Posts Archives | Wildland Firefighter Foundation

It takes the strongest people to ask for help: My own experience by Missoula Smokejumper Matt Mahe

April 3, 2025

My name is Matt, and I work as a smokejumper in Missoula, Montana. While I am a smokejumper, that title…

Understanding Chronic Stress and Hormones

December 16, 2024

When you experience stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activates, releasing cortisol, the primary stress hormone. In short bursts, cortisol helps…

A Holiday Message to our Wildland Firefighting Family

December 16, 2024

To Our Wildland Firefighting Family, For many, the holidays bring images of warmth, family, and celebration. But for those in…

The Power of Gratitude: A Reflection for Thanksgiving

November 22, 2024

As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves drawn to a time-honored tradition: reflecting on what we’re grateful for. While this may…

Combating Chronic Stress in Wildland Firefighters

November 12, 2024

Click the button below if you would like to download this as a PDF for printing or future use. Open…

Seasonal Wellness for Wildland Firefighters: A Comprehensive Wellness Guide

November 4, 2024

Table of Contents Introduction Pre-Season Wellness Physical Training Mental Preparation Nutrition and Hydration Substance Use Management Mid-Season Wellness Fatigue Management…

A Message on Wildland Firefighter Wellness

December 21, 2023

To all wildland firefighters and those who respond to wildland fires, we hope the fire season treated you well and…

On Grief and Grieving: Understanding, Coping, Healing

October 26, 2023

Understanding, Coping, Healing Grief is a universal human experience, yet it is one of the most challenging emotions to navigate.…

Common Types of Therapy

August 11, 2023

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps focus on changing negative thought patterns and…

10 Self Care Tips

July 27, 2023

Each of us is responsible for our own wellbeing both mentally and physically. The more aware we are or can…

Alternatives and Compliments to Therapy

June 15, 2023

Mental Fitness is not thought of in the same way we think of staying physically fit. We do P.T. and…

The Stigma of Mental Health in the Wildland Community

May 8, 2023

Wildland firefighting is a physically demanding and emotionally challenging job. While these brave men and women put their lives on…

Coping with Grief

January 22, 2019

My life is turned upside down. I feel like I’m in a choking fog and I can’t get out. When…