Why Wildland Firefighters deserve so much respect

Wildland and Forestry Firefighters are a whole different breed from Structural Firefighters. Both deserve respect, but these are the reasons why I think they are incredible.

[roberttaylor]

As a wildland firefighter. Thanks dude. I run a chainsaw on a handcrew. You explained it in layman’s terms and it brings awareness to us. The USFS pays us 13 an just saying. There’s currently a new bill being introduced that increases the wages for us, and benefits packages so we can support our families during the off season. Support is critical! Thanks and stay safe!

[thomasdanstrom]

my uncle used to be a wildland firefighter. him and his crewmates would chug as much water as possible, to see who would throw up last. this was their only form of entertainment.

[TheMarshmellowLife]

One of my captains said that he will fight structure fires all day, but wildland fires are something he will not do. Is reasoning is that you can get outside on a structure fire and then you're mostly bsafe, but in wildland fires you're already outside and the fire is coming to get you

[Henry.Smith]

I’m from Australia and at the start of the year when we were on fire, 83% of the people fight those fires were volunteers, now thats a whole new level.. btw we are very grateful from the assistance from America and Canada

[Serenade]

Thank you for answering a question I've had forever and didn't want to ask. "How do firefighters die while fighting a forest fire? There's so much room to run."
*Wildland fires can travel a football field a second* I'm very sorry I had this stupid question but thank you for the facts. So much respect.

[diegosantiago]

The way you just explained our job vs 90% of us...

"It's just camping. We're basically gardeners hired by the state" 😂😂

[morganmoe]

Appreciate the love, I’m on a shot crew and it’s been a busy bone grinding summer thus far! Sometimes it feels like we’re just invisible people out there working, helicopters always steal the glory. But the majority of us don’t want it anyway, it’s what we love to do! Stay safe and keep making these great videos!

[skykaptain]

My dad was a hotshot for a number of years. When he'd come back from a fire it would take him weeks to remember the fire alarm LED wasn't an ember.

[daveclarke]

Im a volunteer fire-fighter in Perth Western Australia and I love this guy. Thanks for the mention mate. Side note. We do this job for free cause it needs to get done

[hyliancrab]

Wildland FFs and smoke jumpers have a very high rate of suicide due to the mental and emotional stress and trauma of this very dangerous work. Indeed they deserve a lot of respect for the work they do.

[EMTLife_]

Thanks for the shout out! Thank you. All structural firefighters and helicopter pilots are getting all of the attention. And we can barely support and see our families, but I sure love my job on our hand crew.

[ytubepuppy]

I was a firefighter in a rural area of the Midwest for almost 40 years and I applaud you. We might not have had "forest fires" but we had thousands of acres of tall grass, cornfields, wheat fields, and CRP land (the worst) that seemed to spontaneously combust every year around July 4th at about midnight. We used a lot of fire swatters made from mop handles and old mud flaps, and the old metal Indian back pack, hand pump sprayers that held 5 gallon (40 pounds) of water.

[RWAsur]

Wow! I live on the east coast, I had no idea how much back-breaking work was involved in this. Thanks Jason, stay safe family.

[obi--brocoli]

Making a fireline is still looking and sounding dope.

[matthogue]

Thank you so much for the shout out!! I personally think you structural guys are nuts and I have mad respect for you guys.

My girlfriend asked why I do this instead of settle down (I own a butcher shop, and I'm a climbing arborist in the off season) and I could only reply "Because this is frikkin awesome"

[kellyscott]

To you all - thank you for all you do. To those woodland fighters, your sacrifice is beyond measure. My deepest gratitude goes out to all fire fighters — praying for your safety always ♥️

[robstan]

Excellent job Brothers you deserve all the respect this country can muster.

[ptechrobinson]

When I was in high school my brother volunteered as a “smoke jumper” and when he came home I saw this small backpack and asked if it was his parachute and thought it was so cool. He then told me it was like an emergency fire blanket that he would have to pull out and wrap up in in case the fire changed directions. Thankfully he didn’t have to use it but sadly we lost a family friend because of that. Just thinking about working your butt of digging a fire line exhausted and having to keep in the back of your mind that if the fire changes direction and you see it you might not even have enough time to use the blanket before you’re caught in the middle. Mad respect.

[LFDMcLaughlin]

Totally enjoyed my years with USFS as a wildland Firefighter.

Why stay structured when you can go wild

[spokebloke]

Nice to hear the structure guys giving some kudos to the wildland guys. Here in Straya, our wildland fire brigades are all local volunteers. I joined after the crazy fires we had here over Christmas 2019, and a large proportion of the guys and girls were doing 15 hours shifts, with no days off for several months. And a significant percentage of these were actually retirees, because they had the most free time!