On Today’s Show: To Subscribe and support the show 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/With recent developments in Oregon, Idaho, and California regarding their use of wildfire risk maps, the skyrocketing cost of insurance, and the reality of living in the Wildland Urban Interface, Stanford scholar and lawyer Micheal Wara joins the show to provide insight on where this all stands today. Wara is Director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program and a senior research scholar at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment as well as Senior Director for Policy at the Sustainability Accelerator within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.Wara has served as a Wildfire Commissioner for California, as a member of the California Catastrophe Council, the oversight body of the California Wildfire Fund, as a consultant to the Senate pro-Tem on wildfire issues, and as a consultant to CPUC and OEIS on utility wildfire risk management. Wara has served on multiple National Academy of Sciences and California Council on Science and Technology reports. He is also a member of the Tamalpais Design Review Board. Prior to joining Woods, Wara was an associate professor at Stanford Law School and an associate in Holland & Knight’s government practice. He received his J.D. from Stanford Law School and his Ph.D. in Ocean Sciences from the University of California at Santa Cruz.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: To subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/There have been ongoing discussions about major changes in the wildfire world for some time now. As significant changes are ongoing across the government, we get our first look at a draft executive order regarding a national wildfire service and more. This includes aviation and contracting changes, dispatching changes, and ultimately forming a singular wildfire service. I cover the draft order. Oregon once again scraps the wildfire risk map after 4 years of trying to implement it with millions of dollars spent. Also, the Governor of Oklahoma fired the head of their wildfire service and is asking if they should dissolve the agency altogether. Plus, the Forest Service provides an update on pay implementation and premium pay details. 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Zeke Lunder is a Pyro-geographer. His parents fled the Bay Area for the hillbilly sticks of Northeastern California in the late 1970s, when the timber industry was still a major part of the local economy, and Zeke started working in the woods in high school on a Forest Service conservation crew.Zeke started his prescribed fire and fuels career in 1995 on a timber crew on the Lassen National Forest, marking trees for thinning on large-scale shaded fuel break projects and burning house-sized piles of logging slash. He got a degree in map-making from California State University, Chico, in 1996 and was one of the first NWCG-qualified wildfire mapping specialists in the United States. In 2021, Zeke and his wife, Erika, founded Lookout Media, which provides in-depth reporting on prescribed fire, wildland fire management tactics, and forestry through their YouTube channel and website. Zeke currently lives in Chico, California. 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: To Subscribe: 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Today, I welcome Zeyn O’Leary, a 35-year veteran fire lookout who has staffed towers since 1991. Zeyn started in the Iron Mountain Lookout on the Willamette National Forest, staffed the Rose Peak Lookout in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, and currently staffs the Mt. Pisgah Lookout in the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon. His experience spans multiple forests across three decades.Today, we discuss the fast-arriving detection tech that has incrementally made its way to the mountain peaks of our National Forests and the Satellite tech that has been launched into lower earth orbit, compared to the human eyes that have been looking out for decades. We discuss the 48-page data-driven document Zeyn put together that compares humans versus machines—a fascinating conversation with one of the longest-serving lookouts in the United States. 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/With less than 48 hours to pass the Continuing Resolution that locks in base wage increases for wildland firefighters, I welcome Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana to discuss where we are. The House passed the Bill this week, and the Senate is expected to vote on it imminently. Will it pass the Senate?If not, we will see a government shutdown.Also, 10+ Bipartisan Wildfire Bills have been introduced that address a wide array of wildfire issues nationwide. Senator Sheehy and his colleagues are looking to pass these as a package deal, hopefully this spring. We discuss the Bills and what the process going forward looks like. 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/I welcome Justin DeMoss, current Golden Eagles Hotshot and of Hotshot Wellness.Justin is a dedicated humanitarian with a passion for improving physical, mental, and spiritual health. His mission is to help individuals achieve a better quality of life through holistic wellness.He earned a Master’s in Exercise Science from Long Beach State, focusing his thesis and work as a Wellness Instructor for Santa Ana College on firefighter health and wellness. At Sports Academy, he served as a strength and conditioning coach, training competitive athletes and tactical personnel.Currently, Justin is a Golden Eagles Hotshot, fighting wildfires across the U.S. as a 3rd puller and lead EMT on his crew. Seeking firsthand experience as a first responder, he has gained valuable insights into the challenges of the field.Hotshot Wellness mission statement:Our mission is to support the health and well-being of Interagency Hotshot Crews and Wildland Firefighters. By providing personal development opportunities, comprehensive wellness resources, and advocating for mental health, we empower firefighters to excel both on and off the fireline. We strive to cultivate a culture of growth, proactive care, and accessible support, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in every aspect of their lives.Website Link: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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/The last time JJ was on the show, we discussed his study on fire lunches and their effects on the wildland firefighters’ bodies. Since then, he has been working with Hotshot Crews and other fire resources to set them up with the optimal plan to maintain nutrition and health pre, post, and during the fire season.After high school, JJ served as an infantryman in the Marine Corps for four years. After his enlistment, he was a wildland firefighter in Arizona for three years, including time on the Globe Hotshots. He is now married, and he and his wife, Josi, are dog mushers in Alaska. He owns a nutrition coaching business, Frontier Performance Nutrition, where he spends most of his time coaching wildland firefighters, military personnel, and backcountry athletes. He believes that in a job where everything is stacked against our health, it’s up to us to optimize the fundamentals to lead long and healthy lives.JJ's Contact info: IG: @fpncoachingEmail: frontierpn@gmail.comWebsite: www.frontierpn.com 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Today, I welcome back Dr. Ludie Bond to discuss the already active Florida Fire season. Conditions across Florida are abnormally dry, and forests are starting to see fire activity they would typically see in March. The recent hurricanes also have impacted fuels, with large swaths of blowdown across Florida counties. We cover the fires already occurring, the expected increased activity, drought conditions, and prescribed fire programs in Florida. They burn 2 Million acres annually in Florida! I also ask if they expect to have the fire resources necessary to handle the anticipated increased wildfire activity.Dr. Bond holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, a Master of Forest Resources and Conservation, and a Doctorate of Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida. She serves as a Type 1 Complex Public Information Officer Section Lead on one of the Florida Forest Service’s Complex Incident Management Teams. She also develops Firewise projects and Countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plans to lower the risks and potential damaging effects of wildfires in communities determined to be at risk.Dr. Bond has worked as a PIO on CIMTs throughout Florida, the southeast, and as far west as Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. Dr. Bond has also responded to multiple hurricane recovery deployments throughout Florida, including in the panhandle of Florida for Hurricane Michael and southwest Florida for Hurricane Ian.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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/Nearly 7,000 probationary employees were terminated in the last 48 hours across the land management agencies and park service. This included researchers at the Missoula Fire Lab, trails crews, biologists, and others. The agencies have yet to communicate on the terminations that have occurred and any actions planned in the future. I have spoken with numerous supervisors and others who provided as much information as they had about what they are seeing and hearing inside the agencies and possible further actions. Primary wildfire positions continue to be exempt.According to sources who understand how the process is proceeding, further actions based on performance evaluations are likely. The decision to lump all probationary employees into this termination action will have downstream effects, and positions critical to wildfire operations, although not primary fire, were removed. 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/I have a conversation with Eddie Goldberg, Vice Chairman Of Perimeter Solutions. Perimeter Solutions holds the sole contract with the Forest Service for retardants and has operations around the globe.We discuss the testing that retardants undergo, their composition, the safety studies that have been conducted, and the company's origins. We also discuss the upcoming wildfire legislation coming through Congress and what it will mean for wildfire resources across the industry.If you have questions about retardant or the retardant industry, we try to answer those questions.Eddie is credited with building ICL’s global fire safety business, focusing on products for wildland fire management and municipal and industrial fire suppression. Eddie holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University.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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/I cover the proposal for the new National Wildfire Fire Service. This has been discussed for decades, and an effort to finally streamline the wildfire bureaucracy now has bipartisan support. It would consolidate all fire agencies under one umbrella.The USDA sent out a policy email stating that wildland firefighters are not exempt from the hiring freeze, which is paused until the Office of Personnel Management reviews the positions being offered. This issue needs to be resolved quickly to ensure an appropriate workforce can be in place for the summer fire season. It should be a priority.Wasteful spending by the Wildfire Agencies is under heavy scrutiny right now. All grants have been paused while they are sorted through. Last night, I looked through some grants and spending; some wild things are in there. This is an area of focus for those working on reducing costs.One foundation that received $564M from the Forest Service has the acting Chief of the Forest Service on its board of directors. I was assured that this was being looked into.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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I cover all the wild reforms inside the wildfire agencies over the last week, how they happened, and why. It’s been a whirlwind of policy changes, website deletions, and top-level control of all IT and servers across the Departments. I even got a sneak peek at the current number of resignations sent in since mass resignation letters were offered to employees. Workers are still experiencing a great deal of uncertainty as this unfolds. I discuss the flurry of policy decisions that have been made, why the wildfire agencies are being targeted at the top levels, and how everyone will be affected. But with all that comes hypocrisy that needs to be called out. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I cover the President’s visit to the California wildfires, then dive into the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House this week and will likely pass the Senate. Inside this Act is a provision to determine if the Forest Service should be moved to a Western state out of Washington D.C.; they have a 1-year timeline to decide. The Act also would create the Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program. This would cover travel and other expenses for a firefighter’s family if they are injured, ill, or deceased due to a line-of-duty incident. It also creates a system that tracks and provides specialized care for injured firefighters and provides short and long-term support with physical therapy and counselors. There is a provision to create and study the use of “water bombs”, massive cardboard boxes filled with water that can be used with non-wildfire aircraft such as a V-22 Ospresy and C-130s. There are also environmental exemptions for fire projects under 10,000 acres, reducing the chance for litigation for fire breaks and prescribed burns. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I speak with John Gould, one of the most respected voices in the wildfire industry. John’s career spans the wildfire world, including being a longtime Alaska Smokejumper, chair of the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, head of Air Operations for the Bureau of Land Management, manager of the Alaska Fire Service, and CEO of 10 Tanker. John and I discussed everything related to the wildfire industry, including retardant testing, contract issues, struggles with transparency in working with the Forest Service, and getting a seat at the table as an aviation company. Changes need to be made to better support our firefighters on the ground and aviation assets in the air, and we discuss how this can be done in the current environment. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I spoke with Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy about the recent fires in California and the changes needed in the aftermath. Chief Fennessy is the Chair of the Firescope Advisory Committee, which will meet next week to make recommendations to improve the current system and have a panel discussion on the 2025 California fires. We discuss the issues with the ordering system, aviation resources being off-contract for the Forest Service, the hydrants and reservoirs, politics in fire, and much more. Interstingly, Forest Supervisors in California opposed the D.C. office's decision to release aviation resources in late December. The move ended up being the right one, even in the face of significant D.C. backlash. This is one of the most open and honest conversations you will hear from a leader in the fire world in the wake of these fires. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With the tragedy of the Palisades and Eaton Fires in California over the last week, I sat down with Senator Tim Sheehy to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that this tragedy never happens again and make certain our wildland firefighters are supported. The Senator and I have discussed these issues for years, and due to these devastating fires, National attention is entirely focused on them. We discuss fixing firefighter pay, long-term aviation contracts, changes that need to be made to the wildfire system, and how that can now be accomplished in Congress. Senator Sheehy is the only Red Carded member of Congress as a firefighter and founded the internationally available wildfire aviation company Bridger Aerospace in Montana. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The ATF has taken over as the lead investigator into the Palisades Fire and has been looking at the fire's origin. The best origin photo I’ve seen shows the fire starting off the Temescal Ridge Trail within the first 20 minutes of ignition. Investigators are also looking at the potential of a holdover from the Lackman Fire, which started on New Year’s Eve in the same location. I cover the details of this investigation, one being the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, saying the power to the infrastructure on top of Temescal Ridge has been shut off for 5 years. I also discuss the cuts the Forest Service is making in Region 5 (California) to critical positions. I had a conversation with a California Forest Supervisor who was concerned these cuts would only make the jobs of firefighters on the ground harder. Plus, a full update on the fires. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ In the last 24 hours, the LAFD Chief has commented that Los Angeles city officials have let the Department and city residents down. When further pressed, the chief confirmed that one major reservoir was empty due to construction and that her department was not notified before or during the initial attack of the California fires. After making the comments, the Chief was immediately called to the Mayor’s Office, prompting a press release from the LAFD PIO saying she was not being fired. Crazy. Also, last night, there were reports that an LAFD official had a resident show them footage of two individuals dumping gas and lighting it on fire near the Palisades fire's origin. During this morning’s briefing, the sheriff’s department asked the public to provide any footage they had of individuals starting the fire. The sheriff said, “We will hold the individual or group of people responsible for this fire.” That is the furthest they’ve gone regarding the cause of the Palisades Fire since they started. Plus, a complete update of all the fires in the area. 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: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ A lot of progress has been made across the California Fires, Palisades, Hurst, Eaton, and Kenneth. The hard work and labor must now be done by the crews to contain these fires. Local Residents tackled and made a citizen arrest near the Kenneth Fire of an individual who was starting fires with a blowtorch. Fire Managers say a criminal investigation is now underway. To prevent looting in the fire areas, a nighttime curfew has been implemented in parts of LA, and the National Guard has been brought in to protect critical infrastructure. People are now discussing what needs to be done to stop these types of fires from happening again. It’s time to finally take action, make the necessary changes to firefighter pay and benefits, and change the system to be more streamlined and efficient. 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: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I give an update on the current situation with the southern California fires, the unbelievable level of destruction, and the lives lost. I also discuss the wild theories that have been incorporated into news reporting. I address the hydrants running out of water, lack of resources, tactics being used, arson, power infrastructure, LAFD funding, and even the wild claims that the destruction is fake… Some of the theories are about as dumb as they come. However, some of the criticisms have merit and should be covered. Southern California isn’t out of the woods yet, as Red Flag conditions are expected to continue through tomorrow. 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: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ This morning, I give an update on the fires that started and burned through the night in Southern California. Multiple new starts have evacuated nearly 100,000 people, likely destroying hundreds of homes and businesses and tapping wildfire resources in the State. People are understandably looking to place blame for these fires, but it is still incredibly early in these disaster situations. As of this morning, I cover the details we know and discuss the known issues ignored in Southern California for years that intensify these types of fires. This will likely be some of the most devastating fires we have seen in Southern California in some time. There are already reports of looting, hydrants running out of water, civilians interfering with fire radio frequencies, and 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ After three years of attempts, the final Bill of this Congress strips the wildland firefighter permanent pay fix language. The Supplemental Pay is to continue until March 14th. A reset button has been hit, and many former players won’t be there the next time this is voted on. Massive changes are coming to the wildfire industry and agencies. Legislation was introduced to allow the president to appoint the Chief of the Forest Service directly. Something not seen in over 35 years. A few names have been mentioned; one is a solid choice. The Department of Government Effecnacy (DOGE) has a willing partner in Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana. In an OpEd. Senator Sheehy says the bureaucratic red tape is the problem with the wildfire industry, not the boots on the ground. Senator Sheehy calls for fundamental changes to the wildfire agencies and industry, including a national wildfire suppression standard, and says an overhaul of the bureaucratic system is perfect for DOGE. Wildfire policy is about to change hands. Wildfire AI systems, Drones, autonomous platforms, detection systems, and private fire contracts will likely see a huge boom. A healthy rant… 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: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, who heads the U.S. Fire Administration. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell was appointed by President Joseph Biden as the U.S. fire administrator on Oct. 25, 2021. Prior to her appointment, Lori served nearly 3 years as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Public Safety Data Institute, which she founded after retiring from a 26-year tenure as a senior executive in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Today, we discuss the autonomous helicopters being developed for wildfire, some of which we may see in California as early as next year, and the new wildfire AI systems being installed for detection. We also discuss the difficulties with the post-fire recovery that took place after the Lahaina Fire in Hawaii. We dive into the PFAS studies being conducted by the U.S. Fire Administration and other agencies with concerns about firefighter cancer rates at all-time highs. They are working to find new gear and retardants for firefighters that don’t contain these chemicals. A wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. 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: Subscribe to support👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Scott Gorman, who ran the Dalton Hotshots before making the jump to Orange County to run Santiago Crew 1. Scott started his career in 1995 and was motivated to challenge himself and pursue a wildfire career after finding a mentor in an El Cariso Hotshot who ran his Americorp crew. Through the apprenticeship program, he soon found himself on Dalton Hotshots and worked his way up the ranks, ultimately taking the crew over in 2017. After a long time with the Fed fire agencies, he made the decision to move to Orange County to run Santiago Crew 1, where he continues his work today. We discuss his career, his decision to leave the Feds, and the ongoing issues we see today that he tried to address with his time on planning committees and as superintendent. He faced the same roadblocks many experience today. We also discuss what it’s like to take on the role of superintendent, looking out for your people, building a culture, and dealing with the inevitable tragedies that firefighters face along the way. A very timely and important conversation. 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. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The President of the Forest Service Council, Andy Vanderheuel, and the Western Region National Business Representative for NFFE, Matt Brossard, join me in discussing the upcoming vote for the permanent wildfire pay legislation. We discuss the upcoming vote, what’s in the Bill, and what wildland firefighters can expect regarding actual wages earned. We cover the upcoming administration and what that looks like. They discuss possible early retirements could be coming. We cover Hazard Pay for Prescribed burns and where that stands, plus other initiatives that are lined up. Also, CAL FIRE and local police arrested two arson suspects in 48 hours who are responsible for 10+ wildfires. Red Flags and Santa Ana winds are returning to Southern California later this week. 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: Subscribe to support the show: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Dr. Luke Montrose, assistant professor of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences at Colorado State University. His work focuses on the health effects of wildfire smoke, and he studies how human behaviors and environment affect the way our bodies read DNA. We discuss his ongoing study, which focuses directly on wildland firefighters and their reproductive health when exposed to prolonged durations of wildfire smoke. Montrose’s lab investigates wildfire smoke effects “from cell to society” and translates findings to assist vulnerable populations in identifying mitigation strategies that limit exposure impacts. Further, the lab looks beyond the lung to understand how other sensitive organs – like the brain and reproductive system – are affected. Montrose earned his B.S. in biology at Heidelberg University and his Ph.D. in environmental toxicology at the University of Montana. He completed his postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan and began his career as faculty at Boise State University. 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I am honored to welcome Chief Brian Fennessy, who has a long and distinguished wildfire career that has led him to become President of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority. We had a very candid conversation about the ongoing issues with the Forest Service’s aviation supervisor policy that made the news last week. Chief Fennessey lays out what he is seeing on the ground and asks the important question of why now. We discussed how the workforce shortage, wage issues, and policy issues affect everyone in the field and the communities surrounding our forests. I also asked him about the arson fires in California, the Park Fire this year being the fourth largest in California’s history, and why we are seeing an increase in this criminal behavior. Chief Fennessy began his career in 1978 with the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and the US Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management as a Hotshot crewmember, Helitack Captain, and ultimately crew superintendent. This was an incredible conversation, and I thank Chief Fennessey for taking the time to come on the show. 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: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The Wall Street Journal published an article claiming that Bridger Aerospace is being attacked by predatory short sellers and political opponents. I cover that story and reached out to the parties involved, Montana Senator Jon Tester and Bridger Aerospace Founder and Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, to get their comments on the matter. A hiker in Oregon lit multiple fires after getting lost in the forest. These turned into wildfires, and the hiker has since been charged. 2 California members of Congress have joined the growing list of elected officials writing the Chief of the Forest Service. They are asking for answers about recently interpreted policy that has affected wildfire efforts in California. There have been multiple tree strikes this month on wildfires and again during the hurricane relief efforts. There have also been other injury reports. 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.

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome the founders of FiredUp Partners, a wildfire advocacy group working to advance real solutions for wildland firefighters nationwide. They have recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they worked on the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, better housing, benefits, and more. We discuss the realities of working with Congress and the Agencies right now and what the future looks like. It’s a straightforward, candid conversation about what firefighters and their families can expect from the WFFPPA and the many hurdles to getting to where we are today. We also talk about fire families' struggles while their partners are away for the season and the very real struggles when they return home. We get into so much, and it was great to have Janelle and Lacey on the show. They are both married to wildland firefighters and know the ups and downs of what that entails. That’s precisely why they have taken the steps to create FiredUp Partners to advocate for all the wildfire families out there. 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 Episode: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Extreme fire behavior continues across the United States. Firefighters stranded after a bridge burned over. Multiple fires had firefighters moving into safety zones due to fire behavior. Fires in Idaho burned 12+ miles in just hours; Wyoming fires merge, burn through subdivisions, and injure civilians. All while resources are limited and have begun shutting down for the season. Update on Orange County firefighters injured in the Airport Fire, and an injury update on Idaho firefighter struck by a tree. California Fire Chiefs take the Forest Service to task over aviation resources and nighttime supervisory platforms. They wrote to Congress and asked them to investigate. They blame tensions that remain from the Caldor Fire between the Forest Service and night-capable aviation. 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.

On today’s show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Jessie Thomas of Sustainable Wellness. Jesse has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former Lolo and Flathead Hotshot turned Missoula Smokejumper of 8 years. We discuss reviving your gut health after fire season, maintaining your physical and mental health to allow for a long and successful fire career, raising kids in a fire family, and a whole lot more. Jessie, founder of Missoula, Montana’s Sustainable Wellness, has always loved the feeling of reaching a mountain summit with her own two feet. As a former smokejumper, present day skier, and mountain-adventure-seeker, Jessie knows the health of the human body over a lifespan is determined by what we eat and how we live. A fantastic conversation. 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: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ While traveling after a shift on The Airport Fire, a crew buggy rolled over on a California Freeway. They swerved to avoid a ladder that was in the middle of their lane—8 total injuries, with six firefighters in critical condition. I cover the Forest Service’s all employee call this week. They discussed the cuts to the seasonal workforce, training budgets, and what they expect Congress to do. They expect significant budget cuts and are doing what they can to continue to pay current employees while making hiring cuts to non-fire employees. Canada lowers the age of retirement for wildland firefighters in British Columbia. It's a huge step forward. 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. Share

On Today’s Episode: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Investigation into the nearly 10,000-acre Alexander Fire leads to arrest in Colorado. The suspect was allegedly impersonating a firefighter and law enforcement. He was pulling people over, pulling weapons, and driving around in a fake fire department truck. The suspect personally contacted me on social media after the fire started—an insane story. Firefighter found unresponsive in Oregon after found sleeping in an unventilated tent with a “heating device.” You fireline etiquette responses. You all have the same complaints, and I cover them. 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 episode: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ A state of emergency has been declared due to the Line Fire in San Bernardino County. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with a few clues available. Unreal story of multiple Hotshot Crews declining an assignment due to safety concerns, then demobed. Other crews were brought in after the fact to complete the same declined assignment. They also refused and were asked to leave the Team Fire. “This is the plan! If you don’t like it, you can go home” 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.

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full Operational Update I go through the entire report released on the Little Twist Fire tree strike in Utah that left a Bonneville Hotshot pinned under a tree and severely injured. We get his perspective on the incident and how he stayed calm to calm his crew down. Two states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, have banned PFAS forever chemicals in firefighter Nomex. California had a similar bill this week but failed after the chemical and firefighter gear lobby got it thrown out. A $5 Billion industry. 5 wildland firefighters are feared dead after a helicopter crashed into a river in Portugal. Mass Arson arrests in Brazil after many wildfires ravaged the country. Fire weather moves back in as Snaptember starts. 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: Subscribe: 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Chief Moore has strong words for the Feds regarding the increased cost of living and falling behind on inflation costs. Updates the rent rebates. He says there is hypocrisy in the system as BLM firefighters are getting cost of living increases, but FS employees living in the same building are not. Forest Service has a massive hole in their budget… nearing 3\4 of a billion dollars. Cal Fire arrests another arsonist after starting the Thompson Fire, which burned up 13 homes and evacuated thousands. The DOJ sued An excavator company in California because their machines hit a rock, and sparks started a fire. This will set a very consequential precedent. Full operational update: it’s snowing in California! 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: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Balloons are once again flying over Idaho fires. I cover why they are there and what they are doing. An arsonist started another fire in Grass Valley, California. They were released from jail just hours before. How to get hired on a Hotshot Crew. I answer the questions people have been asking. Overhead vehicle burned on the Limepoint Fire in Idaho. Leave your keys in the truck. A Canadian territory is completely cut off after a wildfire burns up the railroad connecting it to the rest of Canada. There is a small lull in wildfire activity; no… wildfire season is not over. 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.

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Colorado pops off. At least 1 civilian fatality and 4 firefighters were injured this week on those fires. Severe UTV crash on The Pioneer Fire in Washington, 3 injuries including broken bones and spinal injuries. Autonomous drones looking to use public surveillance systems to suppress fires with “packaged water pellets.” They will use food packaging to seal water in individual “water bags” for water drops. Drone use on wildfires has tripled year over year. Dozer rollover on the Bridge Creek Fire in Washington. California class action lawsuit targets wildfire insurance policies. 143 structures were lost on the Gwen Fire in Idaho. Full 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.

On Today's Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ CalFire investigators announce the arrest of an arsonist who started the Park Fire. It’s now the largest fire in California this year. Oregon and Washington continue to struggle with a huge amount of wildfire and limited resources. Ranchers and private landowners step up to help. Oregon Senators sent the Fed a letter asking for additional resources and funding. Jasper, Alberta lost up to 50% of all buildings from the large wildfire that came out of the park. There was another wildfire aviation crash this week in California. 2 Fatalities were reported. Watch Duty removed all Forest Service branding from their website this week. The Agency made the request late last week. I spoke to the CEO to get the details on the matter. Full operational update.

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com I had a conversation with Bobby Blaine, who is hiking the 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide Trail. Bobby is a member of the American River Hotshots, and he got his start on a trails crew before joining the apprenticeship program on a type 6 engine in the Pacific Northwest. He then joined the Elk Mountain Hotshots before finding his home on the American River. Bobby discusses his love for hiking, hotshotting, and the fire service. It’s a fantastic conversation for anyone wanting to join the fire world or who just loves hiking. Thanks to Bobby for taking the time at the 1,400-mile mark of his journey to have this chat.

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ There have been multiple injuries and tree strikes on wildfires in California, Alaska, and in Wyoming. One led to a C-Spine fracture. Complacency can creep in, stay dialed and keep it tight. I cover the reports on the two firefighter fatalities this week. Should we start using military helicopters for crew transports and external cargo mission? A conversation about moral when sh*t hits the fan. A 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.

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ CalFire engine rolls over en route to wildfire in Oroville. Multiple injuries, however, no fatalities after a horrific crash. Northern California goes PL3. Bitterness inside the Forest Service between fire and non-fire employees boils over. “Don’t reply all”… Yeeeeesh. 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.

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Firefighters were robbed while working at the Upper Applegate Fire in Oregon. Gear, saws, and everything else were stolen. Police are searching for suspects. This morning, a permanent wildfire pay fix was inserted into the DOI appropriations Bill, which also includes other very interesting requests. From Subcommittee Chair Rep. Mike Simpson: "The bill also provides over $330 million to permanently address Federal wildland firefighter pay and capacity. The permanent pay fix included in this bill will improve firefighter recruitment and retention and provide financial certainty to the men and women protecting our communities from catastrophic wildfire.” Chief Moore announced hiring restrictions this morning. Hires will now be centralized, and multiple positions require approval from the Chief's office. The Forest Service has run out of money, and only critical positions will be filled. They have spared fire hire in this new strategic hiring process. Alaska goes HAM. Plus a full operational update.

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full update on the New Mexico fires. Official fire reports listed the fires as human-caused for 2 days. The Agency spokesperson says that was an automated computer error. CIMT spokesperson said they were told the fires were both human and lightning caused during their inbrief. The local mayor of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, is quoted as saying, “It’s my understanding these fires were intentional.” 2 confirmed fatalities, missing children. White House announces emergency declaration. Interestingly, Matthew McConaughey was filming a movie in Ruidoso about a wildfire ripping through the town back in late April. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On today’s show: {to subscribe:} https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ 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.

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

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

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

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

To subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ 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: To Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ 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.

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

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

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

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ 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. 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/ 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 TNand8TN and 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. 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.

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/