New review of wildfire’s Hotshot program recommends numerous changes to ‘unsustainable system’

Boise State Public Radio News | By Murphy Woodhouse

Published September 27, 2023 at 6:20 PM MDT

A member of the Black Mesa Hotshots helps with a mid-June burnout on the Hull Fire in Northern Arizona.

In the world of wildfire, hotshot crews are seen as among the most elite and capable personnel on the fireline. But those crews - and wildland firefighters of all stripes - face myriad challenges: low pay, tough conditions, mental and familial strain and all the stress that comes with being on the front lines of climate change-fueled conflagrations. In a first of its kind review, dozens of crew superintendents and other federal officials took a hard look at the program, and recently released a report that makes quite a number of recommendations.

In the world of wildfire, hotshot crews are seen as among the most elite and capable personnel on the fireline. But those crews - and wildland firefighters of all stripes - face myriad challenges: low pay, tough conditions, mental and familial strain and all the stress that comes with being on the front lines of climate change-fueled conflagrations. In a first of its kind review, dozens of crew superintendents and other federal officials took a hard look at the program, and recently released a report that makes quite a number of recommendations.