On today’s show: To support and subscribe👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Yesterday, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum received their 2025 wildfire briefing in the Forest Service offices and signed a joint wildfire memo afterward. Further, Secretary Rollins issued a memorandum directing the USDA and Forest Service to take immediate acti…

On Today’s Show: To subscribe and support 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/With wildfire couples starting another season and enduring the struggles that come with that, I thought it would be a great time to have a conversation about exactly this. Brittany Culbertson is a mom of two boys (17 & 20) and a proud Wildland Fire wife for 23 years. S…

On today’s show: To Support and Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ These last couple of weeks, listeners have been asking for an episode of the recent Timber Executive orders on Timber management in the National Forests. So, I invited Sharon Friedman on the show, who has a wealth of knowledge as the former Assistant Director of NEPA …

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe and support: 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome Jessie Thomas to discuss health and fitness through the fire season. Sometimes, you need to hack the system to make it work for you, as the food and nutrition provided are often subpar. So, Jessie provides solutions for how you make it through the year whil…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe and support the show 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With recent developments in Oregon, Idaho, and California regarding their use of wildfire risk maps, the skyrocketing cost of insurance, and the reality of living in the Wildland Urban Interface, Stanford scholar and lawyer Micheal Wara joins the show to prov…

On today’s show: To subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ There have been ongoing discussions about major changes in the wildfire world for some time now. As significant changes are ongoing across the government, we get our first look at a draft executive order regarding a national wildfire service and more. This includes aviation and c…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Zeke Lunder is a Pyro-geographer. His parents fled the Bay Area for the hillbilly sticks of Northeastern California in the late 1970s, when the timber industry was still a major part of the local economy, and Zeke started working in the woods in high school on a Forest Service c…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Zeyn O’Leary, a 35-year veteran fire lookout who has staffed towers since 1991. Zeyn started in the Iron Mountain Lookout on the Willamette National Forest, staffed the Rose Peak Lookout in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, and currently staffs the Mt. Pis…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With less than 48 hours to pass the Continuing Resolution that locks in base wage increases for wildland firefighters, I welcome Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana to discuss where we are. The House passed the Bill this week, and the Senate is expected to vote on it imminently. Will …

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome Justin DeMoss, current Golden Eagles Hotshot and of Hotshot Wellness. Justin is a dedicated humanitarian with a passion for improving physical, mental, and spiritual health. His mission is to help individuals achieve a better quality of life through holistic wellness. …

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The last time JJ was on the show, we discussed his study on fire lunches and their effects on the wildland firefighters’ bodies. Since then, he has been working with Hotshot Crews and other fire resources to set them up with the optimal plan to maintain nutrition and health pre,…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome back Dr. Ludie Bond to discuss the already active Florida Fire season. Conditions across Florida are abnormally dry, and forests are starting to see fire activity they would typically see in March. The recent hurricanes also have impacted fuels, with large swath…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Nearly 7,000 probationary employees were terminated in the last 48 hours across the land management agencies and park service. This included researchers at the Missoula Fire Lab, trails crews, biologists, and others. The agencies have yet to communicate on the terminations that …

On today’s show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I have a conversation with Eddie Goldberg, Vice Chairman Of Perimeter Solutions. Perimeter Solutions holds the sole contract with the Forest Service for retardants and has operations around the globe. We discuss the testing that retardants undergo, their composition, the safety …

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I cover the proposal for the new National Wildfire Fire Service. This has been discussed for decades, and an effort to finally streamline the wildfire bureaucracy now has bipartisan support. It would consolidate all fire agencies under one umbrella. The USDA sent out a policy em…

On today’s show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I cover all the wild reforms inside the wildfire agencies over the last week, how they happened, and why. It’s been a whirlwind of policy changes, website deletions, and top-level control of all IT and servers across the Departments. I even got a sneak peek at the current…

On today’s show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I cover the President’s visit to the California wildfires, then dive into the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House this week and will likely pass the Senate. Inside this Act is a provision to determine if the Forest Service should be moved to a Western state out of Washin…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I speak with John Gould, one of the most respected voices in the wildfire industry. John’s career spans the wildfire world, including being a longtime Alaska Smokejumper, chair of the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, head of Air Operations for the Bureau of Land Management…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I spoke with Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy about the recent fires in California and the changes needed in the aftermath. Chief Fennessy is the Chair of the Firescope Advisory Committee, which will meet next week to make recommendations to improve the current system and…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With the tragedy of the Palisades and Eaton Fires in California over the last week, I sat down with Senator Tim Sheehy to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that this tragedy never happens again and make certain our wildland firefighters are supported. The Senator and I hav…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The ATF has taken over as the lead investigator into the Palisades Fire and has been looking at the fire's origin. The best origin photo I’ve seen shows the fire starting off the Temescal Ridge Trail within the first 20 minutes of ignition. Investigators are also looking at the …

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ In the last 24 hours, the LAFD Chief has commented that Los Angeles city officials have let the Department and city residents down. When further pressed, the chief confirmed that one major reservoir was empty due to construction and that her department was not notified before or…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ A lot of progress has been made across the California Fires, Palisades, Hurst, Eaton, and Kenneth. The hard work and labor must now be done by the crews to contain these fires. Local Residents tackled and made a citizen arrest near the Kenneth Fire of an individual who was start…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I give an update on the current situation with the southern California fires, the unbelievable level of destruction, and the lives lost. I also discuss the wild theories that have been incorporated into news reporting. I address the hydrants running out of water, lack of resour…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ This morning, I give an update on the fires that started and burned through the night in Southern California. Multiple new starts have evacuated nearly 100,000 people, likely destroying hundreds of homes and businesses and tapping wildfire resources in the State. People are underst…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ After three years of attempts, the final Bill of this Congress strips the wildland firefighter permanent pay fix language. The Supplemental Pay is to continue until March 14th. A reset button has been hit, and many former players won’t be there the next time this is voted on. Mas…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, who heads the U.S. Fire Administration. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell was appointed by President Joseph Biden as the U.S. fire administrator on Oct. 25, 2021. Prior to her appointment, Lori served nearly 3 years as the president and chief execu…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe to support👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Scott Gorman, who ran the Dalton Hotshots before making the jump to Orange County to run Santiago Crew 1. Scott started his career in 1995 and was motivated to challenge himself and pursue a wildfire career after finding a mentor in an El Cariso Hotshot w…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The President of the Forest Service Council, Andy Vanderheuel, and the Western Region National Business Representative for NFFE, Matt Brossard, join me in discussing the upcoming vote for the permanent wildfire pay legislation. We discuss the upcoming vote, what’s in the Bill, and …

On Today’s Show: Subscribe to support the show: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Dr. Luke Montrose, assistant professor of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences at Colorado State University. His work focuses on the health effects of wildfire smoke, and he studies how human behaviors and environment affect the way o…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I am honored to welcome Chief Brian Fennessy, who has a long and distinguished wildfire career that has led him to become President of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority. We had a very candid conversation about the ong…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The Wall Street Journal published an article claiming that Bridger Aerospace is being attacked by predatory short sellers and political opponents. I cover that story and reached out to the parties involved, Montana Senator Jon Tester and Bridger Aerospace Founder and Senate candi…

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome the founders of FiredUp Partners, a wildfire advocacy group working to advance real solutions for wildland firefighters nationwide. They have recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they worked on the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, better housing, …

On Today’s Episode: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Extreme fire behavior continues across the United States. Firefighters stranded after a bridge burned over. Multiple fires had firefighters moving into safety zones due to fire behavior. Fires in Idaho burned 12+ miles in just hours; Wyoming fires merge, burn through subdivisions…

On today’s show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Jessie Thomas of Sustainable Wellness. Jesse has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former Lolo and Flathead Hotshot turned Missoula Smokejumper of 8 years. We discuss reviving your gut health after fire season, maintaining your physical and mental health to…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ While traveling after a shift on The Airport Fire, a crew buggy rolled over on a California Freeway. They swerved to avoid a ladder that was in the middle of their lane—8 total injuries, with six firefighters in critical condition. I cover the Forest Service’s all employee call this…

On Today’s Episode: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Investigation into the nearly 10,000-acre Alexander Fire leads to arrest in Colorado. The suspect was allegedly impersonating a firefighter and law enforcement. He was pulling people over, pulling weapons, and driving around in a fake fire department truck. The suspect personally…

On today’s episode: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ A state of emergency has been declared due to the Line Fire in San Bernardino County. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with a few clues available. Unreal story of multiple Hotshot Crews declining an assignment due to safety concerns, then demobed. Other cr…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full Operational Update I go through the entire report released on the Little Twist Fire tree strike in Utah that left a Bonneville Hotshot pinned under a tree and severely injured. We get his perspective on the incident and how he stayed calm to calm his crew down. Two states, Mas…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe: 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Chief Moore has strong words for the Feds regarding the increased cost of living and falling behind on inflation costs. Updates the rent rebates. He says there is hypocrisy in the system as BLM firefighters are getting cost of living increases, but FS employees living in the same b…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Balloons are once again flying over Idaho fires. I cover why they are there and what they are doing. An arsonist started another fire in Grass Valley, California. They were released from jail just hours before. How to get hired on a Hotshot Crew. I answer the questions people have b…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Colorado pops off. At least 1 civilian fatality and 4 firefighters were injured this week on those fires. Severe UTV crash on The Pioneer Fire in Washington, 3 injuries including broken bones and spinal injuries. Autonomous drones looking to use public surveillance systems to suppre…

On Today's Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ CalFire investigators announce the arrest of an arsonist who started the Park Fire. It’s now the largest fire in California this year. Oregon and Washington continue to struggle with a huge amount of wildfire and limited resources. Ranchers and private landowners step up to help. O…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com I had a conversation with Bobby Blaine, who is hiking the 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide Trail. Bobby is a member of the American River Hotshots, and he got his start on a trails crew before joining the apprenticeship program on a type 6 engine in the Pac…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ There have been multiple injuries and tree strikes on wildfires in California, Alaska, and in Wyoming. One led to a C-Spine fracture. Complacency can creep in, stay dialed and keep it tight. I cover the reports on the two firefighter fatalities this week. Should we start using mili…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ CalFire engine rolls over en route to wildfire in Oroville. Multiple injuries, however, no fatalities after a horrific crash. Northern California goes PL3. Bitterness inside the Forest Service between fire and non-fire employees boils over. “Don’t reply all”… Yeeeeesh. Full operati…

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Firefighters were robbed while working at the Upper Applegate Fire in Oregon. Gear, saws, and everything else were stolen. Police are searching for suspects. This morning, a permanent wildfire pay fix was inserted into the DOI appropriations Bill, which also includes other very inte…

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Full update on the New Mexico fires. Official fire reports listed the fires as human-caused for 2 days. The Agency spokesperson says that was an automated computer error. CIMT spokesperson said they were told the fires were both human and lightning caused during their inbrief. The local mayor …

On Today’s Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I spoke with the folks from NFFE Wildfire about The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, where it is in the process, their trip to D.C. next week, and everything else they have been working on. Thanks to Max Alonzo, Andy Vanderheuel, and Steve Gutierrez for the great conversation abou…

On Today's Show: https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Dr. Amber Ortega is an air quality meteorologist, wildland fire smoke specialist, and atmospheric chemist with nearly two decades of experience researching, forecasting, and managing smoke. She serves as the Regional Smoke Coordinator at both the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest & Alaska F…