r/Wildfire • u/smokejumperbro USFS • Feb 19 '25

News (General) Hiring freeze of firefighters could be deadly, Forest Service captain warns

https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/wildfires/hiring-freeze-firefighters-deadly-forest-service-captain-warns-rcna192494

Great one!

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u/[deleted] Feb 19 '25

What does this mean for me as a state wildland firefighter (not BLM or Forest Service)?

13

u/burnt_squirrels Feb 19 '25

You shouldn’t be getting downvoted. That’s a good question and I’d encourage you to also bring it to your overhead. We all rely on one another to some extent and a derelict of coverage by an agency will affect its neighboring district.

Not knowing if you’re a first or tenth year - keep the black with you and know you’ll have to rely less on aircraft and dispatch this upcoming year. No med plan? Turn that shit DOWN. You and your homies are numero uno, amigo. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

8

u/[deleted] Feb 19 '25

I don’t understand why I’d be getting downvoted either, I meant no harm to anyone. Just a question as the fire season here in NM is going to kick off in another month 1/2 to two months. I just want to know if I can get back into the best job I’ve ever had safely without feeling anxiety 🤷‍♂️