The Diversity of Firefighting Jobs: A Seer's Perspective

As a seasoned firefighter and former Battalion Chief, my job has taken me through various challenging and rewarding tasks. From small backcountry fires to large-scale firefighting operations, each job has offered unique experiences and lessons.

Small Backcountry Fires

On the wildland side, the best part of firefighting is tackling small backcountry fires. These fires can range from a single tree to up to 1/2 acre in size, and they usually involve just 3 or 4 people. The simplicity of rappelling into a small meadow or landing a helicopter in a similar location, then hiking the rest of the way, gives a sense of adventure. You carry everything you need for the night, including gear and food.

The goal is to stay on scene until the fire is completely out, which might take a couple of days. When you're done, you either call for a ride out or hike out, just as you would while camping and backpacking in a wilderness. This is a unique way to experience a peaceful environment while contributing to its protection.

Burning Out on Larger Fires

On larger fires, the task of burning out is both dangerous and intellectually stimulating. This involves careful management to ensure the fire is contained and burned out without causing unintended damage, such as nuking the canopy and frying the soil. Fine-tuning your burning technique and observing the results on the ground is incredibly rewarding.

Variety in Aviation and Ground Operations

A significant part of my career was spent in the aviation end of the business. Working cargo at a helicopter base involved packing equipment and supplies for different locations. Each helicopter had a specific allowable payload, and creating the external loads by placing the cargo into nets required careful planning and execution.

Additionally, I spent time on a truck company, which is traditionally known as a ladder company crew responsible for tasks such as search and rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, salvage, and overhaul. My favorite part of this job was searching a building for victims on the fire floor or above it. Although dragging a hose line around a building was extremely hard work, it brought its own sense of satisfaction.

Back Burning: A Learning Opportunity

Perhaps my most fulfilling job was back burning, where I could learn about firefighting and fire behavior in depth. Back burning is a strategic practice that helps control and clear potential fuel loads. Night back burns can be more challenging due to reduced visibility, but they also provide valuable experiences. Working with massive spiders can add an extra layer of adventure to the job.

Back burns teach us how fire behavior changes across different vegetation types, allowing us to practice and hone our firefighting techniques. Night back burns can be tricky, especially when it comes to navigating the terrain and dealing with the unexpected.

Key Takeaways

The various jobs in firefighting, from small backcountry fires to massive wildfires, offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Wildland firefighting is about problem-solving and adaptability, while larger fires require precision and attention to detail. Each job has its unique challenges and rewards, making the profession both demanding and rewarding.