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PAST EVENTS
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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.
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Our mission is to advance the health and wellness of wildland firefighters through health-focused advocacy, education, programs, and scholarships.
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.
Our programs
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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.
We have completed all WARP events for 2026. Stay tuned for more events in the 2027!
To learn more about WARP, please visit our WARP page located here.
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The Personal Development Fund is Hotshot Wellness's individualized scholarship initiative, designed to remove financial barriers that prevent wildland firefighters from pursuing meaningful opportunities for personal growth.
Rather than prescribing a predetermined solution, the program empowers firefighters to identify the opportunity they believe will have the greatest impact on their own development, while Hotshot Wellness provides expert guidance, structured review, and financial support to responsibly invest in that journey.
This program is currently under development and has an approved initial budget of $10,000.
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Warming Fires is Hotshot Wellness's peer support and resilience initiative, designed to strengthen the culture of support within the wildland fire community through immersive retreats, peer support training, facilitated discussion, and shared experience. Participants develop practical skills that improve individual well-being while strengthening crews, families, and organizations.
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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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Our mission is to transform current scientific research into concise, engaging, and practical educational content that empowers wildland firefighters to make informed decisions about their health. By translating complex evidence into accessible language, we connect researchers, healthcare professionals, and firefighters through a common understanding grounded in science and real-world application.
Through article reviews, educational graphics, short-form videos, expert interviews, podcasts, and digital media, 6 Minutes for Health delivers evidence-informed information in a format that respects the realities of the fireline and the limited time available during the season.
This project is currently under development in collaboration with The Montrose Lab, hosted at Colorado State University.
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Type 1 Resilience was created to provide that system.
Type 1 Resilience is Hotshot Wellness's comprehensive framework for personal and professional development, designed to help firefighters build the knowledge, skills, relationships, and experiences that support lifelong health and resilience. Rather than delivering a single program, Type 1 Resilience serves as the umbrella under which multiple developmental pathways—including immersive retreats, workshops, education, peer support, and mentorship—work together to create lasting change.
“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