Firefighters in the Field: Export to Montana
The weight restriction per person was 65lbs. Will we be located in the mountains? Sleeping in tents? Will we have regular access to power? How many pairs of underwear and socks should I bring? Should I bring extra work boots and workout shoes? Do I have room for a pillow? What is essential when you […]
“Going In” – Getting Ready for Another Season as a Lookout
By: Trina For me, this year’s fire season started long before the first signs of spring appeared on the landscape, before the snow melted into the hillsides, the geese returned from the south, or the first crocus opened in the Peace Country. It began in the dead of winter, during a late February cold snap, […]
Firefighter in the Field: The Role of Lookouts in Observing and Monitoring Forest Health
By: Trina The idea of living in the boreal forest at a fly-in fire tower for five months is unfathomable for many people – and rightfully so. As a rookie lookout observer, I wasn’t sure what to expect last April when I nervously loaded up my boxes of food and belongings into the helicopter. Was […]
Firefighter in the Field: The Other Side of Wildland Firefighting
By: Natalie, Helitack Member, Calgary Forest Area We talk a lot about battling wildfires and the long days on the fireline. What about the other side of being a wildland firefighter? When we are not chasing down smoke calls, what else are we doing? Let me tell you about all the projects we have on the […]
Firefighter in the Field: Making an Impact
By: Josh Fort McMurray was the most high-profile wildfire I have ever been a part of. I first heard about the fire back in May when I was still in Type I Helitack training. Along with everyone else in training, I could not help but feel helpless as the wildfire continued on and through Fort […]
Alberta Wildfire 