The Hotshot Wake Up: Recent Episodes

The Hotshot Wake Up

A podcast and newsletter by firefighters about wildfire and the world. Crew Supervisor and Ex Hotshot overhead. Call it like it is. Monthly Substack subscriptions go towards supporting this content and helping firefighters in need. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

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I spoke with the folks from NFFE Wildfire about The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, where it is in the process, their trip to D.C. next week, and everything else they have been working on.

Thanks to Max Alonzo, Andy Vanderheuel, and Steve Gutierrez for the great conversation about the issues wildland firefighters are still dealing with, their wildfire background, and what the public can do to help get this legislation passed.

Contact your representatives today!

On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Dr. Amber Ortega is an air quality meteorologist, wildland fire smoke specialist, and atmospheric chemist with nearly two decades of experience researching, forecasting, and managing smoke. She serves as the Regional Smoke Coordinator at both the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest & Alaska Forest Service Regional Offices. Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between researchers, regulators, and field operations, Amber aims to enhance fire personnel support, improve smoke fluency, and facilitate harmonious relationships with fire practitioners, air quality, and public health agencies. She's an Air Resource Advisor, aka Smoke Specialists that are dispatched to incidents to support Incident Command Teams with smoke concerns.

Previously, she was the Duty Officer for the Smoke Monitoring Program at the Rocky Mountain National Fire Cache, part of the Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. She served as a prescribed fire smoke manager and air quality meteorologist for the State of Colorado. Prior to civil service, as a Department of Energy Office of Science Fellow, she investigated the intersection of fire, weather, and air quality, focusing on smoke emissions from deferring fuel types and their interactions with the environment.

Her research spans ground- and aircraft-based smoke measurements across notable locations, including USDA Missoula Fire Sciences Lab and Manitou Experimental Forest Observatory, UC-Berkeley Blodgett Forest Research Station, NASA Airborne Science DC-8 Laboratory, and US Naval Research Laboratory Scientific Development Squadron. She holds an MS/BS in Meteorology (Penn State), a Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences with a Specialization in Analytical Chemistry (CU-Boulder), and a PostDoc in Chemical Engineering (Uni Arizona), earning her the apropos title "Dr. Smoke."

A fantastic conversation.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Back in February, multiple wildfires were started in the Valparaiso region of Chile. These fires killed 137 people and were the second deadliest fires this century.
2 individuals’ homes have been raided, and were arrested after an investigation found a firefighter and a forest supervisor masterminded these fires.
I called these fires out for arson back in February and was quickly labeled a conspiracy theorist, a climate denier, and space lasers were widely blamed online… Turns out it was one of the deadliest and most malicious acts of arson in world history.
A month-long plan was made to start multiple fires using homemade incendiary devices during peak summer on the windiest day to cause the most damage. Specific sites were chosen on maps months in advance.
I also cover the wildfires down in the southwest including the Blue 2 Fire that grew significantly yesterday.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

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I have a wide-ranging conversation with the Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, Paul Petersen. The UAFA represents the Aerial Wildland Fire Industry (Airtankers, Scoopers, Helicopters, Retardant, and aviation support) to Local, State, Federal agencies and Congress.

Before his time at UAFA, Paul served as a Firefighter, Engine Captain, Fire Operations Specialist (Battalion Chief), Assistant Fire Management Officer, Fire Management Officer, and Deputy State Fire Management Officer.

It is a fantastic conversation that covers many topics, including the current retardant issues, aviation contracting, working with the agencies, and more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid Substack subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

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I have a conversation with Dani Shedden, the woman behind Close The Gap Wellness. Dani is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a wildland firefighter who started her counseling career with one goal in mind: to help people find balance and manage their mental health.

It’s a great conversation that expands into all things health and the realities of being a wildland firefighter, a partner or family member of one, and how to better manage those complex relationships and stressful environments.

Dani travels across the country to talk to crews and fire personnel on a weekly basis. Say what’s up if you see her!

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Canada sees multiple holdover fires rekindle.
Multiple communities evacuated as the fires jumped rivers and highways. An estimated 500k acres burned this week.
The Southwest starts bringing in IMTs to fires. The Toyo Fire in Arizona prompts a CIMT order with multiple Hotshot crews.
Region 3 starting to pick up in activity.
Washington State announced this week that during fire weather, residents should expect their power to be cut off for multiple days on end this summer.
Wyoming sees insurance rates triple due to “wildfire risk.”
Full operational update.
Plus more

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

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Outside Magazine pushes a year-round and nationwide campfire ban as a “symbolic” way to stop human-caused starts.
Should we ban campfires nationwide? Don’t Forests already have restriction policies in place?
Power lines, railroads, vehicles, and large debris burns cause more fires than camp fires.
An April burn over and entrapment in North Carolina.
Oregon residents sue PacifiCorp Power for $30B over the 2020 Labor Day fires.
Utility Owner Warren Buffet admits it will likely lead to the power company going out of business.
Maui sues all major cellphone companies for losing service during the Lahaina fires.
Your cell phone bill is about to get more expensive…
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

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Operational update.
A longtime and beloved firefighter in Montana dies during a pack test. A shock to the Montana firefighting community.
Canada calls in their National Security Investigation Team after pipeline explosion causes wildlife in Alberta. Past cyber attacks have shown vulnerability to these systems.
After pulling the contract to environmentally safe retardant this month, I cover the 2021 study saying this product was dangerous to equipment and firefighters.
This study was seemingly ignored by agencies, and aviation companies penned a letter to the Forest Service Chief in 2021 saying it could cause catastrophic failure to their aircraft and health issues to their employees.
These concerns seemed to have been ignored by officials for three years. Companies said it was eating their landing gear and causing tanks to not open over wildfires, potentially leading to aircraft crashes. Insane….
Companies expressed that the “environmentally safe” labeling of retardant led to continuing its use and contracting from the agencies.
I cover the firefighter fatalities this week in Mexico.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

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Two years after the Hermits Peak\Calf Canyon Fire, the FEMA director in charge of the $4 Billion in relief funds has resigned.
The HPCC Fire, caused by 2 separate Forest Service prescribed burns, became the largest, most expensive, and most destructive fire in history.
Lawyers for the communities say the Agency copied and pasted relief documents from a fire back in 2000, causing even more delays and rejected claims.
Angela Gladwell has been “moved to another FEMA position” after two years of failure, and residents are still without relief.
After 3.5 months, a new director has yet to be named.
A total botch job. All agencies are on an apology tour.
Plus, full wildfire operational update.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

The Hotshot Wake Up is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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After a mayday call went out on the Oklahoma fire yesterday, we learned this morning that 2 firefighters were burned.
The fire started as a “controlled burn” before 55MPH winds caused it to blow up.
Colorado learns that Red Flag days now mean your power gets shut off.
What’s the solution?
Also, Fortress Retardant loses USFS contract after new environmentally friendly retardant is found to eat the aircraft that use it. Multiple tankers taken out of operation for the 2024 season because of it.
What does it do to your skin…?
A retardant industry war…
Plus more

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full Operational Update.
Virginia and West Virginia order multiple Teams. Multiple Complexes established.
Governor puts out an emergency response. Southern Area at PL3.
Washington State scraps its Wildfire Risk Maps.
Says their unreliable and need to be redone. However, defensible space requirements are thrown out because environmentalists say it removes too many trees.
I cover the lobbyists behind this Bill and where it goes from here.
State Farm doesn’t renew 70,000+ policies in California.
Not guilty plea in Canada’s arson cause that caused the largest fire in Nova Scotia’s history.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.

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The Eldorado Fire was started by a gender reveal party in California.
This week the couple involved was charged in the death of a Big Bear Hotshot squadie.
Charlie Morton was working the Eldorado Fire when the fire overran his position.
A look at the upcoming Spring fire season.
Bureau of Land Management gets $50M to retrofit existing trucks into Type 6 engines.
Update on the WFPPA stuck in committee in Congress.
Plus more.

The Hotshot Wake Up is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Wildfires in Chile claim the lives of 64 people. Thousands are out of their homes, and hundreds are still missing.
Four fires started “simultaneously,” according to the President of Chile and Governor of Valparaiso.
“Possibly coordinated,” and an investigation is underway.
I also cover the payments coming for residents of Lahaina.
Payments are available on March 1st if you drop all legal claims.
Insurance companies from around the planet are suing the school system, Hawaii power company, and telecommunications companies.
Bankruptcy concerns rise.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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The story of the Beachie Creek Fire in Oregon.
Multiple lawsuits on how the fire was handled by the Forest and $1B demanded from the power company.
MIST tactics V.S. full suppression. Safety V.S. engaging. What’s the cost in the end?
PG&E come to a settlement on the Dixie Fire trial.
Did PG&E just pay itself as a result? Where does the money actually go?
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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The FBI and DOJ indict two wildfire contract companies for bid rigging wildfire contracts.
Wiretaps led to evidence of collusion, territorial monopolies, and running the competition out of business.
The shady world of wildfire contracts.
I cover the story of three Hotshots running ultra marathons in the off-season.
Mental toughness and high cardio endurance give them an edge in competitions.
How training helps with the off-season blues.
Also, will Region 3 have a busy spring fire season?
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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Tim Sheehy, founder and CEO of Bridger Aerospace, joins me to discuss the current state of wildland fire, firefighter compensation, the bureaucratic struggles with policy and contracts, and his new book, Mudslingers. Tim takes us through his journey from a Navy Seal to building Bridger Aerospace out of a barn in a Montana valley. A great conversation.

The book is currently available here, and 100% of the proceeds go to wildland firefighters.

Tim is also running for Senate in Montana and would be a strong voice for wildland firefighters in our nation’s capital.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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We discuss the slowly reemerging policy of “put everything out” that has crept back into both the political realm and the tech side of the wildfire industry. A policy that clearly didn’t work. We talk about the importance of bringing operational and field-capable people into these discussions and how pivotal it is to support the base layer of the entire system, our wildland firefighters.

Kelly is a former Hotshot, (ret) Chief of Fire and Aviation at Yosemite National Park, current wildfire commissioner, and vice president of the International Association of Wildland Fire.

I would also like to thank the monthly subscribers to the Substack. I put out over 100 episodes this year and well over 150 articles on wildfire and wildfire issues around the world. I do this in my free time without sponsorships or ads. There are over 14,000 of you in this community that have free subscriptions, and I thank you. If you would like to see this continue into the new year, please consider monthly subscriptions that support everything I do.

Thank and have a happy new year! https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

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On Today’s show, I welcome Contra Costa County Fire Captain and Tablet Command Co-founder Andy Bozzo. We discuss the evolving tech coming to the Wildfire industry and the importance of integrating it with the “old ways” and the expected hurdles along the way.

There is always a place and a time for a certain tool, but how we merge these tools together can save time, energy, and lives.

This system was built to be a mobile incident command and response solution that increases situational awareness, speeds incident response, streamlines incident management, and improves firefighter accountability. It basically allows you to update your IAP in real-time, coordinate resources, and provide a real-time fireline and wildfire progression to resources, all while informing you on possible span of control issues and resources that might be in a tight spot.

A fascinating conversation.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s show:

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I welcome the Director and Producer of Hotshot Movie Gabriel Mann. Gabriel recently attended the Red Sky Summit in California and describes the vibe and vision these companies have for the wildfire industry.

Our conversation hopes to bring clarity to the public about what the needs are in the wildfire world, how folks can work together to accomplish that, and the realities and shortcomings we believe some are missing.

The overall goal should include the protection of our country’s valuable assets, which are our public parks and forests, and supporting those on the ground doing the work. Our lively conversation looks to bridge the gap between Big Tech, the wildfire operators, and the public.

Enjoy.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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I lay out the case for hazard pay on Prescribed fire. It could actually save money, increase retention, and, one could argue, make the RX environment more safe.
In the last few weeks, there have been major and severe injuries on prescribed burns around the Nation.
I cover the fatalities that have occurred in RX burns in the last few years as well.
I cover the Hotshot injured in Tennessee.
There was another entrapment in California. We discuss the report on this incident, why it happened, and how it went down.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

The Hotshot Wake Up is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Today, I welcome Bill Harsey, known worldwide for his award-winning knife designs for both special forces and the common man. Bill is a fourth-generation logger whose family moved to Oregon to make their way during the Great Depression. We also discuss his work in the Bull Run watershed, where a large wildfire occurred this fall. This area supplies the drinking water for all of Portland, Oregon.

Bill worked in the steep mountains of Oregon with heavy equipment before finding an interest in knife making after taking his dad’s flat file and trying to make a knife out of it as a boy. Bill has gone on to become one of Earth’s best knife designers used by special operators around the world.

We gave away one of Bill’s knives last year and will be doing another giveaway for paid subscribers this next week. Thanks to Bill and Spartan Blades for donating one of these incredible knives to our community. Bill has been a longtime supporter of the show and wildland firefighters nationwide.

Bill’s knives can be found in:

United States Army JFK Special Warfare Museum, Ft. Bragg, NC.
The US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville, NC.
The Official United States Navy UDT SEAL Museum, Ft. Pierce, Florida.
The International Knife Museum in Seki Japan.

On Today’s Show, https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

I have on Doug Cote to discuss the record-breaking wildfire season in Canada. Doug has a long and extensive wildfire career, including smoke jumping in the Yukon, and now his career is focused on prescribed fire and aerial ignition work in the Northern Boreal forests and working with Indigenous communities to bolster burn programs.

We discuss the wild year that Canada had and what that looked like from the ground. We cover the tactics used up North and the reality of leaving fires over a million acres unstaffed or with limited staffing. We cover the ever-growing cross-border resource sharing that took place with Hotshot crews and teams, and like myself, Doug sees this as an increasing trend.

We also talk about the unprecedented line-of-duty deaths that took place this year in Canada and how they can learn and understand why these took place.

A fascinating conversation.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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I welcome Kelly Martin to discuss the new Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission’s report to Congress, everything happening with the workforce, legislation, and beneficial fire.

The Presidential Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission was established in 2022. Kelly was one of 500 applicants who applied to voluntarily serve on this 50-member Commission. She was selected to fill the primary seat representing Wildland Firefighters.

Kelly’s 35-year federal career as a wildland firefighter provided invaluable technical and subject matter expertise to the Commission, ultimately obtaining unanimous consensus on comprehensive workforce reforms (see recommendations 84-103 in the Commission report).

Kelly is also the co-founder and past President of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the public, agency officials, and members of congress with real life lived experiences to promote urgent modernization reforms for the federal wildland fire program. Her organization provides education and advocates on behalf of thousands of federal wildland firefighters.

She is also a current Burn Boss for The Nature Conservancy (TNC), mentoring and coaching other TNC employees and nonprofit organizations to help them become more skilled and proficient in applying “good fire” on the landscape. Her current work includes providing leadership for the

Women-in-Fire Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (WTREX) and other Training Exchanges (TREX) events throughout the US.

Beginning in 2024 Kelly will begin her 2 year tenure as President of the International Association of Wildland Fire, a group she has been working with for close to 10 years. IAWF is dedicated to uniting the global wildland fire community in sharing knowledge and expertise through conferences, workshops, and creating position papers relative to contemporary wildland fire issues.

Kelly has extensive experience as a field practitioner serving as a Complex Burn Boss; Fire Behavior Analyst; Operations Section Chief and has served on Type 1 and Type 2 Interagency Incident Management Teams for over 20 years. Her capstone career promotion was becoming and the first female and one of the longest-serving Chief Fire and Aviation Management Officer at Yosemite National Park from 2006-2019.

It’s a fantastic conversation.

Today, https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

We discuss solutions to combat depression and relationship struggles, communication tips for both families and first responders, and ways to transition back to home life successfully.

We also have a conversation about the very different struggles women and men have when working in this industry and for their loved ones. When it comes to guys and gals, the contrasting struggles will surprise many, even those who are first responders. We discuss how to manage these distinct issues and the obstacles they create at home and in relationships.

At the end of the episode, Destiny takes us through a breathing exercise and short meditation that you can use in your personal life.

I hope you all enjoy it.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

After the Wildfire Commission Report, Wildfire Tech Companies started calling for a “new workforce.”
What does that mean, and is it needed? With 3 years of horrible retention and recruitment, why the shift now?
AI wildfire data companies say our forests only have 10 years until they go away. Overblown predictions?
Wildfire wage funding update.
As predicted, war will likely save this Bill.
Full operational update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

I am happy to have Mental Health Counselor and Educator Dani Shedden. We discuss the process of reintegrating back into the “real world” after a wildfire season, bad habits to recognize, and solutions for first responders who are struggling.

We also talk about the family side of things and what friends and loved ones can expect, the struggles they have, and communication methods to help their firefighters through this process. It is a great conversation that’s an excellent listen for any first responder and their friends and family.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Prescribed burns are being rushed and crews shutting down early heading into a potential Government Shutdown.
Congress members make a last stand to try and pass the wildland firefighter pay legislation.
Original investors in Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity provide funding for AI autonomous helicopter systems.
Is Elon about to jump head-first into the wildfire industry?
Lockheed Martin joins forces with CalFire in a marriage of the military-industrial complex and wildfire.
Congressman Tom McClintock pushes forward legislation to put out fires immediately and limit managed fires across the country.
Full operational update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full operation update. Fires start to wind down around the nation. Canada continues to be active.
I cover the multiple tree strikes that recently happened in the Pacific Northwest on wildfires. One firefighter was struck in the head, and another was struck while escaping the falling tree, striking their hip.
Governments decide to go all in on AI systems while abandoning their workforce. Canada welcomes new AI swarm systems and brings in Microsoft to solve detection problems.
Microsoft says Canada and the U.S. can save money with their AI detection systems by replacing humans…
California begs insurance companies to come back to the State.
They sweeten the deal by allowing them to increase rates up to 200% in some rural communities and seemingly allowing them to use Wild Fire Risk Maps to set rates… Something I predicted two years ago.
THIS IS A BIG DEAL.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

The Hotshot Wake Up is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Firefighters with NFFE sit down for a roundtable conversation about the Paycheck Protection Act. We discuss the upcoming vote, how to support it, and what’s in it. They were very honest and open about the next steps involved, what comes after getting this passed, and the future of the Tim Hart Act.

This conversation includes former Hotshots, Smokejumpers, Engine Captains, and more. I appreciate their openness about this process, the obstacles that have slowed things down, and the positive outlook moving forward.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

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Jason Forthofer joins us to talk about what’s happening at the Missoula Fire Sciences Lab in Montana. Jason is an Engineer, Researcher, and wildland firefighter with robust on-the-ground and operational experience.

We dive into new tools and tech coming out of the Fire Lab, how AI can be used and its shortcomings, as well as how to find a career in this field. A very illuminating and valuable conversation.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

While investigating a wildfire in California, authorities find a body.
This leads to multiple murder charges and reveals a web of crimes that led to a large wildfire.
FEMA says they have run out of money.
Demands more money as they cut off past relief to wildfire victims. They blame wildfires and an unprecedented disaster season.
Full operational update, including new details in Lahaina, Maui.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

I cover the story of The Elkhorn Fire.
This fire started on July 24th in Idaho and was an incredible incident.
A story of deployment sites, point protection, fast thinking, evacuating rafters, and overcoming adversity.
This is a fascinating story of stress and success in an unforgiving environment.
Pay Cliff and legislation update.
How slow is this fire season, and why it matters.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Todays Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full operational update.
The town of Medical Lake in Washington is devastated. Up to 184 homes were lost. 1 fatality was reported.
Paradise Montana evacuated, River Road East Fire jumps the Clark Fork River.
Lahaina, Maui update.
We cover the newly released report of the Hotshot Buggy that flipped over driving down the highway.
Looting happening in towns that have been evacuated due to wildfire.
We discuss how these crimes cause homeowners not to want to evacuate during disasters.
Plus more

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

The mass amount of ridiculous claims surfacing on the Lahaina fires in Maui, Hawaii, have taken over the internet. I got through these and destroy them.
I discuss what the likely cause is and how the events unfolded.
The Lahaina Fire is now the most deadly and devastating wildfire in United States history.
Full operational update.
Update on the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Act.
Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full operational update.
Very busy around the nation. Southwest moves to a Preparedness Level 4. New fires in the PNW and Northern Rockies. Texas and Colorado looking to be busy.
What is it like raising a family while a wildland firefighter? One Smokejumper and Hotshot’s story.
The challenges of work-life balance.
PG&E stops trimming trees around powerlines. Decides to cut the amount of lines it’ll bury.
The company says it will prioritize shutting power off instead because it’s cheaper…
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Oregon and Washington both have major incidents currently.
The Newell Road fire went 30,000+ acres in 24 hours.
Montana and Idaho became active this week. Colt, Hayden, Bowles, and other fire updates.
Arizona and New Mexico still have numerous lightning fires. When Monsoons?
Lockheed Martin developing and testing Artificially Intelligent VR systems for IMTs. AI will offer suggestions on how to suppress the fires.
“The ultimate goal is to have fleets of unmanned systems to autonomously suppress wildfire while managed by IMTs in Virtual Reality.”
Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

The wildfire season in the United States is here.
Oregon, California, and Idaho pop. The Flat Fire will be the first campaign fire in the West.
Full operational update.
Insurers in Florida pull out due to extreme weather and wildfires. As predicted…
The Oregon wildfire dilemma. The Wildfire risk map is back, along with The Council of 19.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full operational update.
The Pacific Northwest sees multiple new fires. Arizona continues to burn. PL3 in the Southwest.
The State of Idaho says 50% of their wildfire workforce are first year employees.
Safety concerns arise.
An independent study says Nomex contains PFAS and PFAS-like chemicals.
We discuss this paper and what these chemicals are.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

We chat with Gabriel Mann about his upcoming film, Hotshot. This is an amazing movie that deserves a large audience.

We discuss his work, wildfire culture, media culture, and more.

The movie is expected to be out in August of this year.

A wonderful and sobering conversation.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

The pay cliff is now 12 weeks away. NFFE had a big week in D.C.
The Ambassador to Canada has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian government.
This will streamline intelligence sharing, satellites, drones, and cross-border operations. A huge step towards international wildfire response dispatching and cooperation.
Ontario is now asking citizens to report suspicious activity around new wildfire starts. Human-caused fires continue to be a problem. Not just in Alberta.
Yale University says cloud seeding will save the American West and reduce wildfires… interesting.
Full operational update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

The FBI arrests a California arsonist responsible for the 2022 Oak fire.
Over 197 structures and 20,000 acres were burned.
The Hotshot Community loses another young fit firefighter. Prayers to Jacob Metcalf’s family.
The DIO and USDA put out a joint statement on their “strategic wildfire funding plan.”
It includes a plan for wages, diversity, equity, and climate justice. My thoughts.
We are approaching the 10 year anniversary of Granite Mountain and the Yarnell fire. Have the promises been kept?
Full operational update.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ We have a conversation with Pioneer Peak Hotshot Superintendent Kris Baumgartner. The crew just returned from an assignment in Alberta, Canada, and we discussed that experience.

We talk about Hotshot culture and everything that comes with it.
Old school V.S. new school and what can we learn from both.
The importance of grit, tenacity, and rugged toughness while still recognizing the importance of self-awareness and decompressing.
Our experiences with mental health and how we each have dealt with “waking up.”

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

There is a sea of conspiracy and misunderstanding about what’s going on with the wildfires in Canada. We cover all of these things and provide professional insight into what’s actually happening.
What is a fire-resilient and fire-reliant landscape? This is important to understand.
Is this all unprecedented?
Also, and update on the Tim Hart Act and wildland firefighter pay.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On today’s show, we have a conversation with Dr. Melinda Adams. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Melinda Adams, Ph.D. belongs to the N’dee San Carlos Apache Tribe and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science and Indigenous Studies at The University of Kansas.

She is a cultural fire scholar and practitioner on encouraging public participation in prescribed and controlled burns, getting more people fire certified, and placing more Indigenous-led cultural fire to the ground with allies, agencies, and Tribal members. In our conversations, we discuss the “fear of fire” that the public has and how to educate others on the importance of “good fire.”

We also speak on learning and loving where you live and interacting with that environment and landscape.

Dr. Adams holds her Bachelor of Science from Haskell Indian Nations University (one of thirty-seven tribal colleges located across the United States), her Master of Science from Purdue University, and PhD from the University of California, Davis.

Her research focuses on the revitalization of cultural fire with Tribes at the intersection of ecology, environmental science, environmental policy, and Native American Studies.

Contact: mmadams@ku.edu mmadams@ucdavis.edu

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

I asked the audience to create an 11th Standard Fire Order. The responses are great!
A prescribed fire escape in Oregon. I cover the details of this burn.
Criminal Charges are dropped in the PG&E Zogg Fire case. Classic California wildfire lawsuits and politics.
ANOTHER insurance company drops policies in California due to wildfires. What’s next…?!
Operational Update.
Plus more.

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On today’s show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

State Farm stops new insurance policies on homes in California due to wildfires and the climate emergency.
What this means for residents in rural areas.
Did wildfire risk maps play a role?!
Erickson Skycrane can now operate at night after NVG certification.
Full operational update.
Plus more.

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On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

We welcome Destiny Morris. She is a relationship therapist and works with wildland firefighters, their partners and provides real-world solutions for them.
We cover everything no one wants to say out loud.
We discuss the wide spectrum of addiction and vices and talk about what wildland firefighters want from their partners and what their partners want as well in return.
If you are a wildland firefighter or if you are in a relationship with one, this is a must-listen.THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Arizona starts a satellite tracking program for its crews.
We talk about the technology and its integration into their programs.
Firefighters burned over in Idaho. Sustained burns on 65% of their body.
We cover this incident and talk about common denominators.
US Hotshot crews are seeing what Canadian tactics look like.
Is one way better than the other?!
Full operational update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full Operational Update.
Florida has multiple large fires. Region 3 activity increases.
Are chainsaw injuries on the rise?! We cover the new lessons learned.
The people of New Mexico, who lost everything from the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires, still haven’t seen any of the $3.95B approved for relief.
Canada is having a fire season. U.S. Hotshot crews are on their way, but managers are struggling to get IMT’s to go.
New legislation was introduced to use leased aircraft for crew shuttles.
A new market for private fire aviation companies.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our article achieves, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, entered into our giveaways, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Alberta is a warzone.
A massive lightning bust starts numerous fires and forces the evacuation of thousands.

Update on the tanker crash in Australia. * New Mexico and Arizona see increased starts. * Suspect caught in Arizona shooting range fire. * A new study on wildfire meals, catering, and nutrition. * An interview with James Shelly. Study link: * Email jshelley2@alaska.edu if you are on a Hotshot Crew and want to participate. * Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On today’s show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Idaho starts training its loggers to fight wildfires. Governor looking to bolster its ranks and heavy equipment contracts.
Massive $1.6B wildfire lawsuit against PacifiCorp moves forward in Oregon.
Parent company Berkshire Hathaway is back in familiar territory.
Montana votes on House Bill 883 to allocate $186M to stage resources locally.
Sponsors of the Bill say it’s needed because the Feds are slow to suppress and bring in resources. Huge implications for Montana firefighting companies.

Plus more.THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full operational update
Multiple States declare Statewide emergencies for wildfires.
From Wisconsin to Rhode Island, wildfires rip.
When ordering a food unit, the Forest Service prioritizes the cheapest, not the closest.
This may incentivize caterers to cut costs and quality.
Government Accountability Office audits wildfire agencies. Finds major policy and financial issues.
Plus more.

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On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Spring fire season is here. The East Coast, Florida, and the South get busy.

The Southwest, Region 3, goes PL2.

Forest Service gives job series and wage increase updates.

Department of Interior is moving forward with series implementation before FS.

A new clear air rule makes prescribed fire more difficult.

More Exemptions are needed to conduct burns if implemented.

An Agency VS Agency battle.

Plus more.

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On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Full Operational Update
Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado see a busy week of wildfire.
New Mexico pops a 300-acre fire.
A new Bill was introduced to limit the number of funds available to the Forest Service for wildfire management. We provide details.
Secretary of DOI told to “do more with less.”
Plus, much more.

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On today’s show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Olivia Gagliardi joins us to discuss the Women in Wildland Fire Event Coming up. EVENT LINK
We also discuss Olivia’s career path from the Conservation Corps to the Flagstaff Hotshots and now Smokejumping in Missoula.
- Wyoming questions the USDA and Forest Service for being the only Western State left out of the recent wildfire funding.
- We cover this strange exclusion and what comes out of it.
- A Full operational update.
- Plus more.

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On today’s show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

I talked to Dani Shedden, of Close the Gap Wellness. We cover a full array of topics that many firefighters, first responders, and even their loved ones experience in these professions. With the beginning of the fire season coming, it’s well-known that this is the time of year when relationships start to hit a rocky point. We talk about communicating these issues and discussing expectations, and how to alleviate assumptions.

We also talk about substance abuse in these professions, and one that’s not talked about very often, which is body dysmorphia in firefighters and first responders.

An excellent show all around.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP: Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

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On Today’s Show:

We cover the 2022 Fire Season Accident and Fatality summary.
Many categories are up.
As we have discussed frequently, aviation and helicopter accidents and fatalities are drastically up.
Swamper injuries surpass sawyer injuries. Very abnormal.
On a 10-year average, overall fatalities are up.
Full operational update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP: Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On today’s episode: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

I talk to Brian Crowley, Captain of Cañon Helitak. We discuss helitak and drones on prescribed fire, their role in search and rescue, and the qualifications needed. We get into just how many people actually go missing in our forests and parks every year. We also talk about Brian’s experience on the Bridger Foothills fire, where he and his crew had to deploy and ride out the wildfire from inside their shelters. This story is amazing and offers us perspective on what it’s actually like, how it affects you mentally, and the aftermath when the fire is still burning.

I got goosebumps.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP: Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

First Operational Update of 2023.
Lost hiker charged for starting a wildfire to get rescued.
Firefighter tracking is here. Systems are being implemented to handle the bandwidth.
We cover the Presidential report on Modernizing Wildland Firefighting to Protect Our Firefighters. Drones, autonomous helicopters, blimps, balloons, and tracking tech.
The Justice 40 Initiative is using the widely criticized wildfire risk map to allocate emergency funds.
Plus more.

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On today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Fred covers his background and the history of the crew.
We discuss fitness and endurance athletics.
We get into mental health, morning meditation for the crew, and how the crew handled tragedy when it came unexpectedly.
We discuss the crew’s close connections with the Veteran world and even hosting David Goggins as a crewmember.
What critical looks like and how you should prepare.
The future of wildfire.
and much much more

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP: *Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.*

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

In a meeting with County Officials, Forest Service Chief Randy Moore admits 45% of the workforce has left in the last 3 years.
We discuss the meeting and other admissions and comments on upcoming projects and contractor use.
The Wildfire Commission releases its preliminary findings and recommendations for aviation and more. WE cover the findings and recommendations.
After mandating Ford Lighting EV trucks for the Forest Service, Ford suspends production due to battery packs catching fire. Off to a great start…
And much more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP: Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On today's show, Dr. Robin Verble joins me to discuss the report she recently released on environmental health and mental health in wildland fire dispatchers around the nation. It’s amazing to see the similarities to the same issues that operational folks are seeing, including retention, mental health, recruitment, issues with HR, and so much more.

A very enlightening conversation.

On today’s show, J Gilmore joins me to discuss all sorts of interesting topics.

Her early career.
Transitioning into wildfire
Working with the public as a Public Information Officer.
The importance of prevention work and campaigns and what that looks like.
Her work with TNand8TNand helping family and partners understand the job we do.
Fitness and training.
What her experience has been like as a woman in wildfire.
And so much more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - *Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.*

On today’s show:

We cover the Hotshot superintendent AAR that took place this week.
We talk about the issues discussed, the information that’s coming, and the problems some folks saw last year.
We get into the Hotshot pilot programs and where those are going. The standardization of all crews nationwide and also the issues that have come about with the new push for prescribed burning during the off-season.We talk about the Oregon wildfire risk map that’s been delayed again. A lot of interesting things have come out of that story.
An update on the court case with the 2020 Eldorado fire.
We have an update on the New Mexico legislation banning prescribe burning.
Plus a lot more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s episode:

We talk with Shawn Borgen, Superintendent of The Flathead Hotshots. His journey into wildfire.
The Crew’s history culture, and beginnings.
We discuss the Deer Park incident which took place in the Sawtooth mountains of Idaho. He takes us step by step through the medical extraction that was anything but routine and the $2,500 can of chew that resulted from it.
As someone heavily involved in the CISM world we discuss his experience with that and mental health in wildfie.
We cover new tech that’s coming into the wildfire world and the pros and cons of that.
Plus much more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On Today’s Show:

A Senator in New Mexico introduces Bill to ban prescribed fire in the Spring. The Law, if passed, would prohibit prescribed burns from ANY Government body.
Huge implications if passed. These are the ripple effects of the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak Fires.
CalFire arrests record number of arsonists in 2022.
A 10% increase year over year and nearly a 100% increase in the last 5 years.
What is causing this?
Plus more.
https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

On today’s Episode:

A dispatcher has admitted to starting 24 wildfires this year. He blames severe depression and “wanting to do something for the boys.” Amazing story.
Rotor Technologies tests pilotless helicopter platforms specifically for wildfire operations. Says it can be used for multi-mission options. Cargo, recon, crew shuttles, and meteorology data gathering.
The Wildfire cloud. Artificial intelligent systems are being built in real-time for the wildfire environment.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Forest Service switching the entire fleet to electric vehicles. The test fleet is now in the field. The Good, The Bad, and the obviously fucked. Towing is a massive issue with these vehicles. Charging challenges.

An arsonist arrested last night in California decked out in Smokejumper Gear… fought multiple firefighters and police officers.What’s Known, what’s still unknown.

Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts; article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s show:

We discuss the balance of rest\recuperation and remaining dialed in the postseason. Stories from my experience and coworkers’ experiences of getting into trouble in the off\season.
Smokejumper ends up in Mexican jail after a border incident and the updates I’ve received.
Plus, much much more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to donate to firefighter charities generously and supports all our content. You also receive our Monday morning workouts; article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.

https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s show

We give a full update on new details that have emerged in the Oregon Burn Boss arrest. The Blue Mountain Eagle in Oregon received new documents that provides new details of what happened leading up to the burn and after.
Operational update
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s show:

Tree poachers start a wildfire in the Northern Boreal Forest this week. Officials say it’s become a “rampant problem”. Kind of looks like what California’s harvest season looks like. Is your Christmas tree poached?
Kansas has a 10 mile long fire. Crews moving into the South again.
Obscure fires. Crackhead in Colorado starts a fire. Found shirtless flapping at the fire.
Wildfire Fatality in Minnesota.
Operational Update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - *Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more.* https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s show:

A Conversation with Chief Randy Moore, Why That's Important. A Communication outside of Congressional hearings is critical to the workforce.
Canadair Scooper Crashes, Two Pilot Fatalities. Aviation accidents continue to surprise this year.
Are Firefighters Becoming Desensitized to Death?
Operational Update.
Plus more.

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On today’s show:

We cover the developments of the Oregon arrest of a Burn Boss after a prescribed fire spotted onto private land. What’s known, what I’ve heard, what folks on the ground are saying, and a full discussion about the future repercussions. Take a collective deep breath.
Operational update
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On Today’s Show:

Outside Magazine suggests that suicide in the wildfire community is driven by longer fire seasons due to climate change. I set the record straight. We also discuss the items they get right in the article.
Defensible Space: San Diego is putting together defensible space workshops in their community. It’s a group effort. Make it a neighborhood project. We talk Structure triage and more.
Full operational Update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s show:

Does California have a retardant problem? Why don’t we see more water based tanker systems used?
How to become a SEAT Pilot? Dauntless Air lays it out and suggests expanded training for the industry. They have basically created something similar to a Hotshot Crew’s critical 80 training.
Montana Has Figured Out Managed Fire, finally. The State and the Administration are now welcoming managed fires. We discuss the success they’ve seen. Both the Helena Mountain Fire and the Lemonade fire are great examples of pre work helping managing of fires.
Full operational update
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s Show:

Congress questions Forest Service and Department of Interior on pay and loss of benefits. The right questions are finally being asked. Still waiting for action.
A Wildfire Tax, It's Not an Idea Anymore, It's Here. States Voting to Increase Sales Tax to Pay for Wildfires.
$117M Settlement in the Camp Fire Case, All Going to Gov. and Not the Victims? The payout seems to favor the big players and not the victims.
Operational update.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. You also receive all of our Monday morning workouts, article achieves, more podcast episodes, recipes, and more. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Oregon Scraps Mandated Wildfire Risk Map Due to Inaccuracies. Starting over from scratch. Residents concerned about insurance and compliance measures.
California mandates insurance companies cannot cancel polices of people effected by recent wildfires. Details and repercussions.
Wildfires are Increasing AND Decreasing. It all depends on the timeline. A new paper talks about historical perspective.
NY Times Says Screen Time is Healthier that Wildfire Smoke. “Keep kids indoors and give them an iPad. The new normal.”
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this Weekly Wildfire Update:

Wildfire Commission Meets for the first time in Salt Lake City Utah. Behind Schedule and after the first meeting some questions remain unanswered. Can this commission produce meaningful solutions?
Fire Aviation company finds new runway forward. They are looking to go public and expand their business.
Operational Update: Northwest still active with large fires. Weather system pushes through. The Mosquito Fire in California and many others.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide.

https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

California Fires Go Big. The Mosquito goes nuclear. Nationally a PL4. Will we see a PL5 this month?
Idaho, Montana, and the Pacific NW very active. Many “managed” fires ordering Teams.
The Tim Hart Act Update.
Keep Your Mind Active and Don't Get Complacent.
Make goals for the off season.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On Today’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full operational update. The heat event rolls through and causes problems.
Report on Injured Hotshots Due to Bucket Drop on the Calf Canyon. Full details and report. How it happened and my take.
Investigation Starts Due to Laser Pointers Directed at Moose Fire Pilots. Personal drone shuts down British Columbia fires.
Snaptember, Stories and Suggestions.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

National Update. A slow spell, but a warming drying trend is coming.
New Mental Health Legislation Passed, A Strange Reaction. What is in this law and what it means.
Global Council Wants Worldwide Wildfire Standardization. My Thoughts. Who does this effect? Who is behind it?
How to Beat Midseason Burnout. Some ideas on how to shake the mental and physical effects of mid season burnout.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full Operational Update. Oregon and Nor Cal pop off. Managed fires everywhere!
Dragon Firefighters Finds Evidence in Missing Person Case from 2014. How Many People Disappear in Forests Each Year? More than you think.
A New Stadium Sized Fire Surveillance Balloon. New Tech tested on the Moose Fire in Idaho.
PANIC: Get Rid of It. We have a conversation about panic and how to avoid it. Is panic increasing in society?
The Collin Hagan Memorial. A very sobering ceremony.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On This Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full Operational Update. A slight lull in US wildfire activity. Drying trend returning. Europe has a very busy week.
Nasa Funds a New Drone for Resource Tracking on Wildfires. They want to integrate an Interactive Chat and Video platform that can also predict column movement.
Problems With Coal Seam Fires. Whether it’s the Dakotas, Montana, or Russia coal seam fires can be problematic or benign. New mapping systems are being requested.
A tragedy in Oregon. There was a fatality on the Big Swamp Fire. News that no one wants to get.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On This Week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Region 6 Pops, R1 Rips, and Texas burns. Also British Columbia fires and the McKinney in Nor Cal.
Are Environmentalists Making Wildfires Worse? The Environment Research Center in Bozeman Montana says yes. Litigation, delays, and confusion is roadblocking projects and prescribed burns.
New Clunky Respirators for Wildland Firefighters. What do they look how, how do they work, and will they be mandatory?
Airbus says they have created a new Tanker for wildland fires.
Drones being ordered to California fires.
Plus More.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On today’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Southern Area and Texas Heat Wave. Montana Looks Ready with multiple new starts. Idaho Getting Busy with dry lighting storms, and is Russia on Fire.
Why is August Dirty? We Discuss the Reasons and the Pros\Cons of the phenomenon. How can we harness the power of dirty August without is destroying us from within.
The Forest Service starts canceling prescribed burns. With the prescribed burn ban in place advocacy groups have started to overturn already approved burns. How far will this go? What happens next?
Plus More.
THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - *Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we*

*https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/provide.*

On this Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full Operational Update. We cover all the major incidents, wilderness fires, and fires in Canada and Europe.
The Washburn Fire Refused Retardant Drops During IA, Why? New reports have come out saying tankers were told not to drop when overhead the Washburn fire during the first hours. We discuss why.
New Legislation Includes Tim Hart Act.
Multiple Aviation Crashes This Week. What Happened, how it happened, and why. Sheriffs Office Confirms Crashes in New Mexico and Idaho.
Plus more…

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this Weekly Wildfire Update:

Utah, Alaska, Yosemite, and Europe Burn. A very busy week all around.
Rent might be suspended at Forest Service Housing, HUGE Housing Updates. Told to bulldoze bad housing, immediately build more.
New Retirement Bill Passes House. Montana Senator gets bill through the House.
FBI Joins the Wildfire Fight.
Drones Drones Drones…
Plus more

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide.

https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this Friday’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Space Force Facility Threatened by the Clear Fire.
The Yukon Burning Like AK.
HISTORY MADE, First Ever Short Haul Insertion.
Plus, Firefighter Climbs into Bucket for Extraction, would you?
And The NEW Wildfire Commission. The policy makers for wildfire for the next decade.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP : *Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide.*

On this episode of The Weekly Wildfire Update:

Great Basin Ready, Nor Cal Ready, Alaska is on Fire... Full Operational Update.
Remembering Granite Mountain Hotshots, Personal Opinions on the Matter and what we can take away from this tragedy fire.
PTSD in Wildfire. How it’s effected me and others.
Fireworks Are Not Evil...Right? Mount Rushmore cancels another fireworks show. What I think.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP : Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Alaska Pops Off, California & Utah Join the Show. Teams sent to Alaska, Southwest slows down.
The Hermits Peak Report... What Went Wrong? We cover this report and give out thoughts on the findings.
Cal Fire loses 10% of Their Staff. Long hours and less staff is causing metal stress for their workforce.
Will the Supplemental Payments Help Retention? We ask firefighters if it will help.
Plus More.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Southwest, Alaska, Cali, the Pipeline Fire. Are Crews Being held?
Did Randy Moore Lie to Congress? Full Pay Update, Announcement Coming. Chief Moore has a lot of explaining to do.
PG&E Plead Not Guilty for the Zogg Fire Deaths... Corruption? Minimal fines and not much justice.
We also Cover the Calf Canyon Communication Nightmare. Four days of zero coverage… cause issues with a medical Evac.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Alaska Pops Off. Multiple new starts, Teams ordered. Southwest Still Busy with new starts.
Heat Wave Coming... Next week is expected to be a wild one.
Chief Moore Testifies. Promises payments by months end. Who gets them?
Breakdown of the Hearing. So many topics covered.
Plus Much More...

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - If you enjoy the content and want to help contribute to firefighters donations for those in need consider a monthly Subscription. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full Operational Update. Alaska, Southwest, Colorado, California. What’s happening at NUIFC?
Three Hotshots Injured on the Calf Canyon Fire. One severely. What happened and what do we know?
New Developments on the Raises, What's Known? The NFFE speaks up, but is it hypocritical? The Bureau of Land Management delays this weeks Pay meeting but gives reasons why.
and Much More.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - If you enjoy the content and want to help contribute to firefighters donations for those in need consider a monthly Subscription. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Alaska Starts. Multiple new fires up North. Colorado sees more frequent IA’s. The Southwest continues to burn.
Firefighter Revives Baby Elk, Hotshots saving horses, and more animal rescue stories.
Massive Seed Nursery Evacuated. Millions of seed and seedlings moved in a frantic rush.
Mandatory GPS Tracking for Firefighters. A new poll conducted. What to policy makers want.
Plus More.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - If you enjoy the content and want to help contribute to firefighters donations for those in need consider a monthly Subscription. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On This Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full Operational Update - We update fires in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire and more.
A Helicopter Manager Reported Missing Found Deceased... What we know. What we don’t know.
New Study Shows Nearly Half U.S. Homes at Wildfire Risk... Legit? We discuss this study, it’s flaws, and why it matters.
Raise Questions. I answer the questions people have had on this raise meeting and what is known and not known.
Plus More.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. If you enjoy the content consider subscribing. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

This Week’s Weekly Wildfire Update:

Full Operational Update: The Cali Coastal Fire , Southwest still rips, and Canada sees increase in fire activity.
Michigan firefighter charged with wildfire arson.
NPR Talks Firefighter Wages. Marketplace does a segment about the fight for better wages.
Congress Takes Action. Letter written to the Forest Service about fast tracking wages, Portal to Portal, and more.
A tree strikes a Hotshot on the Calf Canyon fire. We talk about the incident.
I get blocked by the Forest Service Northwest. Hilarious.
Plus more.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. It allows us to generously donate to firefighter charities and supports all the content we provide. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s show:

Full Operational Update. We cover everything in AZ, NM, Colorado, and Texas.
National Emergency Declared for New Mexico. President Biden declares Federal funds to New Mexico. What does this include.
Forest Service Chief Testifies. Lots of questions answered, many left alone.
Huge Study on Firefighter Heart Issues. American Heart Association finished a study on abnormal heart rhythms in firefighters.
Colorado Sees Record Year Coming. $20 Million extra funding given to combat this.
Plus More.

Subscribe monthly to our Substack to support this content and support firefighter donations.

On this week's show:

Full Operational Update of Current Fires. Cooks Peak, Hermits Peak, Tunnel, Crooks, Nebraska, and Colorado fires.
New Executive Order a Missed Opportunity. We talk about what the EO is and how it missed on a few levels.
Canada Retention Issues. Canada’s fire unions pleading with policy makers for help. Policy makers turn a blind eye.
The Scooper Fleet. Canada has dedicated cash to update their existing fleet.
Oregon Battles DC. Their cooperative agreement expires in 2024 and they can’t agree on the rules.
Congress Doesn't Get It. No one is taking responsibility for the issues we have.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - We are 100% listener and reader supported through our Substack. All Paid subscriptions to our Substack go towards firefighter donations. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Weekly Wildfire Update: This week we cover…

Full Operational Update: Tunnel Fire, Cooks Peak Fire, Crooks Fire, and more.
PL4 in Region 3, earlier than expected.
The Forest Service Chief Sends a Letter. Thoughts and Reactions.
Amazon Delivery Drones Cause Wildfire. Research Drone causes Colorado wildfire, and Drone mania in the fire world.
Bozeman Dispatch Center Closes. What caused it and Dispatcher reactions.
Wildfire study shows fires are good for our oceans.
Plus Much More.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP: We are 100% listener and reader supported through our Substack. All Paid subscriptions to our Substack go towards firefighter go fund me's. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this episode I cover a subject that we all know about, but many may not understand how to mitigate it. Why do so many wildland firefighters go broke before the next fire season? I offer multiple solutions that can easily be implemented to help you get out of this vicious cycle.

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - We are 100% listener supported through our Substack. Subscribe Monthly to support this content. All subscriptions go towards firefighter GoFundMe's. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On this week’s Podcast we cover :

McBride Fire Fatalities and operational update.
The Forest Service’s Hermits Peak Fire Apology Tour and operational update.
Caterer Crisis, Caterers reach out to me.
Fire Mitigation In California is Broken.
Forest Service Resignation Goes Viral. Great read and a wake up call to fire Officials.
PG&E got off easy, but can this problem be solved?
Line Medics VS Hotshot Crews. A chat with a line medic.
PLUS MORE!

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - We are 100% listener supported through our Substack. Subscribe Monthly to support this content. All subscriptions go towards firefighter GoFundMe's.

This weeks episode covers breaking news :

Judges Panel Reinstates Employee Mandate
Forest Service Admits Losing 40% of Workforce in Two Years in Concretional Testimony
Mental Patient Released After Starting Wildfire in Colorado, Charges Dropped
McClintock Speaks Again
Plus More

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - If you enjoy the podcast, articles, and Instagram content please consider subscribing to our Substack.

Paid Subscriptions go towards firefighter Go Fund Me’s. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

This week we cover :

A Full Operational Weekly Wildfire Update
Tennessee and Texas on fire
Wildfire in India Causes Tigers to Eat People
Boulder Colorado Burns
"New" Firefighter Registry to Track Firefighter Health
PBS Pushes Prescribed Burning
Land Owners with Guns During IA
And More!

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - If you enjoy the podcast, articles, and Instagram content please consider subscribing to our Substack.

Paid Subscriptions go towards firefighter Go Fund Me’s. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

This week we talk about:

Preseason trends
Washington State DNR Commissioner’s aerial build up and IA policy
Caldor fire debrief and hypocrisy
Idaho gets Hazard Pay
Drones take over
Plus more

THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP - If you enjoy the podcast, articles, and Instagram content please consider subscribing to our Substack.

Paid Subscriptions go towards firefighter Go Fund Me’s. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

This week we talk about the fires in Texas. Multiple fires have broke out in the last few days. An engine was burned over on Tuesday of this week and two crewmembers are in the hospital with serious injuries.

We cover the firefighter cadre that went to DC to talk working conditions and pay. Smokejumpers sat with the Labor Secretary and discussed Tim’s Act. We cover how it was received.

We discuss the fire shelter stigmas in our industry, the new wildfire commission and more.

Monthly Substack subscriptions help support the content and go towards helping firefighters in need. thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Weekly Wildfire Update : Very Strange Happenings at the Heli-Expo, Sleeping in Bomb Craters, Wildfire Devastates Endangered Red Wolf Habitat, and more.

Crazy discoveries have come out of the Heli Expo this week. Crews Sleeping in bomb craters, North Carolina wildfire runs through the only wild Red Wolf Habitat, and updates on everything wildfire.

Monthly Substack subscriptions go towards firefighters in need. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Weekly Wildfire Update :

This week we cover The Tom McClintock Drama, South Korean Fire Burns Near Nuclear Plant, The Forest Service is Confused About Masks, and more!

Monthly Substack subscriptions go towards helping firefighters in need.

https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

We talk about the new United Nations Wildfire Standards:

What’s in it and what does it mean for all of us?
Is it a policy we want?

Argentina’s Fire Bust:

How big and why it’s happening.

Also hiring, pre season workouts, and more.

Monthly Substack subscriptions go towards helping firefighters in need. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

This week we cover Colorado’s mass resignation, Pre season hiring and training, building a plan, Tim’s Act progress, and more.

Monthly Substack subscriptions go towards helping firefighters in need. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

Your weekly wildfire update. We talk everything from spring hiring, Big Sur fire, prescribed fire blowout in Texas, mandate rulings, and Type 1 and 2 teams combining.

Monthly Substack subscriptions go towards helping fire fighters in need. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/