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March 11, 2025

Women Hotshot Crews

Hotshot Crews

A hotshot or hotshot crew, officially known as an Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), is an elite wildland firefighter. Hotshot crews are highly trained, specialized wildland fire handcrews that perform some of the most demanding and hazardous tasks in wildland firefighting. They are known for their exceptional physical fitness, mental toughness, and ability to work in extreme conditions. Their rigorous training includes specialized courses in fire behavior, communication, and safety protocols, making them one of the most elite firefighting teams in the world. You might have seen the movie called "Only the Brave". I will not spoil the movie, but this movie is about the real story of the Granite Mountain Hotshot. 

The physical exam to be a hotshot includes:

1. 1.5 mile run in a time of 10:35 or less (7:03 min/mile pace)

2. 40 sit-ups in 60 seconds

3. 25 push-ups in 60 seconds

4. Chin-ups, based on body weight:

   • More than 170 lbs. = 4 chin-ups

   • 135 - 170 lbs. = 5 chin-ups

   • 110 - 135 lbs. = 6 chin-ups

   • Less than 110 lbs. = 7 chin-ups

5. Pack Test (Arduous Duty): 3 mile walk over level terrain in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack.

Pack test is required for all types of firefighter crews (Type 1 [IHC], Type 2 IA [Type 2 Initial Attack], and Type 2 [do not have IA capacity or do not meet the same standards as IHC]), but the requirement items from 1 to 4 are designed for IHC.

The Role of Hotshot Crews in Wildland Fire

Hotshot crews are specialized handcrews integral to the wildland fire management strategy. They are meticulously selected and rigorously trained to perform the most challenging and dangerous tasks on the firelines.

Made up to 20 to 25 firefighters, including superintendents, squad bosses, senior firefighters, and first-year firefighters, IHCs respond to large and high-priority Type 1 fires. They work in grueling conditions and hike rugged terrain to suppress wildfires.

Their specialized training enables them to employ strategic tactics, manage fire behavior, and, ultimately, contain the spread of wildfires anywhere in the country. They are also qualified to break up into smaller groups called squads to tackle various suppression efforts at the same time.

Women on Hotshot Crews

Although women have become increasingly involved in wildland firefighting, including hotshot crews, it is still a male-dominated profession. Right now, only 12% of the hotshot crews are women. There were only a handful of hotshot women in 1970s. Amanda Monthei wrote about the first women on hotshot crew in Outside magazine. Sue Husari, Kimberly Brandel, Danah Feldman, and Gina Papke were the hotshot pioneer women. Danah Feldman became the first female hotshot squad boss, and Gina Papke became the country's first female hotshot superintendent in 1991. 

References and interesting reads:

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/people/hotshots

• https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/exploration-survival/first-women-hotshots-wildland-firefighters/

• https://www.amandamonthei.com/blog/2019/11/18/the-women-before-me-7wjax

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp6dJqyLGbA

• https://www.nps.gov/articles/series.htm?id=ED398874-1DD8-B71B-0B594AA554EB0E8C&utm_source=article&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=experience_more&utm_content=small

• http://thesmokeygeneration.com/view-stories-by-person/gina-papke/

• https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/sep/25/california-fires-firefighters-sara-sweeney

• https://www.blm.gov/blog/2023-03-30/blms-1971-all-women-wildland-firefighting-crew

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