In The Flames:

All About The History Wildland Firefighting and The New Age of Firefighting

By Josiah Stromberg

Wildland firefighting has been a recognized department of labor since 1886. Not only by soldiers and early countrymen, but also and many farmers. It was but only really organized after the horribly devastating fires of 1910, which. Which took 90 lives. 78 of and 78 of the 90 were firefighters trapped on the northern Rockies. In 1911 their fund doubled and the need was great. The tactics got better, such as using firelines and starving the main fire. Oddly enough, the tactics haven't changed much except for tools like chainsaws instead of axes and a paloski, (an axe and a hoe mixed together), and also and let's not forget helicopters. When a fire starts different types of crews attack and each have separate jobs.

Different Crews

There are different positions in wildland firefighting. One of those is like Hotshots. Hotshots are on the frontlines working the fireline with hand tools. Smokejumpers are put in helicopters and jump into the middle of the fire. Engine crews: mann specialized trucks and tankers.  Hand Crews: they suppress fires and manage the fire tools.

What’s It Like

Wildland firefighting is a very reliable job. If you're experienced and you worked for 3 years you would earn roughly 160k. What is it like to be a wildland firefighter if your wondering you may find that it is very outdoorsy and a good job for someone who likes being outdoors, but you  may also find that it is also a very dangerous job “ Lack of information is the most dangerous thing in the job”  says Mathew Brady , who was a wildland firefighter for 21 years old, If you or anyone that you know is interested in joining you should try learning about fire behavior “ there's lots of classes on  fire behavior and what it will do on different fuels.” Says Brady. You should also know that it is hard mentally “ Wildland firefighting is a very physical job. We ran three miles a day several times a week but you get used to it.” says Brady, if you go into wildland firefighting you should be prepared.