The Hotshot Wake Up

A podcast and newsletter by firefighters about wildfire and the world. Crew Supervisor and Ex Hotshot overhead.
Call it like it is.
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20 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes20

Newest first

Saturday · 1 hr 4 min
Environmental Lawsuits Halted 10s Of Thousands Of Acres Of Fuels Projects In Oregon, That Are Now Burning. Lyons Fire Burnover Report. Timelines Released For Knowles Fire Entrapment.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full report released for the Lyons Ferry Fire burnover. Comprehensive report details firefighters trying to burn off around themselves before being overtaken by fire. Tens of thousands of acres of fuels treatment and wildfire mitigation projects were halted in Oregon due to environmental lawsuits. Groups sued Mt. Hood National Forest and the Forest Service, which stopped the fuel breaks and fuel reduction projects. Those same project areas are now totally burned. The USFS and USWFS released a timeline report for the Knowles Fire Entrapment in Colorado. France’s Interior Minister announced this week that they had arrested 162 wildfire arsonists in the last 25 days. France has now doubled the previous record for total acres burned. Alaska sends fire crews down to the lower 48. Full operational update. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
July 24 · 1 hr 14 min
The Eyes In The Sky Above Wildfires: Air Attack And Helicopter Coordinators, What They Do, And How To Become One. A conversation with Jon Freeman and Matt Lynde.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe: 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, Jon Freeman (USWFS) and Matt Lynde (USFS) join the show to discuss everything about wildfire aviation supervision and coordination, and, if you are interested, how to become one. This is a big-picture job, and as they describe, the best job in the industry. As an aviation supervisor, you are basically a flying radio, or 7 radios… and it is a position that takes mental fortitude and operational clarity to keep the aviation dance going, get everyone what they need, and keep folks safe. We also discuss the increasing danger of civilian drones over wildfires, which shut down aviation operations immediately. And lastly, what is the path an individual needs to take to achieve this in their career, the prerequisite qualifications, and classes needed. Jon is currently working in Oregon, and Matt is headed back to California. It’ll be busy until winter. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
July 16 · 47 min
Ontario Armageddon, Minnesota Mayhem, And The American West Continues To Burn: Wildfire Smoke Headed East, As 3 Fires Cross International Borders.
On Today’s Show: To support and subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Three wildfires have crossed the international border of Canada and Minnesota, and hundreds of thousands of acres have burned. 183 new starts across Ontario are expected to burn for weeks. Wildfire smoke will blanket the eastern United States as poor air quality records are already being set. More Minnesota fires merge as firefighters work to access the wilderness fires. Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and California are still seeing wildfire activity. Full operational update. Wildfire aircraft are now hard to come by, as demand for aviation resources continues to increase. Starting the morning campfire in spike camp. It’s easy, but hazardous. Burn injury report. Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
July 11 · 56 min
New Fires In PNW And California As Southern California Moves To A PL3. Tremendous Progress On Fires In Colorado, Utah, And Southwest.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ New wildfires are popping up in the Pacific Northwest and California. Southern California moves to a Preparedness Level 3. A lot of progress is being made on wildfires across Colorado, Utah, and the Southwest as containment rises. Containment drops on the Gold Mountain Fire in Colorado as a civilian drone shuts down air resources while trying to catch spot fires. 12 fatalities, 8 injuries, and 36 missing on wildfires in Spain. Authorities say many of the deceased were foreigners who ignored evacuation routes and got caught out in the open. Chainsaw and burn injury updates. What is the Super El Niño going to bring with it? Full operational update. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
July 2 · 47 min
Full Operational Update For Wildfires Across The West: Colorado Still Very Active And Under Red Flags, Progress Being Made In The Southwest And Utah.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ A full operational update of all fires across the nation. Colorado fires expect extreme fire behavior again today. Red flag conditions continue across much of the Region. Progress is being made on most of the fires across Utah and the Southwest. A breakdown of year-to-date wildfire numbers in Utah compared to last year. Less fire, more acres. New Mexico reports the warmest start to a year ever on record. The Transportation Safety Board provided an update on the cause of the wildfire aviation accident in Canada. New study on what keeps people from evacuating a wildfire zone, and overall preparedness. I have been looking for fundraisers for the three firefighters killed on the Knowles Fire in Colorado. Two are available for Emily Barker and Nicholas Hutcherson, and I am still looking to see if there is another for Sydney Watson or the two others injured. Emily Barker Fundraiser Nicholas Hutcherson Fundraiser THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
June 29 · 47 min
Colorado Declares A State Of Emergency: Nation Moves To A Preparedness Level 4. Full Update On National Wildfires And Agency Updates On The Knowles Fire Burnover.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Colorado has declared a State of Emergency due to the wildfires actively burning across the State. The National Preparedness Level moves to 4. Updates from the USWFS and Forest Service on the burnover event on the Knowles Fire. Wildfires continue to make large runs across Utah. The Pocket Fire in Arizona increases to over 11,000 acres. A conversation about current wildfire conditions on the ground. Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
June 24 · 50 min
Today, The Forest Service And USWFS Announce New Steps To Reduce Hazardous Exposure To Wildland Firefighters. Decontamination, Smoke Mitigation, Mask Use, And Mop-up Exposure.
On Today’s Show: To support and subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, along with the Department of the Interior, today announced new steps to reduce hazardous exposure for federal wildland firefighters. These actions include expanded access to N95 respirators on the fireline, required training, and standardized decontamination protocols, such as showers and Nomex cleaning. There is also direction on reducing exposure to extended periods of mop-up. I welcome Erin Phelps, Deputy Director of Risk Management with the Forest Service, to discuss everything in the release. Erin is no stranger to the fireline, working on engines, Hotshot crews, and as a rappeller before taking a more direct role in policy and management. There is a lot to cover, and plenty of questions. Deputy Director Phelps helps answer those questions and provides all the details on what it will look like moving forward. The Hotshot Wake Up is 100% listener and reader supported. No ads, no sponsorships. Thank You.
June 18 · 49 min
Nation Moves To A PL3: Human Remains Found After Washington Wildfire. Incendiary Devices Found At Wildfire In Colorado. Wildfire Helicopter Fire During Bucket Drops.
On Today’s Show: To support and subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The Hotshot Wake Up is 100% supported by the readers and listeners. Thank you. The National Preparedness Level increases to a PL3 Wildfire bust across much of the West. Full operational update. Human remains found after the Upriver Fire in Spokane. Sheriff reports individuals refused to evacuate. Incendiary devices were found by Forest Service firefighters on a Colorado Fire. Also in Colorado, a helicopter lands after a fire in the cockpit while conducting bucket drops. State of emergency declared in Oregon and Washington. Idaho wildfire fund runs out of money. Reports on Rhabdo and burn injuries during the California prescribed burn. Watch Duty back up for Cal Fire personnel. Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
June 10 · 42 min
Forest Service To Offer Early Resignation Incentives With Ongoing Reorganization. Fire Engine Crash Leads To Multiple Civilian Fatalities. Firefighters Injured By Exploding Slash Pile.
On Today’s Show: 100% listener and reader supported. To Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full operational update. New fires in Colorado, Utah, California, and the Southwest. The Forest Service has reinstated early retirement incentives as part of the reorganization plan. Both VERA and VSIP options are being offered. High level operators from the Forest Service have started to accept positions in the United States Wildland Fire Service leadership. What are the long term effects if unification doesn’t happen? Two civilian casualties after an engine responding to a wildfire collides with a civilian vehicle. Firefighters responding to an escaped slash pile burn in the Pacific Northwest were injured after the pile exploded. Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
May 21 · 1 hr 10 min
The Wildfire Contracting World: Starting A Company, The Issues, Policy Changes, The Stereotypes, And More. A conversation with one of the most dialed in operators, Derrick Holdstock.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe: 👉https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I talk to Derrick Holdstock, owner and operator of Western Fire Resources. Derrick has been very proactive in the contracting and wildfire world, recently returning from a trip to D.C. Before he started Western Fire Resources, Derrick was a wildlife biologist who practiced prescribed fire and later served as the Regional Fire Coordinator for West Texas, covering one third of the state. He also worked as a biologist for the Bureau of Land Management before venturing into the contracting world. Derrick is highly versed in everything related to wildfire and the industry. We talk about current issues in contracting, policy, starting a company, the stereotypes, and a lot more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
May 19 · 48 min
The Sandy Fire Is An Early Season Wake Up For California. It's Time To Take Fuel Mitigation Seriously. Seven Cabins Fire In New Mexico Now 16,000 Acres.
On Today’s Show: To Support and Subscribe 👉https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The Sandy Fire in California is an early season wake up for the State. Urban interface fires will only increase, and fuel mitigation is a major step that residents and the state need to take seriously. A conversation about the harsh reality of the changing conditions, the wildland urban interface, and the pre-fire work that needs to be done. The consequences of doing nothing are greater than people realize. Full nationwide wildfire update: The Seven Cabins Fire in New Mexico continues to grow. California, Minnesota, Colorado, and more. California Hotshot crews are starting to shotgun out to multiple incidents. The wildfires in the plains of America will have greater downstream effects than most understand. (cattle production and viable grazing lands) Researchers at Brown University studied a wildfire in Africa that burned at an elevation of 13,000 ft, the highest wildfire in Africa in 12,000 years. Greece launches the first ever national wildfire satellite array. The system was brought into orbit by SpaceX. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
May 3 · 58 min
Instead Of Telling Wildland Firefighters To "Make It Work," We Need To Help Them "Make It Work Better." Continued staffing and fleet issues. These are fixable problems.
On Today’s Show: To Subscribe and Support:👉 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full operational update. Hotshot crews are still having issues securing the vehicles they need to operate at the level they are being asked to. Reports of dozens of Type 3 Engines that remain unstaffed. Canada cancels $106M wildfire satellite contract with American company. Trade war actions leaking into wildfire? Wildfire aviation fuel costs are on the rise, and concerns from wildfire CEO’s about a shortage. A rant about the irony of all the problems in wildland fire, including mental health, staffing, physical health, and the old trope of “make it work,” doesn’t help with these issues. Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
April 30 · 1 hr 1 min
USDA Submits 2026 Wildfire Directives And Seasonal Wildfire Priorities. Senators Send Letter With Questions About Forest Service ReOrg. Full wildfire operational update:
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe 👉https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full wildfire update Fires in Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, and Montana USDA Secretary Rollins provides the 2026 wildfire secretarial memo. It covers priorities for the 2026 fire season and directives for the Forest Service moving forward. I go over the priorities, including initial attack, surge capacity, secondary fire positions, fuels work, prescribed fire, and more. Senators sent a letter this week to the USDA demanding answers about the Forest Service reorganization. There are some very valid questions about R&D, clarifications on office locations, and employee duty stations. I cover all that and more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
April 25 · 47 min
Party Balloon Starts Wildfire That Burned Down 120+ Homes In Georgia. Bear Jaw Crew Disbanded In Arizona. Getting A Hotshot Crew Qualified. Wildland firefighter fatality in Florida.
On today’s show: To Support And Subscribe: 👉https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full operational update of all wildfires. The causes of the Georgia wildfires have been announced: the Highway 82 fire was caused by a birthday balloon, and the other by someone welding. There was a firefighter who died after responding to a Florida fire. Updates from Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and the Southwest fires. Definitely keep an eye on the Hummingbird Fire in the Gila Wilderness, and an interesting fire. The Bear Jaw Crew in Arizona has disbanded after 2+ decades. New Mexico continues to work towards two new Hotshot Crews. A conversation about standing up a new Hotshot crew and maintaining quals. Japan has its 3rd largest wildfire in its history, and Canada sees multiple fires in BC. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
April 17 · 29 min
The Future Of Wildfire Tech And The Wildfire Technology Summit: A Conversation With Western Fire Chiefs Association CEO, Chief Mark Niemeyer.
On Today’s show: To subscribe and support: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/👉 I cover the wildfire technology summits I attended in both Nevada and Boise. I sit down with Chief Mark Niemeyer to discuss what the Western Fire Chiefs Association is doing to bring together Agencies, wildland firefighters, and technology companies to facilitate a proactive approach to tech adoption in the wildfire world. They are taking a four-phase approach to address the following strategic mission outcomes developed in the Phase 1 Summit with Agency leadership. Interagency coordination and common operating picture Strategic planning, funding, and workforce development Cultural shift to proactive wildfire management Technology and data integration for intelligence Community and landscape resilience and hardening Post-fire recovery and adaptation The next phase will take place in Salt Lake City in October. If you want to know where the wildfire tech revolution is headed, this is well worth the listen. https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
March 31 · 35 min
Forest Service Announces Reorganization Plan: Deputy Chief Of Fire And Aviation Management, Sarah Fisher, And Associate Chief Of The Forest Service Chris French Join To Provide Details.
On Today’s Show: To Support and Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, the Forest Service officially announced its reorganization plans. I interviewed Deputy Chief of Fire and Aviation Management, Sarah Fisher, and Associate Chief of the Forest Service, Chris French, to get the details of the plan. There is a lot that is taking place, including the relocation of the Forest Service headquarters, and Research and Development will be moved as well. They are moving away from their Regional model and will transition to a more state-based model. This reorganization will take place in phases, and all Regional Offices will be closed. Some will be repurposed, including Juneau, Alaska, Vallejo, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wildfire operations will continue to operate mostly as is, and Sarah Fisher provides those details as well. I thank the Deputy Chief and the Associate Chief for their time in explaining this process to the listeners. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
March 29 · 44 min
Helicopter Pilot Tries To Take Out Drone Over Active Wildfire With Bucket Drops. Drone Owner Fined $5K New Court Documents Reveal. Forest Service to cut red tape, Europe opens new wildfire center.
On Today’s Show: To Support and Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ It was revealed in court documents this week that a helicopter pilot tried to take down a hobby drone over a wildfire with bucket drops. The pilot was between drops, protecting homes, when he spotted the drone. The judge in the case fined the drone operator $5K, well below the recommended amount, set forth in the Wildfire Act. The drone pilot argued he didn’t know firefighters and pilots were engaged in the massive inferno. A conversation about the growing issue of hobby drones over wildfires, and the lengths firefighters and pilots are forced to take to mitigate them. Forest Service Chief Schultz sends out a memo declaring an end to red tape and cumbersome mandates, and putting decision-making back in the hands of operators on the ground. Europe launches new wildfire center and is working to expand funding for mitigation, aviation, and training. Huge wildfire aviation conference in Rome. California HOA sues homeowners for $23,000 and tries to foreclose on properties burned down in the Eaton Fire. A full operational update and a rant. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
March 20 · 37 min
Pre Season Jitters: A Conversation About Training, And What My First Day On A Hotshot Crew Was Like. Minnesota Woman Fined $150K For NOT Calling In A Wildfire.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ As we head into crews coming on, a conversation about pre-season jitters. I talk about how I and others trained for the season, the first day on a Hotshot crew, and what was expected versus the reality. The jitters are normal; it means you care. A Minnesota woman was fined $150,000 for not calling in a wildfire that started on her property. The MN DNR doesn’t usually fine large amounts, maybe this is their way of setting an example? Full story. Fires are popping up across the western United States. Multiple new starts in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico. Full Operational Update as we increase to a PL2. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
March 15 · 56 min
Record Wildfires In Nebraska, Big Fires Burn In South Dakota, And The Southwest Is Next. The Morrill Fire Nears 600,000 Acres. Fire season is fully underway.
On Today’s Show: To Subscribe And Support: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Wildfires in Nebraska have burned nearly 700,000 acres this week, with the Morrill Fire now the largest in the State’s history. Full update. South Dakota got a wake-up call with the Qury Fire, now 7,200 acres. The fire’s management has already expressed a shortage of aviation resources due to the ongoing fires in Nebraska. The Southwest is expecting a critical fire weather event pushing in early this week, with temperatures above 100 degrees. Fire managers and Incident Management Teams are prepping for a possible wildfire outbreak. Elected officials in Colorado sent a letter to Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, asking for more prescribed burns and forest mitigation work due to concerns over record-low snowpacks. But asking Agencies and Firefighters to put more fire on the ground in these conditions is a big ask… and still no hazard pay for these increasingly hazardous operations. A full discussion on this. When do you declare an escaped burn a wildfire? A new report from the Klamath National Forest. Plus more. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
February 12 · 52 min
From Smokejumper To Congressional Candidate. Sam Forstag joins the show to talk wildfire issues and his upcoming election.
On Today’s Show: To Support And Subscribe 👉https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Sam Forstag joins the show today to talk about his time as a wildland firefighter and Smokejumper, before deciding to enter a different arena, running for a congressional seat in Montana. Sam has been a longtime advocate for the wildfire workforce, working as Vice President of his union’s local. We talk wildfire issues, wildfire costs, housing costs, public lands, and a litany of other topics. Sam has been traveling throughout Montana for the last month in anticipation of the June 2nd Primary. THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.