What is a Hotshot?

Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs)—commonly referred to as Hotshots—are specialized teams of highly trained wildland firefighters entrusted with some of the most grueling and hazardous work in fire management. These crews are 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.

The Work of Hotshots

Hotshots, or Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC), are elite wildland firefighters who take on the nation’s most challenging and hazardous fire suppression tasks. They work under extreme conditions, showcasing top physical fitness, mental toughness, and teamwork, often traveling across the United States and Canada to respond to incidents. Their role is not only critical in fighting wildfires but also in disaster response and forest management.

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 demanding, both physically and mentally. Days often mean carrying 50-pound packs up steep terrain, working 16-hour shifts in heat and smoke, with little rest. Meals are quick and basic, sleep is on the ground under the stars, and fatigue becomes a constant companion. It’s a tough, unrelenting grind that requires discipline, resilience, and teamwork. On the line, every decision impacts the crew’s safety, and the bonds formed through shared struggle are unbreakable.

When fire season slows, Hotshots take time off to recharge. Many also work on local projects, like maintaining trails or preparing for the next fire season. Others stay on as single resources, supporting national incidents where extra help is needed. Whether on the line or off, Hotshots are always ready to step up when called.

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 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 crews, engine crews, handcrews, 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 expertise to the broader fire management community.

Training and Certifications

To join a Hotshot crew, candidates must complete foundational courses such as Basic Wildland Firefighter Training (S-130/S-190). Hands-on experience with wildland firefighting is crucial for securing fire-related positions. Reaching out directly to Hotshot crews can also be invaluable, offering unique insights into their specific programs and requirements. The USDA Forest Service provides a comprehensive list of Hotshot crews nationwide—explore it here to learn more about individual teams and their vital work.

For those ready to embrace the challenge, becoming part of a Hotshot crew is more than a job—it’s a calling. It brings a deep sense of purpose, responsibility, and the chance to make a lasting impact in the fight against wildfires.

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 on the fireline.