I found an old video tape of some experiences I've had while working for the government. A couple years ago I converted the taped footage to dvd. And, I guess, I decided to put some of the footage on Youtube. The video below is that of a practice jump in 1995. Two of my bros made the jump spot, though one hit the ground hard and was shook up. I, on the other hand, had other issues with which to contend. My first problem was holding with the wind too long before I realized I wasn't going to make it. I then ran with the wind to get as much speed to get to the jump spot, but of course it wasn't enough. Video can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3liAPg_wnnY
Putting fire on the ground, as they say, is quite the norm in the southeast. They have fewer hoops to jump through to employ fire to help restore their ecological systems. Here in the west it's much more difficult. Regardless, The Prescribed Fire Training Center in FL gives opportunities for budding fire managers to learn techniques in prescribed fire. The first couple days included introductions and some sightseeing (man there are some fricking huge alligators!), then each person was put together with others to form 6 or 7 person modules that would travel all over the southeast and work with other land management agencies with their prescribed fire needs. Pretty fun, and a fairly decent way to learn because it is all hands on. I remember one day before burning I looked up and saw one of the space shuttles flying to space. Cool, I thought! The group with whom I worked were outstanding, got to taste my first bit of alligator, walked amongst ostriches, (poisonous) snakes, and alligators on numerous burn units, and burned a lot of acres in just under 3 weeks. Way fun. Some pictures of that experience are here.
My friend Brett and I were driving up I-5 and were just north of Sacramento on our way back to our duty station (Lassen Volcanic National Park) when I decided to check messages on my work cell. Lo and behold my supervisor left a message saying that a crew was being put together to send to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hell ya I called back and said Brett and I were interested. We didn't get back to our office until about 6 or 7 in the evening. I had to get my stuff ready, and got a couple hours of sleep before we got back on the road around 4 in the morning to get to Reno International Airport to meet up with the rest of the 10-person crew. The assignment was okay; definitely had its moments, but all in all the experience was quite pleasant.
One qualification a wildland firefighter ought to have is to work around/with helicopters. I got what they call in the business a task book, and I started it while working at Lassen Volcanic National Park. I was able to sign some things off, but wanted some good hands on. I was able to go to the Grand Canyon National Park to gain some good experience working around a pretty cool ship. The first time you fly into the "Abyss" is breathtaking.
After the 1994 fire season, I wanted to jump and when I heard that there would be 50 openings nationwide I went for it. I paid some visits to the Redmond Air Center in Oregon. I did some politic'ing and finally in February of 1995 I get a call from then Base Manager of North Cascades (NCSB) Doug Houston for a position. Of course, no pun intended, I jumped on it. Meanwhile I was physically training like crazy. Four weeks of training and then I was on the board. 1995 was a slow season, but 1996 was pretty damn busy. Jumping took me to places from Alaska, to California, to Oregon, back in Washington, and Montana. I remember receiving a concussion while jumping a fire somewhere in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area of the Wenatchee NF. My right forearm swelled up considerably, and I had the worst headache ever; being stupid and full of pride I worked through the pain and all I could think of was getting some sleep. When we got off that fire my next fire jump a couple days later was on the Ochoco NF and that landing was one of the sweetest I ever had; light as a feather. Didn't need to even PLF.
My one and only season with a Hotshot Crew. It was also on of my favorite seasons in fire. Learned a lot, saw some good fire behavior, and the crew was strong. I think a few of us agree that there was something about that 1994 crew that clicked really well.
WIDGETIZE