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

A documentary about the 2020 season working with the Sawtooth Hotshots as a wildland firefighter. Showing the daily crew life of working as a hotshot wildland firefighter.
My crew, Sawtooth Hotshots is Hiring! Check them out on IG at: / sawtoothihc
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[@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.

[@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🙄

[@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”

[@wxllem]

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

[@wxllem]

@@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]

@@wxllem 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.

[@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.

[@williamnettleton3413]

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.

[@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

[@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. 🍻

[@LordPerique]

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

[@ulacylon-timetrio9664]

To the Hotshots and the Smokejumpers! 🍻

[@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

[@meme_lord3525]

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!

[@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

[@1RadicalDreamer]

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

[@Corsabpm]

@@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 ?

[@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.

[@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

[@Spoofff]

This looks absolutely surreal as a job.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

My dream job

[@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 ❤️

[@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!!

[@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.

[@JoeMama-ty3ds]

I love this man speaking into my left ear

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@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".

[@itar2521]

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

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@tacai24]

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

[@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 👍

[@mikec9795]

I'm a bush fire fighter in Western Australia and i've dealt with some nasty fires but my hat is off to you guys, thats damn hard yakka. Good job guys! :D

[@IOTrooper]

Not a firefighter, but I was a state trooper in Washington. Never before have I felt so tiny when working on US-2 the day the bolt creek fire began to rage. My patrol car covered in ash, the day turned to night in minutes, the winds were howling. Just really a sight to behold. All while tourists were asking me if they could still drive up the mountain 😂

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Thanks for your service

[@coolbeans7349]

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

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Thanks

[@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.......

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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;)

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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?

[@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?

[@matthysjohannessteenkamp4291]

The utmost respect for you all, thank you for your service and the great work you put into this doc.

[@mikelopez9722]

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

[@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-2045]

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.

[@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)

[@elsienorback7689]

Awesome documentary, and good insight on how hard this work really is. Ppl never see the up-close-and-personal aspect of this job, they just see what is on the news. Thanks for making this and sharing.

[@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?

[@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.

[@dr.anthonyharrelld.p.t.2146]

Such a well done documentary! Thanks for sharing man. I fought fire for several years prior to leaving in 2013 due to a lack of pay. It's ridiculous that the pay is almost exactly the same, today. Definitely will spread this message and get involved with Grassroots. Stay safe!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@outdoorfrenzy]

As a nearly life long resident of the Sierra Nevadas near Lake Tahoe, my heart has always had a spot for Hot Shots. Well, fire fighters in general, but wildland guys and gals have always been my heros!! Thank you for this view into your daily activities and your unskilled laboring year in and year out.

[@Glenn.Cooper]

The best video I've seen about Hotshot life. Thanks a ton for putting this out there!

[@chrismraz9654]

Tom couldnt even walk a mile of that trail. Applause!!

[@TheAnchorPointPodcast]

Nice 👏 fucking 👏 work👏 homie!

[@emilyroseelledge3758]

Thank you for making this film! Working to spread the word and get all of the incredible men & women of the USFS better pay! My husband has 20 years with the Forest Service. A hotshot with LP, R5 smokejumper, has worked on a Helicopter and now a captain for an engine. My close friends and family still get confused as to what exactly he does!? Sharing your film far and wide! Thank you! Stay safe out there. 🙏♥️

[@xanderw1460]

Thanks for making this film bud. No one could have accomplished this without living it full time.

[@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.

[@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

[@markweaver1932]

Nothing but respect for these people

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@Sleepinstein]

Love the video, I have a good friend that worked on a fire crew. Not hotshots, but close to it. I never really got the big picture when he would explain some of the things he ahead to endure. This video really puts it in perspective on how hard you guys worked as well as everyone else involved in helping to stop fires every season!! Thank you!

[@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.

[@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

[@homebrewer8893]

Thanks for the video, great commentary and footage! I hung my pack up in 2011 after 12 years on the line. I smell smoke these days and it takes me right back there. Best time, best friends, I haven't laughed to the point of tears these days as I did back then. The thing I've seen. The sayings! Such memories. In Norther NM now witnessing the biggest fire is state Hx and see all the recourses. Fires burn differently now competed to decades ago. All are 'extreme'. There's numerus ICPs and one is in our town. I ALWAYS give the young firefighters a firm fist bump, look into their eyes and say, "always keep you back door open". Be safe out there, comrades!... Out.

[@andrewtschramm]

Thank you for making and posting this video. Extremely informative and a call to action. Thanks for the work you do to keep us safe.

[@nevabotatrachtenberg9621]

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

[@NymphetamineTay]

Thank you so much for putting this together! And thank you to all of you that do this ❤️

[@peterwill9660]

Thanks for this video. Thanks for doing what you do. Granite mountain hotshots saved our home from the Yarnell hill fire. We always remember those 19 lost souls.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

Thank you firefighters for your service. You are appreciated!

[@ricbish4122]

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…

[@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!

[@igfootthegreat5543]

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

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@NoExcuses_FckExcuses]

I remember the 2020 season. I have so many photos from that year. Much love to all my fellow ridge walkers & line cutters. Always keep your SA up!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@danielwader6263]

Great video. You guys and gals are another breed. Love working with you all. I hope things continue to change for the wildland fire community

[@acruze7763]

Did this for 2 fire seasons as an inmate...LA. COUNTY FIRE ...CAL FIRE ...HARD WORK...LOVED IT!!!

[@evanhamaker]

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

[@donb4301]

Good video. I did Wildlands in the 70 and 80's You all deserve way more.

[@lorilembke9800]

Thank you for this video showing the hard work you and all of the hotshots actually have to do so that these fires can be contained. To appreciate all the hard work done and risks involved, one must walk in your shoes to actually see what all is required. Keep up All the Good work that is done!

[@safespacebear]

This is bad ass. Thank you for sharing. I always assumed it would be rough as hell but it's cool to see what it's like on the ground.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@christine4759]

Thank you for your service!

[@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

[@ericwilliams952]

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

[@alexanderpal86]

You guys are heros. Keep up the good work. More people appreciate you than you know

[@gregharmon3797]

Unbelievable what these guys do and the mere pittance they get for risking their lives. Great video John and good on you for bringing this to the publics attention.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Facts

[@ironpig701]

Cutting a line is unskilled. Cutting a line in the mountains wearing 50 pounds of gear while forest is on fire for 10-12 straight hours well that may be unskilled but every job is not about skill. Its hot. Dangerous. Physically demanding. Mentally demanding. And lets face facts how many can pass the test? You guys get more done in a day than Congress does in a year. Think we should cut congress pay and pay you folks more. Really appreciate all the fire crews do to save us.

[@chrisward4576]

Well said sir, those folks are not unskilled they are trained thoroughly before they get sent in there. They could get killed. There are endurance tests they have to pass to even get hired in the first place. My hat is off to our fire heroes, and that's exactly what they are, Heroes. Thank you Heroes, thank you,

[@Gervleth]

The paygrade they make makes it unskilled so????

[@ironpig701]

@@Gervleth no the skills required make it unskilled. But its not just about skill. Its about physical requirements. Dangerous conditions. Hours. But those in charge just look at the skill level. They dont take into consideration the other requirments

[@ytpete2]

There are different kinds of "skills." It may not require a college degree, but you can't hire just anyone off the street for this job. The mental fortitude to endure long days under constant danger & stress at the limits of physical exhaustion, but manage to keep going anyway... that IS a skill, and one not everyone possesses. Not to mention the physical fitness most people lack - another skill of sorts as it requires serious training, doesn't come for free. Just like Olympic runners may not need a college degree, yet most people could never do that either.

[@chrisward4576]

@@ytpete2 that's it, I've known a bunch of hotshots and smokejumpers over the years, believe me not everybody can do what they do, they're a different breed so to speak, a lot of those guys are trained and educated so they don't get themselves killed

[@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.

[@asmrcritique6565]

Thanks for posting this wonderful video so that people not informed can fully understand the sacrifices these guys/gals all make.