Where to start
I’m a girl wanting to get into wildland fire but not sure where to begin. I volunteer with my local volunteer fire department & prescribed burn association. I LOVE burning. I can do all the physical hotshot qualifications & have all my courses up to date through my current job training but I was never red carded because I’ve never been brought on by an agency or pack tested. I have a full time fisheries job that I love but my heart is calling me into fire. I’m in good shape but I’m really not macho or competitive at all & I wouldn’t say I’m particularly strong but very active & competent. I don’t know if becoming a hotshot makes sense for me or how long it would take me to get to, but I really want to work hard & cut down trees & put fire on the ground & feel like I’m making a difference for our forests in a well respected position with a cool team. It feels like the most important & rewarding job in the world. Not sure about how much crew culture matters & I don’t really care honestly I just don’t want people to be condescending or feel like I’m holding them back. I’m fine being the only girl in a room or on a crew but I don’t really have interest in being one of the guys. I’m ready to work hard but I’m definitely not as tough as most fire guys I know. I have backpacked like 1800 miles straight over like 4 months & can run a 1:53 half marathon. I climb, surf, run, & do hot pilates like every day. I know that’s not the same as PT or being on a fire but it’s what I like to do lol. What are the options in getting into fire and career progression from here?
Posted Aug 28, 2026, 7:40 AM UTC