What is a hotshot?

Interagency Hotshot crews (IHCs), commonly called Hotshots or Hotshot crews, are highly trained, specialized wildland fire handcrews that perform some of the most demanding and hazardous tasks in wildland firefighting. Their profession requires a high level of physical fitness and the ability to demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of fire behavior with the ability to develop and implement strategy and tactics on the most complex incidents under extreme conditions. 

• A high aptitude for mitigating risk using exemplary situational awareness and outstanding communications skills.

• Excellent leadership characteristics at all levels.

LEARN MORE: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/people/hotshots

What is “Home Hardening?”

Home hardening is the term used to describe vegetation management compliance and building materials used to resist the intrusion of flames or embers projected by a wildland fire. It can be applied to new construction or for retrofitting an older home. Home Hardening considers the relationship between your home and its exposure to nearby combustible features such as vegetation, vehicles, accessory buildings, or even miscellaneous structures like a fence. 

The current state of Wildfire in urban environments:

In short, our relationship with the natural environment that we inhabit has been lost. We have fallen out of our understanding and awareness, as a whole, of being able to live with natural and destructive forces of nature, like fire. Indigenous and First Nation peoples across the globe have evolved with an understanding to be able to thrive in these environments and we have all but chosen to ignore those wisdoms. Of course, global warming, mismanagement across the board, and gross negligence have perpetuated our current reality, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything we can do about it. In fact, every single person has the power to help transform the land we call home to its ultimate beauty and health.

You don’t throw more lifeguards at a tsunami. The same can be said for how we are currently dealing with these intensified fires. We need to change our view and relationship with wildfires.

WHY NOW?

The future of federal firefighters (hotshots, smokejumpers, hand crews, and engines) is currently up in the air. Jobs are on the line and the entire community is unsure if they will have their job come “fire season.” The business model of Hotshot home hardening is an employee owned and operated company that seeks to empower hotshots to further develop and hone their skills while working for themselves and serving their communities in the best way possible.