What Are Hotshot Crews in Wildland Firefighting?
An elite group of firefighters who specialize in battling wildland fires are called Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC), commonly referred to as Hotshots or Shot crews.
These highly trained professionals are called upon to handle the most challenging and dangerous fire incidents, demonstrating their commitment to protecting our communities and natural resources.
They are known for their exceptional physical fitness, mental toughness, and ability to work in extreme conditions. Their rigorous training includes specialized courses in fire behavior, communication, and safety protocols, making them one of the most elite firefighting teams in the world.
IHCs have been instrumental in protecting our forests, wildlife, and homes from devastating fires for decades and continue to be an essential component of our firefighting efforts, providing critical support in the face of nature's most destructive force.
The Role of Hotshot Crews in Wildland Fire
Hotshot crews are specialized handcrews integral to the wildland fire management strategy. They are meticulously selected and rigorously trained to perform the most challenging and dangerous tasks on the firelines.
Made up of 20 to 25 firefighters, including superintendents, squad bosses, senior firefighters, and first-year firefighters, IHCs respond to large and high-priority Type 1 fires. They work in grueling conditions and hike rugged terrain to suppress wildfires.
Their specialized training enables them to employ strategic tactics, manage fire behavior, and, ultimately, contain the spread of wildfires anywhere in the country. They are also qualified to break up into smaller groups called squads to tackle various suppression efforts at the same time.
During a wildfire incident, Hotshot crews employ various tactics to prevent fire from spreading:
- They quickly and thoroughly remove natural fuels such as thick undergrowth and dead trees using tools like the pulaski or chainsaws while ensuring quality work.
- They may use techniques like burnouts and backfires to reduce fire intensity and minimize the risk of the fire spreading beyond containment lines.
- Burnout operations involve using a drip torch to remove unburned fuel between the containment line and the fire's edge, which helps reduce the intensity of the active fire.
- Backfire operations are similar to burnouts, as they involve intentionally setting fires along the inner fireline to consume fuel, block the wildfire's path, or change the direction of the fire.
- In more extreme conditions, IHCs heavily rely on assessing fire and weather behaviors to make quick decisions and prevent hazards for the safety of all personnel.
Each crew member must complete 40 hours of training annually, including classroom and fieldwork, to maintain their Type 1 Interagency Hotshot certification. They typically work up to 16 hours a day for 14-21 days, camping at the incident command post or near the fireline.
After completing a fire assignment, they are required to take 2-3 days off before being assigned to another incident. They can also be assigned back-to-back assignments after their time off.
The Birth and Rise of Hotshots
The origins of hotshot crews can be traced back to 1939 when the US Forest Service (USFS) experimented with a forty-man crew for a year. The goal was to improve the rate at which fires were contained and to reduce funding costs. Before this, the USFS did not have specific guidelines for initial attacks on wildfires. They implemented the 10 AM Policy to address this issue and improve wildfire response time.
Before the 10 AM Policy was enacted, large fires burning in remote backcountry areas were difficult to access. The firefighters working these fires were not equipped to be away from their base without support, lacked stamina, and were not trained to fight large fires efficiently.
Recognizing this issue, L.L. Colvill, an assistant forest supervisor at the Siskiyou National Forest, proposed training a specialized group of experienced firefighters to combat remote fires and sustain themselves outdoors for several days. Since they would be away from home for an extended period, this opportunity attracted unmarried men from rural areas who had experience with outdoor physical labor. At the end of the fire season, the Forest Service recognized the benefits of having a specialized crew. Forest supervisors observed that this crew could construct firelines three times faster than a USFS crew and could be rapidly mobilized to handle the most challenging fire incidents.
Until World War II, only men could serve on hotshot crews. The war led to a shortage of male firefighters, so women took their place until it ended. Despite the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibited gender bias, women didn't return to the fireline until the late 1970s.
By the 1940s, a crew of forty men became the foundational program for wildland firefighting, eventually known as hotshots. The name "hotshot" came from their job of tackling the hottest parts of wildfires and the quickness with which they contained the fires. In 1947, a twenty-man crew was formed in the Willamette National Forest, which, despite being smaller, improved efficiency and became the model still used today.
In 1947, three hotshot crews were established in the national forests of Southern California, including San Bernardino, Cleveland, Angeles, and Los Padres National Forests. The Los Padres Hotshot Crew, one of the first Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs), was established in 1948 and still operates under its original name today. In the 1960s, the Hotshots began creating shirts and hats with their crew emblems to distinguish themselves from non-hotshot firefighters, contributing to IHCs success.
New research has highlighted the significance of fire ecology, emphasizing that not all fires are bad when used strategically. Fire can actually be beneficial for maintaining healthy forests. This has led to fire ecologists, wildlife researchers, and Congress taking action to remove the 10 AM Policy in July 1977. This change allows incident commanders to have more authority over fire assignments when the initial attack fails. They are now able to consider other strategies, such as letting naturally caused fires burn out instead of immediately trying to suppress them.
The rise of Hotshot Crews is a response to the growing demand for specialized teams to handle the increasing intensity and complexity of wildfires. They have continued to evolve and expand across the country. Over 100 interagency hotshot crews serve the United States, ready to respond to wildfires and emergencies.
"It is man-killing work too, for the pace set is terrific, and no woodsman likes to show or to admit fatigue."
4 Key Attributes of Hotshot Crews
Training and Expertise
IHC members undergo extensive training in firefighting tactics, safety protocols, navigation, and wilderness survival. Their specialized skills enable them to execute complex firefighting strategies and operate effectively in hazardous environments.
Physical Fitness
The rigorous demands of wildland firefighting require IHCs to be in peak physical condition. They must have strength, endurance, and agility to perform their duties effectively.
Camaraderie and Teamwork
IHCs function as tight-knit teams that emphasize communication, trust, and collaboration. Their cohesion is essential to ensuring seamless coordination during firefighting operations.
Adaptable and Resilient
IHCs are trained to adapt to rapidly changing fire conditions and be resilient in the face of physical and mental challenges. Their ability to stay focused and composed during high-stress situations is an example of their professionalism.
Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Hotshot?
All IHC members aim to meet the following fitness standards:
- 1.5 mile run in a time of 10:35 or less.
- 40 sit-ups in 60 seconds
- 25 pushups in 60 seconds
- Chin-ups based on body weight.
- More than 170 lbs. = 4 chin-ups
- 135-170 lbs. = 5 chin-ups
- 110-135 lbs. = 6 chin-ups
- Less than 110 lbs. = 7 chin-ups
In addition to meeting the fitness requirements above, you must be able to complete the Arduous Level Pack Test, which includes walking 3 miles with a 45lbs pack in under 45 minutes.
Hotshots are the epitome of bravery, resilience, and dedication. They play a vital role in protecting our communities and preserving our natural landscapes. As we head into fire season, we extend our deepest gratitude for their tireless service, which reminds us of the courage and commitment at the heart of wildland firefighting.
About True North Gear
True North has invested over 30 years into researching, designing, and manufacturing innovative gear and clothing for first responders and industrial safety workers. We provide the pinnacle in performance through a design philosophy that embraces durability, comfort, and protection as inclusive elements. Designing and delivering dependable products is essential to our overarching mission to support and protect customers operating in life-risking environments every day. As part of these efforts, we focus on actions that improve and support the great outdoors. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, and as a Climate Neutral certified organization, we’re putting our resources and attention on helping the environment that our customers live and work in because a safer landscape means fewer lives on the line, along with healthier land, environment, and air.
