What is a Hotshot?

A “Hotshot” refers to an individual who serves on Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC). These crews are specialized teams of highly trained wildland firefighters entrusted with some of the most grueling and hazardous work in fire management. These crews are often relied upon to handle the most complex wildfire incidents, using their expertise to manage perilous situations under extreme conditions. Their work demands a rare combination of physical endurance, expert knowledge of fire behavior, and an unyielding ability to assess and mitigate risk effectively. These crews operate under land management agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management and various state agencies.

Mission and Purpose

The primary mission of IHCs is to provide a professional, mobile, and skilled hand crew for all phases of wildland fire management and incident operations. Hotshot crews are often assigned to the most challenging sections of a fireline, where their experience and advanced training make them crucial to containment efforts. Beyond firefighting, IHCs may also engage in prescribed burns, resource management projects, and all-hazard incident responses.

The Work

Fireline Construction

Hotshots create containment lines to stop wildfires from spreading. Using hand tools like axes and shovels, chainsaws, and other specialized equipment, they clear vegetation and debris to form barriers. These tasks are performed in rugged, remote terrain where machinery can’t operate. Crews hike for miles carrying 40+ pounds of gear, often working in hot, smoky, and steep environments. Endurance, grit, and situational awareness are essential for this demanding work.

Burnout Operations

Burnout operations involve setting controlled fires to eliminate fuel in a wildfire’s path, reducing its intensity and spread. Hotshots must have expert knowledge of fire behavior, weather patterns, and safety protocols to execute these operations effectively. Decisions are high-stakes and made quickly, requiring focus and precision.

Hazardous Conditions

Hotshots face some of the most perilous conditions in firefighting. They work 16-hour shifts and can go 24 hours without relief, enduring extreme heat, heavy smoke, steep terrain, and sleep deprivation. Tasks like using sharp tools in the dark on unstable hillsides add to the risk. Compatibility, camaraderie, and teamwork are vital, as crews spend months together, eating, working, and traveling as a unit.

Travel and Availability

Travel is a large part of the job, requiring long drives in crowded vehicles or transport by plane or helicopter. During fire season, crews are on call 24/7 and must be ready to deploy within minutes. This round-the-clock availability demands personal commitment and limits personal travel or downtime.

Project Work and Prescribed Burns

When not deployed to a fire, Hotshots perform project work such as forestry management and prescribed burns. These controlled burns improve forest health and reduce the risk of large wildfires, contributing to the long-term health of ecosystems. This work involves intense manual labor and serves as preparation for fire season.

Emergency Response Beyond Wildfires

Hotshots don’t just fight wildfires. Their skills are invaluable in disaster recovery efforts, such as hurricane relief, flood management, and earthquake response. Some crews specialize in search and rescue operations or technical rope rescues, showcasing their adaptability across various emergencies. Remarkably, some hotshot crews even responded to 9/11, demonstrating their commitment to serving in the most challenging situations.

Physical and Mental Demands

The physical and mental demands of being a Hotshot are immense. Crews endure grueling conditions with little access to sleep, amenities, or communication. Work is both physically demanding and emotionally taxing, with risks of injury and mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Organizations like Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and the Eric Marsh Foundation aim to provide support and raise awareness for these issues.

A Life of Service

Hotshots are motivated by a deep sense of duty to protect lives, property, and the natural environment. Their work reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to service, often under the most trying conditions. Through their efforts, they not only battle fires but also help restore balance to nature, reminding us of the interconnectedness of human communities and ecosystems.

Life as a Hotshot

The life of a Hotshot is no doubt challenging, but it's also filled with unique adventures and unforgettable experiences. Yes, the work is demanding — carrying 50-pound packs up steep terrain, working 16-hour shifts in heat and smoke, and embracing quick meals and nights under the stars. But it’s also a lifestyle that builds unmatched discipline, resilience, and camaraderie. The bonds formed through shared struggles and triumphs are lifelong and unbreakable.

Hotshots are not just local heroes; they’re national resources, traveling across the country to protect communities. Long hours on the road offer time to dive into books, listen to music, or simply take in the views of America’s incredible landscapes. It’s a job that immerses you in history, nature, and places few people ever get to see. One day, you might be flown into the Alaskan tundra with just your gear and MREs; another, you’re hiking through rain-drenched forests, laughing with your crew as you all get soaked. The sunsets seen from remote ridges, the friendships forged with like-minded teammates, and the sense of purpose you feel after every mission make this more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

When fire season slows, Hotshots recharge and reflect on the work they've done. Some take well-earned time off, while others keep helping as a single resource. No matter where they are, Hotshots are always ready for the next adventure.

Becoming a Hotshot

Becoming a Hotshot is not for everyone—it requires determination, grit, and preparation. This specialized firefighting role demands exceptional physical and mental toughness, as well as a high level of skill and preparedness.

Physical Fitness

Hotshot crews adhere to rigorous fitness standards. Candidates at a minimum must pass the arduous-level pack test, which involves carrying a 45-pound pack over 3 miles in under 45 minutes. Additional fitness targets include running 1.5 miles in under 10 minutes and 35 seconds, completing 40 sit-ups in 60 seconds, and performing chin-ups based on body weight. These benchmarks are the national standards, but some crews have their own fitness programs and additional expectations to ensure members are fully prepared for the intense demands of the job.

Experience

Most Hotshots don’t start in this role. Many begin their careers working on Type 2 handcrews, engine crews, fuels crews, or spending time helping with prescribed fires to gain the necessary experience and certifications for transitioning into a Hotshot position. Building a foundation in wildland fire management is critical for success. Often, when Hotshots move on from the role, they step into leadership positions across various resources, bringing their hotshot expertise to the broader fire management community. Hands-on experience with wildland firefighting is valuable but not required for securing an entry level hotshot position.

Training and Certifications

To join a Hotshot crew, candidates must complete foundational courses such as Basic Wildland Firefighter Training (S-130/S-190). Reaching out directly to Hotshot crews is the best way to gain insight to what a program is looking for in a candidate and will help establish a personal connection to someone on that crew. Having relevent certifications, qualifications, or experience such as Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Emergency Medical Technician(EMT), Wilderness First Responder(WFR) can greatly increase your chance to secure a position on a hotshot crew. The USDA Forest Service provides a comprehensive list of Hotshot crews nationwide—explore it here to learn more about individual crews and their vital work.

A Legacy of Leadership

The history of Interagency Hotshot Crews dates back to the 1940s when Southern California’s fierce fire seasons called for specialized teams with advanced training. Over decades, the role has become an essential part of fire management, evolving through lessons learned in the field and formalized training standards. Today, more than 100 IHCs operate across the United States, primarily in fire-prone western states. Their extensive experience makes them among the most relied-upon resources for national incidents.

More Resources About Hotshot Crews