Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to support the health and wellness of Interagency Hotshot Crews and Wildland Firefighters.
By providing personal development opportunities, comprehensive health & wellness resources, and advocacy efforts, we empower firefighters to excel both on and off the fireline. We strive to cultivate a culture of growth, proactive care, and accessible support, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
We are a registered non-profit organization based in Oregon and are actively pursuing 501(c)(3) status.
Our Focus
Centralized Wellness Center: A hub for wildland firefighters (WLFFs) to access comprehensive wellness resources, including physical, mental, and emotional support tailored to the demands of their profession. (In development)
Personal Development Scholarships: Supporting WLFFs on their wellness journey by providing access to education and growth opportunities in areas like breathwork, yoga, retreats, and holistic practices. Scholarships also help cover resources such as gym memberships and adventure therapy, empowering recipients to focus on their well-being.
Events and Initiatives for WLFFs: From our flagship Wildland Fire Wellness Summit to other community-building events, we bring together experts, practitioners, and firefighters to explore innovative approaches to health, resilience, and camaraderie in the wildland fire profession.
Tailored Social Media Content: Curated, evidence-based posts designed to engage, educate, and connect the WLFF community. Our content focuses on fitness, recovery, mental health, and tips for thriving in this challenging line of work. We collaborate with researchers and practitioners to advance WLFF health and wellness, ensuring our posts are both impactful and informed.
Research Grants Towards WLFF Health: Supporting research into the health, wellness, and safety of wildland firefighters. These grants aim to advance understanding and improve outcomes for the WLFF community.
Evidence-Based Education & Advocacy: Providing science-backed guidance and raising awareness to support WLFF health and wellness. Our aim is twofold: to advocate for the mental and physical health of wildland firefighters and to educate the general public about the unique challenges and demands of this profession.
PT & Nutrition Plans: Customized physical training and nutrition plans designed specifically for WLFFs to enhance performance, aid recovery, and maintain overall health during and after fire seasons. We also offer our services to wildland fire programs, helping them build plans tailored to the specific needs of their crews.
Our Story
Wildland firefighters face immense mental, physical, and emotional challenges daily. The demanding culture of strength and self-reliance often prevents individuals from seeking the support they need, leading to compounded issues like burnout, substance abuse, isolation, or even suicide. Despite these challenges, accessible and tailored resources remain limited, leaving a glaring gap in support for these brave individuals.
Hotshot Wellness was born to address this urgent need. As current and former firefighters, we’ve witnessed the toll this work takes and the inadequacy of traditional resources. Wildland firefighters face chronic stress, exposure to toxic hazards, and unsafe work environments, yet lack the tools to face these unique demands.
Our goal is to advocate for firefighter wellbeing through meaningful, evidence-based resources. Built on the same values that define a Hotshot Crew—teamwork, resilience, and dedication—we aim to provide holistic wellness tools, accessible support, and strong advocacy tailored specifically to this profession. While our initial focus is on supporting Hotshot Crews, we are committed to making our resources available to everyone, ensuring no firefighter is left without the tools they need to thrive.
This mission is deeply personal to us. We’ve experienced the challenges firsthand and seen the consequences of inadequate support. But we’ve also seen this community’s strength and its readiness for change. Hotshot Wellness is here to be the catalyst for that change, driven by the belief that every firefighter deserves to thrive—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
