2049 Airport Way
Boise, ID 83705
Phone: (877) 336-2950
Fax: (208) 336-2995
Contact: WF Foundation
Email:
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Wildland Firefighter Foundation / Welcome
Welcome
Wildland Firefighters and Their Families
Wildland firefighters -- our community -- are our rugged firefighters of the mountains, forests, plains and wilderness areas of the West and of the pine barrens, deciduous forests, swamps, piney woods and prairies of the East, South and Midwest. While many are seasonal, a large number have permanent wildland firefighting jobs. Fire season peaks at differing times in different parts of the USA. Firefighters from across the nation come southwest, in spring; then west, then northwest when it's burning here in the summer. The East gets fires when the leaves fall from the trees. As they come to fight wildfire, many firefighters are far from family, hearth and home for weeks and months on end. (Photos, courtesy of WildlandFire.com)
These firefighters are highly trained men and women, younger and older who love being in the outdoors, working in the natural environment and sleeping under stars often obscured by smoke. Well, some of the older ones could use a softer bed in a smoke free environment, and some really hate snakes and poison oak! Regardless, they have the feel of the Old West about them, the rawness, the problem-solving, the flexibility, the enjoyment of facing problems that may not have clear-cut solutions on fires that are not predictable. They enjoy the excitement created by the flames, the sense of purpose and helping, but know they're dealing with Nature, capricious at best, and a killer at worst. While their specialized training is primarily focused on wildfire, they are often called upon to protect and save structures where the wildland meets communities. Sometimes, when they hook small fires on initial attack, they feel like the "sprinters" of the firefighting world. But more often, they're like the "marathoners" and "ultra-runners" as fire season heats up and large fires burn in a number of places over an extended period.
What They DoWildland firefighters are groundpounders, hotshots, engine crew, helitack, smoke jumpers, airtanker and helicopter pilots and support personnel, dozer operators, water tender operators; and in firecamp, those who keep records and manage ops and planning, logistics and finance, those who oversee safety, critically assess risk at a systems and incident level, provide info to the public, and incident commanders (the "generals") that have worked their way up through the ranks. They are a diverse, yet united, interagency firefighting force of federal, state & local wildland firefighters, private sector wildland firefighters, and volunteers. (More photos, courtesy of WildlandFire.com and more information, courtesy of the US Forest Service)
Increasingly these wildland firefighters are called up by the nation to fill ALL RISK roles, dealing with hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, shuttle crashes and potential terrorist attack, in addition to firefighting. As the population grows, many communities are expanding into the fire prone interface. While their specialized training and mission are primarily fighting wildfire, some wildland firefighters fill more traditional structure firefighting roles as they increasingly respond to requests for assistance on vehicle accidents and structure fires.
What Role Do We Play?When things go bad, it's often out of the public view. There are no cameras rolling. Little information is to be had. Not much on the news. There are few resources to help our community but us, especially in the early hours and days. It's then we're here to begin to help family or firefighter solve the logistical problems they face. Tangible and informational support comes first, plus emotional support. Support is matched with need. We may arrange transportation, lodging, provide living expenses, pay bills that the breadwinner will not be able to pay. Sometimes we gather information to answer questions about insurance. Often a hug is needed most or just a good listener. Each case is different but all need to know they are not alone. Browse our website to read about the services offered to our families of the fallen.
How Can You Help?
- Join our wildland firefighting support community. (Read Mellie's Tribute to Vicki Minor)
- Donate.
- Be a resource.
- Plan a fundraising event.
- Get your community involved.
- Do a school service project.
- Join us!
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