.
Fire Family
We refer to ourselves as fire family with great intention because we aren’t close friends, that would actually be quite the misrepresentation. The term family signifies a closeness, but it also encapsulates the ruggedness of human relationships...
Wildland Fire’s Great Exodus
The Great Exodus that is occurring amongst the ranks of the wildland firefighting population is on a catastrophic trajectory because of what it will mean for wildfire response moving into the future.
The 40 Year Old Fill-In
When the pandemic hit in 2020, it flipped everything sideways for the fire community and most things were uncertain except for one; fires would still happen, and firefighters would have to respond. At the time, I was in a secondary fire position which didn’t require me to take an assignment but with the position I … Continue reading The 40 Year Old Fill-In
Donkey Run
There are those days, those days when simply being alive is exhausting. Where you find yourself having a serious internal debate about expending the energy to brush your teeth, let alone doing anything physically active. Yes, it’s one of those days where a movie marathon on the couch seems like the best idea of your … Continue reading Donkey Run
Fire Culture
Happy Spring! Here's a re-posting of Fire Culture to get you into gear for the upcoming fire season. First of all, don’t be that guy. Don’t be last to lineout in the morning; get back to the rigs from a store stop, water up, suit up in your jump gear, get up the hill, or … Continue reading Fire Culture
June 30th, 2013
I remember that day. Of course, I remember that day. Every wildland firefighter (current or former) has a flash-bulb memory to mark that point in time. I was rappelling the fire season of 2013 and my husband was on a hotshot crew. By some freak miracle, we actually had a day off together and met up with … Continue reading June 30th, 2013
The Shuffle
Every spring crews nationwide ready themselves for the fire season by way of physical training, medical scenarios and classroom time and every year that guy shows up. How is it statistically possible that we end up with that guy almost every year on every single crew? Even though we all know that guy, there … Continue reading The Shuffle