"Unskilled Labor" A Season with the Hotshots | Wildland Fire Documentary Hotshot Firefighter Crew

[@QuadzillaHikes]

If you're interested in working as a wildland firefighter you can apply at www.usajobs.gov. Any veterans interested in this job check out @veteransinfire on Instagram, they can set you up with instant jobs. And finally my crew, Sawtooth Hotshots is hiring, check them out at instagram.com/sawtoothihc/

[@EWOKakaDOOM]

How old is too old if I was looking to do a seasonal gig (not hotshot)? Also, is it too late to get on a crew for this summer season?

[@QuadzillaHikes]

@@EWOKakaDOOM too late this summer unless you quality for veterans hiring, VRA. It just depends on what shape you're in, you can do this job all the way into your early 50s if you're in great shape, conversely 20 year olds have a hard time, but there's no age cap for seasonal employees, if you want a perm job you gotta be under 35.

[@EWOKakaDOOM]

@@QuadzillaHikes Cheers, maybe I'll give it a shot next summer. Love the vids.

[@MainPrism]

D@mmit why didn't I hear about this job years ago... Somehow I feel strangely connected to this instantly. I also have a very physical job (not near this bad, no). I could meet all of those requirements except maybe the mile run. I'd have to bust my butt, but I could get there again (used to run track and just jog everyday). But... I'm 36 almost 37 so I guess a perm spot would be out of the ? for me and that really blows... Everyone of you have my upmost respect and gratitude. Embracing the suck is never easy.

[@WanderingBeast]

thanks brother, great footage

[@matts9]

I was an Infantryman. This should be treated just like military service. Same risks and requirement for being in shape. Should come with the same health care and other benefits. Thanks for sharing!

[@RamblingMan.]

Raise hell praise dale

[@austinmanuel500]

Physical requirements are higher than marines for hotshots.

[@rookincharge2780]

That would make sense. Wildfires are going to soon be a yr round issue.

[@redneck1090]

@@RamblingMan. he ain’t dead, he’s just a lap ahead

[@redneck1090]

@@rookincharge2780 it’s already year round. It’s floridas fire season right now. And people say climate change is a myth🙄

[@1RadicalDreamer]

Imagine a parasite like a politician, calling hard working Americans “unskilled.”

[@corsa-media]

@@DonaldMcNuGGeT "A landscaper with the proper training" Training is skill you moron, you're literally training SKILLS, and no the fuck they could not do it with one arm

[@jesuschris9543]

​@@DonaldMcNuGGeT So it's true!!! some people actually do only use 3 percent of their brain... I'm absolutely awestruck by your sheer lack of intelligence.

[@amymcmillin3170]

@@DonaldMcNuGGeT you don't really understand a thing about wildfires, do you? Also pretty sure operating a drip torch, deploying a fire shelter, adjusting response based on changing weather conditions, etc, aren't things that most landscapers have a clue about.

[@DonaldMcNuGGeT]

@@amymcmillin3170 Lmao imagine being you thinking all of what you listed is a job skill LMAO LMAO LMAO HAHAHA. Again no kid it’s not a skilled trade or even job. Stay triggered babe

[@DonaldMcNuGGeT]

@@amymcmillin3170 also adjusting response based on weather?…. Oooh so what’s this planet Called that only wildfires have changing weather effects to the scene ? Is it a new planet like earth ?

[@kenlew4945]

The only "Unskilled labor" is the US Rep. He just sits around with his thumb up his back side. These Hot Shots/Wild land Firefighters has way more skill especially knowing how to battle a fire and not to get killed in the process.

[@jettyeddie_m9130]

I wanna see that moron hike up a mountain with a chainsaw and as soon as he gets to the top cut line for hours and hours... I would pay money to see that !!

[@ericcuellar404]

Even wiping our ass is more skilled that what he does

[@nealhitchcock3519]

I'm not sure he could find is ass with either hand.

[@cliffordmorris1286]

I fought wild fires as a juvenile, it's hard work but rewording

[@DiscoverObjay]

@Coding Crusader that’s a good way of putting it hard work pays off

[@csblu]

it infuriates me how little these heroes get paid. they deserve so much more glory, respect, and so many more rewards.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Lucky they got a pay raise

[@csblu]

@@emmanuelawosusi2365 still not enough bro. they deserve annual salaries. there are things to prevent wildfires in the off season as well there is no excuse not to employ them year round and not to pay them more considering the health risks associated with their occupation. those who do make salaries that are hardly comparable to that of a teacher who may work half the hours they do in a year are still severely undercompensated.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@csblu your right

[@joshlower1]

Every hotshot I know makes enough money to only work 6 months a year.

[@rlysilly]

@blamthekaboom Maybe the government of the country they are saying? Just a thought.

[@gwot]

My security guard instructor said when he was in the military during his prime, they were deployed to help with a forest fire, and he said it was the most tiring thing he's ever done

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@rakkasan-vet681]

I was in the Army for 15 years in combat arms, and there is no way I could ever do this. These guys are animals. Hats off! I can hike for 20 miles with 65lbs but the repetitive tasks would’ve crushed me. Non-stop grinding.

[@nbutter2779]

Ya it sucks real good lol. Love the brotherhood!

[@hunteruhuruazrael]

​@@rakkasan-vet681 I'm glad to hear this, so if I can pull this off as I intend to join this season (currently studying for it), I'm plenty good to go for military.

[@treysparling5924]

@@hunteruhuruazraeli’m a firefighter, my boss was telling a story about how he had an army unit attached to him to help fight a wildfire, and they were absolutely out of shape and could hardly even get up the hills, before any of the real work even started. he said he exchanged them for a marine unit and made them salute the marines on their way out and said shit like “here come the actual warriors” “that’s who your mom thinks you are”

[@A8vscRrabbit]

You folks saved a bunch of ranches in the 2020 fire. Mine included. Thank you. You wild land firefighters are not only skilled, you are heros. Life savers. Politicians are rats. Again thank you for everything. Kurt

[@prestonpowers7376]

Well said

[@nmelkhunter1]

Here’s to Hot Shot and Smoke Jumper crews. 🍻

[@HanzHermannHoppe]

My family's land too. Absolutely absurd how these firefighters are treated.

[@ulacylon-timetrio9664]

To the Hotshots and the Smokejumpers! 🍻

[@kumatmebro315]

You should make your own property safe from fire instead of the government bailing you out.

[@Czechmix82]

I lost a good friend on July 6th 1994 when he and 13 other of his hotshot team from Prineville Oregon were killed on Storm King Mountain. You all risk your lives and work in dangerous conditions and I thank you for what you do. You definitely need to be compensated for what you risk and sacrifice to protect us.

[@JK-420]

We’re eternally thankful for those that lost their lives that day protecting a town of people they never knew. What a ridiculous country we live in that these brave folks are not better compensated

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Storm King. The 9 Stars on the Prineville Shot Crews Decal represents those nine men & women who died in Colorado that weekend. That was my baptism weekend into Wildland Fire Fighting. Rest in Peace to all Souls taken on Wildfires.

[@Grounded75]

Gone but not forgotten.

[@rango9401]

Him and the rest on storm king shape the way we train in the fire service. I’ve watched the documentary 5 times already from our training alone. Their deaths aren’t forgotten and have changed how we think

[@katieg1763]

In Glenwood Springs, CO. I remember ❤️

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

This video is so well done, shame on that politician that made that statement. He couldn't hold shovel, pick axe or a hose. You folks are the most hard working bunch of folks I've ever witnessed. I saw you all working that fire last summer in 113 degree heat, takes a special human being to do that kind of work. Thank you all for what you do!

[@dylank7234]

Shame on all of them..when will people understand that the entirety of the state and federal government are corrupt beyond belief?

[@chrisward4576]

The politicians would change their attitude if you put a Pulaski in their hands. I could hear it now, what's a Pulaski, right?

[@chrisward4576]

25 thumbs up on that comment

[@downbytheriver501]

I find it ironic that a politician calls firefighting unskilled and yet all a politician does is....yeah, not much.

[@bama1usaf]

His uneducated statement may in the end be good thing for "Hot shots".

[@juanarce6900]

I was an inmate firefighter out of Norco camp, Riverside County; thanks for bringing to light the great work done by the brave men, and women from all the different agencies.

[@hatsquad838]

Appreciate your service brother and hope all is well (From a Ret Homicide Cop)

[@rustyshackleford5269]

Seen a few documentaries in inmate crews. Respect to you and others. I couldn't imagine doing this for a couple bucks a day.

[@Billybillybillyrocking]

From Norco, seen you guys a lot leaving the station right there and knowing what y'all do. Saw a lot of the cal fire vehicles.

[@lennartfrank02]

european here did I missunderstand you or do they actually take prison inmates to do these jobs so they can underpay yall or is an inmate fighter sth specialized?

[@kerberos623]

@@lennartfrank02 prisoners are askec to volunteer to go help fight these fires. They do not get special pay for it. But they are not forced, often though alot of them want to do it instead of siting in jail. There is talks about the getting credits for it so that when they have served their time they would qualify for regular firefighting jobs.

[@lukejohnson4534]

I'm a former hotshot myself from a crew in region 3 and I have a very difficult time explaining the job to everyone in my life. Your video is great and I plan to share this to help me explain the work in the future. Thanks for taking the time to make this.

[@hatsquad838]

Appreciate you and your brothers’ sacrifices…forever grateful. Additionally, the courage, phenomenal dedication both physically and mentally are second to none. Stay safe brother from a Ret Homicide Cop

[@RotaryMotion474]

Do you have any recommendations on how to start? I graduated highschool and I'm enlisting in the military. I'm thinking of doing this after I get out. Thank you!

[@Mortalbicycler]

Why did you stop? Also any recommendations for getting physically in shape for the job besides hitting the minimum pt requirements?

[@Lucyblacklab]

I'm a city firefighter there is not way I would do that job.... They are bad ass and do an impossible with hand tools for very low pay . They have my upmost respect 👍

[@autisticus1678]

As a city firefighter could you go and does this seasonally? Hypothetically speaking for someone who is interested in both.

[@Lucyblacklab]

@@autisticus1678 I'm sure in California they are able to do that. Here in Ohio thankfully we don't get wild land fires like that so I don't have to do that.. Atleast for now 🤞

[@autisticus1678]

@@Lucyblacklab cool man thanks for the reply. Agreed hopefully no wildfires happen around you haha

[@andrewlikes2890]

as cool as that is i dont think they care about respect from another person they want to get paid what they deserve

[@GyprockGypsy]

God bless you and the hotshots. Every emergency response member of our society are god living heros.

[@justinrush529]

I hate the term “unskilled labor” every job needs doing, regardless of the skill category. Yall keep doing you man!

[@VeryDeathlyShiny]

Those politicians throw around words like "unstilled labor" and usually apply it to people who do manual labor. I tell you, I'd pay money to watch one of those politicians spend a day attempting to handdig a ditch.

[@trumpetistan]

I think foot soldiers should be paid $1 million per year ...Don't you? LOL

[@cbjueueiwyru7472]

While I do agree that it's inaccurate to call this unskilled.... A job being needed doesn't mean it's skilled labor

[@justinrush529]

@@trumpetistan i think they should be paid more for sure, my cousin went into the army a couple of years ago and while enlisted he was told hed make $33,000+ a year but ended up taking home roughly like $22k or so. I think they should be paid more but if youre being sarcastic i missed it lolol

[@justinrush529]

@@VeryDeathlyShiny yeah man i agree, manual labor, skilled labor etc. etc. labor is labor and its physically tasking and to some even severely mentally tasking. Ill always give mutual respect to those that wanna get after it using their hands!!

[@1302DevilDog]

I was fortunate to be a part of the Marine Corps Task Force that aided these skilled firefighters in California last Sept/Oct. They do not get paid enough for what they do. It is insane how hard this is.

[@cbriangilbert1978]

And what did you get paid...about $0.25 more than them? Blew my mind to see how many service members are still on food stamps even today.

[@FlameHashiraAries]

And a military guy is saying that. Our pay really sucks too

[@bendearborn1033]

20 year firefighter. Hotshot/hand-crews in the early 2000’s. This was a great doc. Good job boys.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Thanks for your service

[@Rebeccawrites7]

As the mother of a wildland firefighter, they deserve better. Some of the best men & women I've ever met. Humble. Hard working. Selfless. They deserve benefits, better pay & respect. Much love to all wildland firefighters & their families. ❤🔥❤🔥

[@inedaburger4617]

Was there many women there? Got to admit I became slightly inspired

[@carriekohler1327]

My son is also a wildland firefighter. As a mother you are sitting on a severally sharp two edged sword. Being there to listen as they have to talk about being scared and/or injured to get it off the chest and the other side of us being SO damn proud of them for putting their lives on the line for someone else!!! Those S.O.B. politicians bad mouth, shame and/or put down those jobs that they themselves are not smart nor strong enough to do!! You go sons and daughters, mothers and fathers!!! We all love you and are so dang proud of you!!!❤

[@jmdibonaventuro]

⁠@@inedaburger4617’ve never been on a crew, but from the statistics I’ve found around 20-25% of hotshots are women. On a crew of 22 that makes for about 3-5 women per crew. Edit: On average. Obviously different crews will probably have different ratios, and some crews may have none, while others may have a lot.

[@ZaakaSjnssj]

@@jmdibonaventuro Where did you get that figure? A quick google gave me nothing. I only found the total number of female fighters nationwide, which is 11%.

[@jmdibonaventuro]

@@ZaakaSjnssj I think it was the USFS website - Hotshot section

[@VandrefalkTV]

You don't have to live in the US to appreciate the work that went into this. Man, good on you for doing this.

[@jodythomas2724]

My son does this for a living out of Utah. I'm so proud of him.

[@teeshaford8279]

My son just sent me this video. He turns 18 in December and this is what he wants to do. Any advice on where he should start? We also live in Utah.

[@jodythomas2724]

@@teeshaford8279 my son started as a volunteer for his county. They put him thru all on the job training. He's 32 now and loves it. Hard work but loves it. I'd try being a volunteer first or go and talk to the local department

[@teeshaford8279]

@@jodythomas2724 Thank you Hes going to take your advice

[@jodythomas2724]

@@teeshaford8279 when my son gets home from battling fires in idaho ill have him comment on this. Maybe he'll have more info. I'm just his proud papa

[@teeshaford8279]

@@jodythomas2724 Haha. Ok. Thanks for everything!

[@gtown150]

Every one of you is skilled. Especially the sawyer. Not anyone is allowed to pick up the saw and start cutting. You all have earned you way. You are elite for a reason.

[@olivierm2888]

@wowalinbie Then I would debate crane operators or carpenters aren't skilled laborers either then.

[@sandmantk4901]

@@olivierm2888 Lame comparison. You couldn't even get a crane operator or carpenter out of the truck to do this job. Hand one of them a fire ax in 120 degree heat and see the look you get.

[@whiteboy6052]

The saw team especially imagine hiking up a mountain for miles with your saw / pack & having the strength to operate basically an engine all day & night is crazy

[@aureliocasillas92]

Everytime I hear Hotshot Firefighters I think about those Granite Mountain boys who perished back in 2013. These folks need the pay and respect that is long overdue to them. It isn’t easy. God bless these men and women who continue with this strenuous career

[@sureitmightbe]

As someone who also works on wildfires, the hotshots definitely deserve the most respect out of anyone in camp. And it's always crazy to hear how little they get paid for how much work they do.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Only the brave

[@ulacylon-timetrio9664]

Only the brave

[@codylokan2375]

I respectfully disagree. There are hundreds of crews out there, I've seen good and bad type 1 crews. I've seen good and bad type 2 crews. There are a lot of type 2 crews I would take over some shot crew any day.

[@lom2981]

@@codylokan2375this. Shit crews get miserable assignments jumping from fire to fire mopping up, but type 2 crews actually IA fires

[@Longboard2311]

I’m a Journeyman Lineman, that works in California, and work the restoration after these fires. I have the upmost respect for these HotShots! They are some bad mammajammas, and takes a certain individual to be able to handle this work. These skilled laborers are grossly undervalued, and deserve to be be compensated far beyond their current situation! My hat is off to these crews!

[@timc5301]

im a structural firefighter. i have to say hats off to you guys this is a whole nother animal. incredible the things you and many crews like you do day in and day out. stay safe out there and god bless.

[@timc5301]

And you had literally no reason to respond to my comment yet here you are

[@twisted_fo0l]

Its mutual. Tonight I had an amazing conversation with a forestry firefighter dude and I asked him about you guys, and he respects you and your guys.

[@sukoo1]

Same brother. Structural guy myself. Those wild land fires are a different type of monster. I aint going near them.

[@totallossmac5079]

It sure gets tough after a month of sleeping on the ground.

[@Fullsendfilosophy]

It’s stupid that they are exploiting them as seasonal employees it’s hard to find people who want to do this for 4 months pay, we gotta pay bills I also hate how paid fire fighters are getting more rare a majority of small towns are volunteer firefighters. I’m thinking of pursuing a firefighting career but I got a family I gotta take care of and volunteer doesn’t pay for it

[@mattdakota940]

Yes I would love to do it again. And I am doing it again, and again. 15 years and still going. Best job ever

[@TheRealFastRabbit]

I sometimes call it the “best worst job ever”.

[@chrisward4576]

Thank you sir, some of us appreciate you

[@stormtrooper-vg1pv]

Thank you for your service

[@prestonpowers7376]

Thanks! We need you guys! And y'all need to be paid more, that for sure

[@afamiliarduckproductionsaf6157]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! As a former US Forest Svc Wildland FF, THANK YOU! I really want this to go viral. The work is extremely dangerous, physically exhausting, dirty, hot....and financially unrewarding. These folks do it, and keep our natural resources safer. They deserve more pay, more respect....and better food, MRE's, still suck.

[@catharinepizzarello4784]

They are supermen. We are here in New York City, huddled inside from the smoke of the wildfires in Canada. I’m going to donate to your efforts. I so appreciate everything you do.

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

i was a hotshot wildland firefighter for 5 seasons. the craziest, hardest and most rewarding job ever.

[@jmfregulia]

Thank you, this is excellent. My brother was a Lassen Hot Shot for many years (and still works on an incident command team). It is infuriating that anyone would think the work is "unskilled."

[@mikeman8076]

My brother in law was a lassen hotshot for a couple years as well awhile ago and I work for a fire dept in the sacramento area. This kind of work is no joke, it’s hard as hell and they deserve better pay and benefits and recognition

[@chriswikeen3743]

I know and worked w your brother Don on many fires. We did the incident management teams together. He is a hard working skilled employee I would trust on any fire.

[@deuscoromat742]

It is unskilled. If you think it's skilled labor then you need to look up the requirements for the classification of "skilled". Look up the statistics for yourself. Firefighters are more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty. Firefighters as an occupation are not even in the top 10 for Occupational hazards or fatalities lmao.

[@717UT]

@@deuscoromat742 Then what do you do for work? Could you take their place tomorrow and fulfill a HotShot's role? Can you even start a chainsaw and begin to cut down a tree? Can you read the terrain and make skilled judgement calls as to where you and your men should make your stand and cut a fire line? I didn't think so...

[@deuscoromat742]

@@717UT Can you run a marathon without stopping? Can you cover a 40-foot building with human feces? Can you flip over a single Ford Pinto? Can you touch your toes? Didn't think so.. I however, am physically fit enough to do all of the things that you asked. Just because something is hard to do does your job qualifies as skilled labor you brainlett;)

[@jessepolka]

Wow! This is a great video! I was a USFS Hotshot for Los Angeles National Forest at Chalao in summer '65 and Oak Grove in summer '66. We did a lot of fire fighting then and we did a lot of brushing along the fire cuts on the ridges visible from Los Angeles and Pasadena etc. You guys of today must be packing twice what we did then! We had one chain saw we hardly ever used and the 'brush hook' was the lead tool for our crews. We had a 'fire shirt', canteen belt with two 1 quart canteens. We carried a one gallon canteen in the small of the back tied with the straps and a bandanna in front. The big deal then was 'Whites' logging boots.....if you had Whites, you were cool! Most of the guys carried two more canteen 'cups' for candies and snacks. Its obvious there are a lot of calories spent in this line of work. I also carried an Army shelter half that I used occasionally. They didn't have any real fire science training then. We did have a mandatory Sunday Morning hike of 5-6 miles. We were GS-3's, paid 3.93 an hour from 8 am to noon. Then a lunch time of one hour for 48 cents 'standby' time. Then 1;00 to 5:00 we got the 3.93 again. Next, we had 5:00pm till 10:00 pm we got more standby time (.48). After ten we had time of our own which was usually straight to sleep. If we were on fires, the pay scale remained the same. Many times we were making .48 cents an hour working 'Hot Line' or mopping up. We also got lodging and 3 meals a day at the fire camp barracks at Chalao/Oak Grove. I think we worked 6 days a week unless we were on fires. We went to Saugus once and San Bernardino off forest.....can't remember it all. Long time ago. I thought I was pretty tough back then,,,, But you guys are phenomenal! Thanks so much for this video! It shows clearly the effort and the dangers you face for a pittance! Don

[@JustAGamerA]

whites boots are still just as cool

[@beingmabes8877]

thanks for the memories Don!!

[@MystMikayla]

Really cool to read this! Things sure are different now - but I couldn't help but check what the inflation between now and then was. $3.93 in '65 is the equivalent to $35 this year. Absolutely nuts stuff! People putting their lives on the line for others deserve to be compensated appropriately. (I'm not trying to ignore the parts where you talk about earning only 48 cents - I just thought the comparison is wild). Thanks for the hard work back in the day, we always need people like you :)

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

Can I wear custom boots that are a mix of a engineer boot and tanker boot ,the boots have straps ,not laces for tightening the boot for wildland firefighting ?

[@donhaywood6542]

@@emmanuelawosusi3276 Hard to say about your 'tanker' boots....I suppose most wildfire boots have Vibram Soles nowadays. Vibram soles don't melt when treading over hot coals. The boots should come up above the ankle to give best support and should be secured around the leg well. IE laces. Loose fitting boots may result in awful blisters after only a couple of hours hiking----chasing that range fire. Once we worked all day clearing brush in view of LA proper then were called to an off forest response. We arrived by truck and hiked in to the fire about 7 miles. Then we worked until about 6 AM on the 'line'. That's a lot of movement in terrain obstructed by rocks, boulders, limbs, bushes etc. I sure would want to protect my feet well out in that wilderness. Not sure that the strap style boots would suffice. Heck, put them on and go out in the rough forest /hill country and try them out. Good Luck.......

[@FlyinBentley]

I’m a volunteer ff in New Mexico. I hope politicians can appreciate what we do. Our dept is full of 55+ year olds, nothing wrong with that but me being in my 20’s I’m doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Even if people my age were interested in volunteering, it’s a rough road and we seem to be swept under the rug or extremely under appreciated. I’ll do my 20 years in the dept but I don’t fault anyone my age for not volunteering

[@eschus2057]

2013 during the summer I was in basic training at sick call were a tv news channel was reporting some hotshots and been cut off in a fire and ultimately lost their lives. Members of those hotshots had been coworkers of another soldier that was attending basic with me. He would have been with them had he not joined the National guard for his state. I can’t believe they are not compensated better. That PT standard is comparable with more specialized military units. I hope you all get the accommodations you deserve. Stay safe

[@mattador55]

There’s a really good movie about those guys. “Only The Brave”.

[@austinmanuel500]

They were the Granite Mountain Hotshots, the 19, you coward.

[@andreww3621]

@@austinmanuel500 Calm the fuck down you clown

[@ThePWNDR]

@@austinmanuel500eat shit

[@Stranded360]

Maybe take some pay away from all of these well paid politicians/hr/administrative and give it to the wildland firefighters...money is distributed most to the people who deserve the least within the government.

[@QuadzillaHikes]

As it is in most lines of work. This society is quickly coming to an impasse, it'll be an interesting next few years.

[@Stranded360]

@@QuadzillaHikes Wasn't always that politicians would get paid these huge sums "“When the people find that they can vote themselves money that will herald the end of the republic.” - Benjamin Franklin. The federal government is not lacking money, it is simply spending the money it gets entirely wrong.

[@ccolina8176]

No shit!

[@Hope-Solos-Darkstar]

@@Stranded360 I have found that applying common sense solutions to problems in government doesn’t work at all. You hit the nail right on the head though.

[@Sdukes001]

Awesome idea, I say the politicians and firefighters switch paychecks 👍

[@maxchavez3631]

And another thing, thank you for missing birthdays, anniversaries, family get togethers and so many moments you can’t get back. Thank you for your sacrifice. GOD BLESS

[@4npushap352]

I did this will serving a sentence in Carson City back in 2017. They called it fire camp, we would basically be your “reinforcements” in a way and help as much as we could . We also had to run and hike with 50lb. Backpacks within certain times, we trained on how to turn yourself into a baked potato in seconds . It is hard work and nonetheless I enjoyed my time in the wilderness. I respect you all and wish you guys better wages and all the perks y’all deserve . Stay safe out there 👏🏼👏🏼

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

Can I wear custom boots that are a mix of a engineer boot and tanker boot ,the boots have straps ,not laces for tightening the boot for wildland firefighting ?

[@Thomas-ORaghaill]

@@emmanuelawosusi3276 you'll need boots that are rated for wildland firefighting

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@Thomas-ORaghaill thanks

[@AlexGarcia-xw4ts]

@@emmanuelawosusi3276 straps, zippers or Velcro, won’t provide enough ankle support. Trust me you want a good set of leather boots with a heel and leather laces and tighten it as much as you can, a good brand is whites boots. also wear some wool socks, not hiking socks and definitely not cotton or polyester wool socks is a must

[@plasticlifee]

Im starting California Conservation Corp in April

[@Dovietail]

Our home was saved by these guys and the air crews during the Bush Fire in AZ. When that DC-10 barreled over our house at about 200 ft, setting off every car alarm in the neighborhood, we cheered!

[@UpThereArborist]

That means your one of the men who helped save our families home in the slink fire. Thank you!

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@chrisward4576]

Thank you to all Hot Shots and fire Crews everywhere, you people Rock, general public has absolutely no idea what you guys do but I do, you people are heroes in my book

[@krameohotman]

@ZenoSwarm Sucks! lol you're cool

[@calebjohnson9694]

@Hatred someone’s unemployed and still lives with mom

[@Bandit-zq1uf]

@Hatred would you rather it burn through massive cites, water sources, power plants, and even nuclear power plants? I mean yeah sure let it burn, just see what happens right? You definitely know what you’re talking about.

[@puddin1334]

@Hatred it is a natural event, but us humans decided to build houses near forest; therefore we now have to fight fire. Get it now?

[@adams2441]

My husband was a HS for 18 years, eventually becoming a Battalion Chief. Unfortunately the damage was already done to his body before he got off the crew. He retired medically last year due to bulging disk in his back. The agency pretty much just turned their back on him. God at least protected him all those years on the crew.

[@beegeefan4ever]

God bless your husband and you and your family. My son is going on 16 years and at age 40 already feeling the wear and tear.

[@campbub]

😢 dang! sorry to here this.. God bless your husband, and thanks for all he has done 🫡

[@carolynhandley8563]

Responding as a UK citizen with little experience of wildfires. I cannot understand how the US government doesn’t appreciate HS service with some sort of care package (benefits), after all, with global warming their job is becoming more onerous.

[@MountainMetal]

Thank-you for making this. I'm a fire-faller, (65 years-old soon), and though we fallers make more, (500 to 1000/ day), I feel bad for the guys struggling to do what they love and make the numbers work for their families, and for those who just can't afford to do it anymore. It can take us 6 weeks after being demobed from a fire to get paid, so we need a couple months of house and truck, storage, insurance and all the usual bills saved up, plus an extra cushion for inevitable stuff along the way, just beginning a new season will cost money replacing what's worn, broke or whatever, and pro saws and equipment are expensive, (quality fire rated boots alone are $500, 3 saws, in my case a 572, a 395 and a 3120, with bars up to 42" all cost some real money and don't even get me started on using less than top-shelf pro gear), so thousands of dollars in the bank or available on credit cards to begin a new season, on top of all that goes with an on-call seasonal job disrupting your life and off-season employment stability. The work itself, bringing down the hazard trees so they don't fall on the firefighters, some of them real monsters and sometimes on fire as we fall them, with the heat and weight of all the gear in thick, steep terrain, I love more than anything else I've ever done, and it makes me feel more alive than anything else I've ever done, but it all takes a toll, especially on the body. I can't even remember when I was pain-free, never mind the risks of the work itself, even for an experienced guy. A good way to die...

[@petebansen9780]

Amen - your work is much appreciated and respected by all of us who have watched you in action, just like the hotshots. High time that hotshots, jumpers and all of the rest who work so hard and accept such risk and hardship to do the tough jobs receive the kind of pay and benefits they deserve.

[@MountainMetal]

@@petebansen9780 Bless you, Pete.

[@wyohorseman9948]

How did you become a faller for wildland firefighting? That is my dream job

[@MountainMetal]

@@wyohorseman9948 Not the easiest thing to get hired for. Need at least 3 years, or (3) 1000 hour seasons of documented falling, including hazard trees, your own pro saws, (2 minimum, 70 cc minimum, 32" bar minimum, I run a 32, 36 and 42), quality fire-rated boots (spend the $500 on Wescos or other handmade), pass the standard pack test and classes for a red card, be fine with waiting to get paid and be wired for calm nerves and humility... Every tree you fall will be a hazard or 'killer' tree, so don't go in thinking you're some kind of badass. Be easy to work with and have no drug or alcohol issues. (A little weed can get your whole crew thrown off a fire). Put in your dues on a tree crew, especially as a faller, and be willing to build a resume. It's physically punishing at times, and often extraordinarily dangerous, so big egos are less welcome. Hard lifestyle, but rewarding. Best of luck!

[@nightfighter7452]

@@MountainMetal nice, the only path I've heard of is being a logger for several years, working your way up and hopefully becoming a contractor. Are you with the forest service?

[@coolbeans7349]

this has got to be the most skilled labor ive ever seen, thats some fucking brutal and physically demanding work

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Thanks

[@JoeMama-ty3ds]

I love this man speaking into my left ear

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

i know right lol

[@kgk6863]

@@Mr.Thermistor7228 left*

[@2Birds1Stone_]

Hey there. I was on a Arrowhead Shots for 9 years 05-14 (couple years off here and there) all years on a saw. I used to think we were paid well. This would irk my compadres that had families. I have gone full circle on that, way underpaid for retaining skilled firefighters. I am an Engine Captain now-still underpaid but not divorced. My biggest regret was not volunteering to do the crew video. I would have liked to learn that skill. I do gardening KZbin videos on the side now, not a good mix with the fire season, but I gotta try to escape the grind with the hope of wandering around my perennial food forest and someday getting paid to do it. Nice video brother...thanks for putting it out there. Nothing better then the camaraderie of a shot crew!

[@QuadzillaHikes]

Arrowhead must have been a nice place to work, we worked with the regular fire guy there in RMNP when I was on the conservation corps. Always thought it would be so neat to be based out of RMNP.

[@michaeltabanao9014]

Yep 2001, I thought we got paid pretty good, overtime, Swale Work Center Cabins, see the US, maybe fight fire on the Islands. I think new generation expect more, demand more. Why punch line when you can play video games and get stimulus checks🤷‍♂️🥇🥈🥉🏆

[@2Birds1Stone_]

@@michaeltabanao9014 that sauna treated me well! Salud brother!

[@michaeltabanao9014]

@@2Birds1Stone_ I remember when a bear went into tavern cabin, destroyed the door and got into the fridge and drank the beverages. Good times, hope your still doing this, normal 9 to 5 punching clock, ground hog day. Miss the Open Range, Forest, Deserts. Stay Safe......no matter what you do and where you are you will always be a Hotshot , Britt Rosso

[@hosedragger-204]

I just joined a VFD here in Vermont, that runs everything from car wrecks, to structural, vehicle, and Wildlands fires. In addition to med assists, and all sorts of different citizen assist sort of calls. I think the starting pay is like $11/hr???

[@BigDaddy-dr8gf]

Great documentary. I worked for an urban CA fire dept. and during my career responded on type 1 (structure protection) strike teams to wildland fires throughout CA. We worked with Hot Shot crews, on occasion, and I found them to be some of the hardest working and bravest crews I have ever worked with. You have my utmost respect. They definitely do not pay you what you are worth. Thank you for your service.

[@deborahmcsweeney3349]

My nephew is a Hot Shot out of AZ. Thank you for the truth. They need better pay and FULL benefits!!

[@gamingwithbean7961]

One of my childhood friends fights fires as a Sawtooth Hotshot, this video was epic to see what his job really is. Respect.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@tacai24]

Very well done. As a former shot, this is a great video to show the hard work the crews put in.

[@Ponch2007]

This is some seriously tough stuff. I have always admired firefighters in general, but this really shows the struggle. I really hope that you guys can return to your families safe and happy with good pay. Thank you so much for making this video and sharing your point of view during these fires. Keep up the great work out there.

[@timothyclute6706]

I appreciate this documentary. I used to be seasonal biologist for the USFS and NPS and agree that seasonal workers are overworked and underpaid. I had multiple jobs where we did 8-6s (nothing like your fire) schedule, but still physically exhausting (especially during my seasons doing FIA for USFS). Pay was low and benefits were bad. We typically camped 7 nights in a row and had long grueling days where were expected to hike multiple miles, off-trail in rugged setting. I also had the experience of getting my red card one season. While i never worked on a fire, from my training and personal experience, I totally agree that fire fighting is NOT an unskilled profession. The unfortunate reality is that land management agency budgets are too small and their responsibilities are too big. Throw in modern politics and anti-public land sentiment from certain politicians and these problems are likely to get worse before they get better...

[@ssmith70s]

Yeah dude, I got out of it because of the underpay and lack of respect for what we did. Went to grad school and eventually became a digital librarian for a semi-large public library, which couldn't be more different from what we did back in the day.

[@smerrill9426]

Been a fireman fir 30 years got my start doing this so believe me when I tell you that NO ONE WORKS HARDER than these people period they get the hardest assignments in the worst conditions and as far as unskilled goes maybe some of the new hires but the majority of a shot crew are VERY SKILLED in all aspects of wild land fire fighting

[@duanephillips1422]

If you have never worked in fire. Its extremely rewarding. It sticks with you for sure man.

[@susansoltys4874]

My nephew is a wildland fire fighter in Florida. It is extremely hard work and I am so very proud of him. He is extremely smart, so he is not unskilled. They have to have a lot of knowledge of different things.

[@lancebarajas6484]

Good job dude! The more we get our message out, the better chance things will change.

[@lancebarajas6484]

@ZenoSwarm Sucks! why do you say that?

[@christopherkochis9011]

this video is very well made, glad you guys stayed safe. quick inventory of the "unskilled" job duties of wildland firefighting: reading weather patterns, communication skills, trouble shooting/maintaining communication tools, use of tools manual and power tools,/ maintaining said tools. understanding of chemistry of fire, first aid, vehicle operations/maintaining, pump operations/ maintianing. just to throw a few "unskilled" job duties out there.

[@chrisfalx3251]

Yo

[@tose5566]

Yknow at this point I expect nothing more from politicians. They’re just bloodsucking vampires capitalizing off hardworking, courageous Americans like this for their own gain. In other words, utmost respect to these badasses, politicians can shut tf up.

[@iLikePineTrees]

Having personally worked alongside these fighters, they're some of the most skilled people I've ever met. It's insane this is a real situation wildland firefighters find themselves in. It's almost like it has to be an alternate reality where we actually think these people are unskilled workers

[@petewilson2314]

I'm exhausted just watching these guys work. Mad respect for these warriors

[@Spoofff]

This looks absolutely surreal as a job.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

My dream job

[@mapearce1]

No matter what country you are from, and having spent many a decade wildland fire-fighting (retired) in Canada, it is a brother/sister-hood that those "outside" may not understand,...great video... typical "ground-pound" routine. Thank you for posting.

[@Delekhan]

From a fellow FS employee who has never worked on a fire crew: thank you for the informative video! Keep up the heroic work out there. It's criminal how underpaid our 1039's are with little support, benefits, and very little stability. 1039's in a 'normal' job isn't right.

[@nevabotatrachtenberg9621]

From my home in Southern Oregon during a Red Flag Warning - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You all deserve so much more

[@xFrostiee]

Great stuff. Also, thanks for talking into my left ear for 2 minutes before I switched to my speakers so you could talk out of my left one for 23 minutes.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@lindakay9552]

😫 I meant to edit my comment, but accidentally deleted it. I commended you for doing a vital job that is under paid and under rated. When I used to work in a sandwich shop we would get orders for 300 ft long subs for the fire crew within 1 hour from order time. I talked to the fire chief several times. We always gave the fire department a special rate on sandwiches chips and bottled sodas. As I'm watching this video and you mention eating MREs whenever dinner happens to occur it broke my heart remembering being in the sandwich shop making those sandwiches and putting my heart and soul into it wanting the firefighters to have a really good meal. I have thought so many times since then that I would love to own a food truck just to travel to wherever fires are to be able to make meals on demand. This video compels me even more. Edit again: watched till the end. Now I'm in tears. Yes there are so many fires from natural causes. But the ones that are from arson, intentional or accidental, really FIRES me up after watching this.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Great idea God bless you

[@justinlahue9380]

I know this is old and I apologize, but those saws sound perfect. I was a IHC saw boss several years back and hearing good work brings me joy.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Thank you

[@pedjailic782]

Outstanding presentation! Doing thankless work for no money, then being labeled unskilled, really pushes the limit of tolerance and decency. Will be contacting all representatives, sharing the doc, and making contribution to the fund! Stay safe out there, for the work will never be done.

[@stevenschollmeyer9927]

This video makes me want to do this job even more and more. I do think it crazy you don’t get payed that much but I have wanted to do this my whole life and I’m so excited to apply for the 2022 fire season and I hope I get the job ! This video was amazing, you are a great Fillmer

[@retroexaminer]

Hey Steven! How did the application process go?

[@copyrightstrike7637]

Insane to see these people laughing and in high spirits when they are standing no more than 20 ft from the edge of a several thousand acre wildfire. Respect

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@calebplumleeoutdoors]

My girlfriend ran fire crews like thia in Montana for years. Ive seen the fires from a distance, and the aftermath, but this really helps put better images with her stories. Y'all dont get enough appreciation. Goddamn heros

[@rossgrace866]

Excellent work dude, you really embodied what it’s like to be out there during the season as a hotshot. The pay is ridiculous but the memories are forever. Be safe and keep 1 foot in black.

[@joshuamorrall4527]

I'm a new firefighter in South Australia, and the fact you guys work without masks is insane. I don't know if it's a choice, or you just don't get them supplied, but I could not imagine doing that work without some form of respiratory and eye protection

[@blakerainwater6036]

I'm glad you brought that up. I was wondering what their lungs look like inside. A bit sooty I imagine. Can you breath well with a respirator on when it is really hot out?

[@joshuamorrall4527]

@@blakerainwater6036 I haven't had any experience with anything big yet, as I completed my training towards the end of the season this year, but a burnoff I went to, it definitely made it a lot easier to breathe when driving through the smoke, wetting down the edge. Same with goggles. They made it a lot easier to see, when your eyes aren't watering.

[@corvusabaddon]

Yeah that's what I'm most curious about. They really should be required to use respiratory protection, the job is already tough as it is.

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

I Dont think respiratory equipment and this level of cardio would particularly mix well and you would have people dropping left and right. They need some type of thermal abatement system then you can strap them down with respiratory protection.

[@joshuamorrall4527]

The respiratory protection we use is very easy to breathe with, as the masks are reinforced on the inside and sit off your face by a couple of centimetres, giving you an air gap, which also helps with thermal protection. We make sure that as little skin is exposed as possible, by wearing leather gloves, full length jackets and bunker pants, helmets with visors and neck flaps, masks, and goggles if we can be bothered. Even then, we'll often get mild burns on our faces from the radiant heat

[@rickratcliff6231]

I was a rural firefighter in NZ always made me think of army combat. We were flown in by helicopter sometimes and it was like being dropped into battle as far as I know. 💪💪💪

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Thank you for your service

[@carpet7664]

both my parents were hotshots. very nostalgic feeling while watching this. we have so many of the clothes and tools you see here just around the house and every scene looks like their old pictures. amazing work and thank you for your work.

[@caryfrancis8030]

In BC, wildland firefighters get $ 500 per day, on up to 10 day deployments. The training we get is FAR from unskilled. Oh, we also dont fight fires at night, and we dont carry fire shelters.

[@kevinchajka2010]

night ops are pretty nice, and the fact that you don't carry shelters is a totally different topic.

[@itsyaboimat2393]

You don't carry fire shelters 😳😳😳😳😳

[@caryfrancis8030]

@@itsyaboimat2393 We arent allowed to die either.

[@evanhamaker]

Hell yeah. Crushed this video. Spelled it all out perfectly for those not in it.

[@njuarin15]

Just a note about fitness: I am someone who routinely does 50 miles road rides on my bicycle and my fitness level is middle of the pack at best in the Wildland fire community. If you think you are a fast hiker go out to a wildfire and prepare to be left in the dust by someone.

[@AjayAdigopalOntario]

Planning on starting the Forestry Technician program in Fleming College, ON. Hope i get in. Imma push myself above my limits to get to become a wildland firefighter.

[@skylareidsness4631]

I’ve been running on Engines with WADNR and a local district for 4 seasons now. I love it

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

How can I do both structure and wildland firefighting at the same time?

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Wildland firefighters need respect

[@orBMW]

Thanks for your help with the fires. Coming from Oregon we need all the help we can get. Hopefully this next generation of kids will still be interested in being a part of something useful like this.

[@robbie5138]

As someone who works in the Sequoia National Forest/ Monument I will always have respect for the Forest Service. Most people think it's easy fixes to these fires, but without water and more crews this is far from fixed. It's impossible to get some of the undergrowth out of these Forest they are that reach up to 12k feet. The bark beetle is only going to get worse with less water and more extreme drought conditions

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

Can I wear custom boots that are a mix of a engineer boot and tanker boot ,the boots have straps ,not laces for tightening the boot for wildland firefighting ?

[@robbie5138]

@@emmanuelawosusi3276 just don't wear steel toe boots, sucks if you fall through a fire hole and your Steel Toes heat up around your toes. Kevlar toe boots are the way to go

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@robbie5138 thank you

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@robbie5138 thank you

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@robbie5138 where can I find kevler to boots

[@Chopstorm.]

Did this for a few years between 2017 and 2019. I remember being on the Jones fire outside Eugene Oregon, the smoke was so thick that you couldn't see more then a few feet in front of you. I was coughing up black stuff for weeks. People don't realize how little protective equipment you can use on a wildfire. You don't get respirators, you get a bandana and a pair of goggles. It's hot and hard work, but I absolutely loved it. If I didn't have the job I have now I'd go back in an instant.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I have had hot shot friends and they amazed me. THANKS

[@strabe30]

For anybody who is interested in this type of stuff. I highly recommend the documentary “hotshot”. It’s incredible, one of the best docs I’ve ever seen. And I think it will surprise you how difficult the job is and how under appreciated these dudes are by their government officials.

[@mikelopez-813]

Thank you guys for all you do for this country. We appreciate you!

[@ricbish]

Awesome stuff, great video. It’s extremely hard work! I worked for the So Cal Fire dept for about a year before my time to go to boot camp in the USCG back in the 80’s. It’s super super hard! I can’t even imagine how much harder this would be! My hats off to Anyone that does this. Really great stuff and I’m glad you posted this for everyone to see. God bless…

[@mr.rhinotheawesome9442]

Good video! I was on the badger fire as well with a municipal fire department. The line you guys were on at 20:17 was one of the lines I walked with my engine to cold trail it after you guys were done later in the afternoon. Stay Safe!

[@G_Fresh_]

Well done. I spent 4 years on crews on the Lolo and Kootenai through college. This is the best representation of the work I have ever seen.

[@herpmf]

10:55 is stunning footage honestly. I've known many wildland firefighters and they are some of the greatest people I know, and never get the recognition they deserve.

[@ianhall6614]

One of the best documentaries on this subject I've seen, I've been applying for Wildland Firefighting jobs for the past few years and have yet to get hired on, currently applying to the Forest Service Wildland Apprenticeship program. It's hard living in the West and seeing the countless fires each year go by and not being able to do anything about it. I'm hoping that this year is the year I get hired on.

[@NinJadProduction]

Keep it up !

[@benyoung8985]

Get your EMT. As someone with less experience you need to bring something to the table and EMT is a good way to stand out. Also you can apply to trails jobs and get your red card and potentially get on rolls at the end of the season to get your foot in the door. Trail work is super fun as well, so it isn't a wasted summer.

[@ianhall6614]

@@benyoung8985 I already got the EMT checked off the list. Can you elaborate on what trail jobs are and how exactly you get your red card?

[@benyoung8985]

@@ianhall6614 trail maintenance. So it involves a lot, but very relatable to fire. Using chainsaws and hand tools, long miles. Not the same level of urgency obviously, but very similar work, and having a season with the agency is very helpful. My background is trails and that is how I got my red card originally.

[@Carmen88888]

Have you walked into your local Forest Service office and asked to talk to someone in Fire? They get a lot of apps, so having a name to look for (even if it was just a five minute convo) will make it more likely you’ll get hired! Also the application process (if you’re going through USAJobs) is pretty ridiculous. HR screens apps, and if you don’t know what they’re looking for you might be screened out no matter how qualified you are! Someone in Fire may be able to help with that as well.

[@stephenplunket4476]

I have only watched three minutes and I can already tell you whomever has said this is unskilled labor has never done any sort of honest work in their lives. That is simply dispecable. You are soldiers fighting to save humanity from it's 300 years of short sighted lucrative stupidity. God bless you and I pray for you, for humanity, and our ability to produce food to feed ourselves. It has been set, this is the ultimate battle! Semper fidelis soldier.

[@stephenplunket4476]

You are feeding my family, semper Fi, you're one of the few standing by for humanity

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

@@stephenplunket4476 thanks

[@Charlie.Lockwood]

Mad respect for the work y’all do... I live in Reno NV, wildfires have been reeking havoc the last couple summers (Dixie, tamarack, caldor fires)

[@igfootthegreat5543]

Superb! Netflix quality 10/10 production, this needs some film award.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@TGRUBB777]

Unsung hero’s. As an arborist, I know the difficulty of slinging around a saw all day everyday. That’s no comparison to dealing with a unpredictable wildfire around you and all the extra physically demands that are put on you. Cap that all off with the hours and schedule they put in and the sacrifices, it’s no wonder they are understaffed. Skilled labor isn’t cheap, but the people who make the decisions are! Salute to all who willingly take on this task. Theses men and women’s dedication is what makes America great.

[@RollingSherman505]

Thanks for sharing this. You all deserve way more money and benefits!

[@towelietowel4513]

Nah. CalFire boys make fucking bank. Hotshots are slaves though lmao

[@MrAdrian13]

@@towelietowel4513 currently on a shot crew, I can confirm we are slaves

[@eyesintheflame]

@@MrAdrian13 way more respect though. props to you my friend

[@trumpetistan]

@@MrAdrian13 Why not find other work then?

[@alexmurphy3005]

great job with this video. It's great to see attention growing the last couple years for this decades old issue. Federal wildland firefighters put it all on the line, save countless homes/cities/lives, and they are grossly undercompensated

[@stevenikitas8170]

Wow, an amazing documentary. I will never take it for granted again when I hear that a fire is "60% contained"... And to think that the federal government wastes hundreds of billions of dollars every year. Shocking. It is technically "unskilled labor", but you guys really have to know what you are doing. It is interesting to see you manually picking up wood and brush and heaving it aside. I will donate to the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters. You should get some national coverage for your video. And it's sad that 17 have died every year. You guys are fearless and awesome.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@davidsaucedo5069]

One of my good friends is a hot shot. one of the hardest working men I have the pleasure of knowing. I have nothing but respect for all of you.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Nice

[@ericwilliams952]

Thank you for your fire services and story. I think $45.00 a hour is a good starting pay plus the OT

[@granitematt8446]

Thanks for the amazing footage and thoughtful insight! My roomate works on an IHC and as many stories as I hear it is still so difficult to fully understand what you and all other firefighters go through over the course of a season. This video opened my eyes to the complexities, beauty and culture of a fire crew. I'll be contacting my State representatives to express my concerns over pay and benefits. Thanks to you and all other firefighters for your hard work and dedication!

[@matt8663]

Out of the goodness of my soul I volunteer every summer to do this. This year will be tough. The Hot Shots, yes! They deserve much more. MCFD

[@annohalloran6020]

You saved my ranch in ‘22. I bless you and I thank you

[@GoldHunter-77]

Former F2 Squad Boss here! Great Video Bro, nobody understands what we go through unless they were there. Your video and narration is excellent and well packaged.”I’m also a KZbinr. Fought 2001-2003 Biscuit Fire Oregon, Missionary Ridge Colorado, even Texas on the space shutttle Columbia disaster recovery crew. That one was epic! Subscribed

[@grahamalishis]

That representatives job is "unskilled labor". The backlash those types of ignorant comments get and guys like yourself making people aware of us is what will help drive change to get us recognized as the firefighters we are. Bloody good work mate. On a side note, good boot choice. Those boots are the best I have ever owned.

[@michaeltabanao9014]

Even in the 90's it was underpaid, in a twist of irony, that what makes a Hotshot, low pay, extremely hard work, irregular hous, non union. However, it provkes competition. Look at the Marines , they are underpaid and see the most action. We could go to the other extreme, the City Worker. No competition, barely work hard enough not to get fired. Union work, so even the lazy workers keep their jobs 🤷‍♂️. Hotshots is about work, period. No time of a generation of every minute on a cell phone, never ending selfies and tick tock🤡. I used to make on average in the 2001 for 6 to 9 monthes and unemployment 40k . If you could match work with ski resorts or other creative work, it would be ok. Shot Crews were designed for college and high school graduates who had athletic abilites, single and relatively no commitment. Plus you pay a very small stipend to live on site. Diffrent GS series get paid diffrently. We all make choices due to faimly, money, adventure and so on. Supply and demand will eventually dictate higher wages...

[@grahamalishis]

@@michaeltabanao9014 yeah the supply demand is what is going to push it to change. I personally don't care to much because I mean, I'll get paid plenty and I'm single etc. But if you do have a family you need more, and benefits of some kind would greatly help if you make it a career choice. For now it works for myself without a wife and kids but someday it won't cut it, especially the sacrifice made.

[@michaeltabanao9014]

@@grahamalishis agree, however in the time frame natural progession should come into play. I dont think you want to be 40 slaming line. Career into Fire Management or City and County Fire. Speaking of wages of Firefighters. Ever look at how much a City or County Firefighter makes in Florida, dirt wages. Its all about progression futher into your career. Paramedics and EMT in every srate make dirt wages. It shouldnt happen but it does, your seeing more people refuse jobs, out of the Feds its a workers market. Make enough and enjoy life....you can live anywhere.