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news & aNNOUNCEMENTS:
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Our mission is to advance the health and wellness of wildland firefighters through health-focused advocacy, education, programs, and scholarships.
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Hotshot Wellness was founded in 2021 by current and former federal hotshot wildland firefighters who recognized an urgent need for better physical, mental, and emotional conditions within the wildland firefighting community.
We understand the escalating challenges faced by wildland firefighters as fire seasons grow longer and more severe. Insufficient federal support has contributed to rising mental health struggles, higher risks of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and troubling rates of suicide and suicidal ideation.
In response, we are committed to advancing their health and well-being through targeted education, impactful programs, and scholarships designed to provide meaningful support.
We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, based in Oregon.
PAST EVENTS
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YOGA IN THE PARK
PACIFIC BEACH, CALIFORNIA | MAY 24TH, 2026
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COMMUNITY & MEMORIAL DAY
PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON | MAY 22, 2026
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WILDFIRE SOCIAL
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA | APRIL 28TH, 2026
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MIKE HESS HELPS HOTSHOT WELLNESS
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA | FEBRUARY 21ST, 2026
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WARP: SNOWSPORTS
SUN VALLEY, ID | JANUARY 25-30, 2026
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Rocky Mountain Wildfire Smoke Symposium
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO | OCTOBER 15-16, 2025
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SPRING SEND-OFF
MT. HOOD MEADOWS, OREGON | APRIL 26TH, 2025
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WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER MEETUP
PORTLAND, OREGON | MARCH 6TH, 2025
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WARP: SURF THERAPY
MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA | MARCH 12TH, 2025
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YOGA IN THE PARK
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA | MARCH 9TH, 2025
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YOGA IN THE PARK
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA | FEBRUARY 16TH, 2025
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WARP: OCEANSPORTS
MANATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA | FEBRUARY 22ND, 2025
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WILDLAND FIRE WELLNESS SUMMIT
VIRTUAL | FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 1, 2025
Our programs
Our initiatives focus on supporting the health, mental wellness, and personal growth of wildland firefighters (WLFFs).
We celebrate leadership and resilience with awards, host events to foster community and camaraderie, and create evidence-based social media content to promote fitness, mental health, and recovery.
Additionally, we advocate for WLFF well-being through education and raising public awareness about their unique challenges.
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Wildland Adventure Resiliency Program
After the grueling demands of fire season, WARP provides therapeutic, adventure-based retreats designed to help these heroes recharge, heal, and reconnect with the landscapes that inspire them.
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The Recharge Fund, part of the Personal Development Program (PDP), provides targeted financial assistance to wildland firefighters seeking opportunities to restore, recharge, and build long-term resilience.
Through a curated network of retreats and practitioners, the fund helps cover costs such as program admission and travel for somatic, mindfulness, and alternative medicine retreats. By removing financial barriers to these transformative experiences, the Recharge Fund empowers firefighters to recover from stress and burnout, develop sustainable self-care practices, and return to their work and lives with greater clarity, strength, and balance.
This program is currently under development and has an approved initial budget of $10,000.
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We've created interactive maps to connect you with health and wellness professionals who understand the unique challenges you face—whether they specialize in mental health, physical recovery, or have firsthand experience as wildland firefighters themselves.
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"6 Minutes for Health" is a daily wellness initiative designed by firefighters, for firefighters. Inspired by the safety briefings already standard in wildland firefighting, this program expands the conversation to address the full spectrum of health challenges faced by wildland firefighters.
This project is currently under development in collaboration with The Montrose Lab, hosted at Colorado State University.
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The Wildland Fire Virtual Wellness Summit 2025 brought wildland firefighters together online from February 24 to March 1 for a series of daily sessions with experts on nutrition, mental health, resilience, and more. This event prioritized well-being and offered tools to help attendees thrive personally and professionally.
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“Hotshot Wellness excels in building relationships and connecting the right professionals to support our first responders' mental and physical wellness. ”
Megan Lautz, RescueRD
“Mystery Ranch is proud to stand behind Hotshot Wellness’s mission and are deeply grateful for the impact it continues to make within the Fire Community.”
Mystery Ranch
Our Partners
