HANDCREWS  PHOTO  DESCRIPTION  PAGE

Handcrews

Arizona 1: Plumas Hotshots arrived on scene in Southern New Mexico, gearing up to head to the top!

Arizona 2: Plumas Hotshots now on top of the hill, chasing spot fires over the ridge line in 12 foot high brush. I'm up on lookout rock taking this picture.

Gardnerville 1: Nevada, Carson City District, around 1983. I would have loved some engine, dozer, & air support before taking my handcrew out to attack this fire.

Gardnerville 2: But ya take what you get!

Hand1, 1B, & 2: I've given many chainsaw training classes and have certified more new fallers than I can remember the names of. These particular photos I just had to share cause I still find them so entertaining. This energetic crewman was actually quite proud of himself when this one hit the ground. . . and in a way, I was too.

Bigtree 1  &  2: A photo to inspire wet dreams for loggers and nightmares for environmentalists. A little smoke in the top of this beauty made it a mandatory target. That would be Abercrombie on the left in the second photo and an engine crewmember on the right.

Hog 1: Hog Fire, Klamath NF, R5, 1977. The view from the top is only worth it if you stop and take the time to enjoy it. If ya have any spare time, that is.

Hog 2: This is one of the widest handlines I ever had the pleasure to help construct. As I recall, it was about a 200 foot overstory removal and a 40 foot scrape, but even that wasn't enough as the night shift lost portions of the line five nights in a row due to slop-overs.

Hog 3: Some help from mother nature to put the fire out. . . rain. This, our humble base camp home where we were trying to keep the rain off of us and our gear. Most nights we were spiked out on the top. I have fond memories of sleeping in used paper sleeping bags (one of which had been used by a person or persons with major cases of poison oak) on a 30% slope. The last couple of nights at the spike camp we were rained on and woke up with a few inches of water in the bottom of the bags. Upon arrival in the spike camp at the end of each shift, we were invited to reach into a pot full of semi-boiling water to fish out our dinner which consisted of 1 can of entree from a c-ration for each person. I don't know where the crackers/jam/peanut butter/fruit cocktail stuff went. However, at the time, I didn't think life could get any better. Upon reflection, I don't think it ever did.

Abercrombie: Yep, that's me during one of my many happy times, no cares, no worries, no problem. Just drop my pack and dig-dig-dig-the-stump hole.

Mountain Trail: The Mountain Trail Fire, just north of the town of Sierra Madre on the Angeles NF, Region 5, around 1978-79. This was one of the most difficult line constructions I've ever been on. Not because of the fuels, but because of the background. We had to watch scantily clad, nubile young starlets practicing their back-swing, cooling off by the pool, etc., all the while swinging pulaskies at those stubborn yucca plants.

Rat: This poor little guy was caught in mid-stride trying to beat the flames. We also found a 6 and a half foot rattlesnake we brought back to fire camp to see if the caterers' would cook it for us. After the screaming stopped we were almost kicked out of fire camp. . . even though we had already skinned it and told them we would cut it to proper frying lengths. I think this was the Turner Fire on the San Bernardino NF, 1978.

Guest 8B: Crew on the Stonewall Incident in 8/98. Courtesy of Terry N.

Guest 9: GW-JNF Virginia Crew in Florida at the Chipola Complex near Panama City in July. I couldn't have been on a better crew. Check out the fire crew bus! Courtesy of Whit Sours.

New Jersey Crew: Firefighters on the Boone Hut Fire, Daniel Boone National Forest, Stanton Kentucky. Approx 2 min after photo was taken a major blow up caused the firefighters to evacuate this position. Minutes later the fire blew over this burnout operation as firefighters evacuated. Everyone made it out 2 crew members got cut off for approx 30 minutes but made it out safely. Photo taken by EC.

78 Crew: Crew photo during the Cap fire on the Tahoe... wish it came out better. Courtesy of Jim G.

Driptorch MN: On the job with the driptorch in the Land o' Lakes. A pic of Bum Pup taken by Bum Pup's crew leader with a little disposable camera.

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84 Crew: Crappy picture I know.. but the location makes it worth it. This was during the nevada blitz in 84... were cruising from fire to fire with plumas and redding. As we passed the mustang we just had to stop and take a crew pic! Jim G.

Fatigue: I believe this was either on the Five or Grider Fire on the klamath. One of our saw teams showing fatigue after a long shift of slammin' line. Jim G.

Felling: Here is an other for your sawyer page, me when I was lead saw on the shot crew: Crystal Creek Fire, Colorado 1980. Photo credit goes to some guy that I gave my camera to and asked to take the picture. Don't remember who it was, might have been Tommy. Courtesy Tim F.

Hammerhorn: From a small fire on the mendocino in 83... nothin special but I like it because of the depth perception with the fire in the background. Jim G.

Kevin: Kevin L. before he became a smokejumper, when he was the saw boss on the Pike Hotshots. The photo was taken on the Rattlesnake fire on the Boise N.F. in 1989. Note the old style metal Bullard hard hat. Photo by Tim F.

Party Pit: Not sure which this photo brings back more....fond memories or a headache. This is the crews fire pit after a long night of solvin' the world's problems. Pulaski.

Outcrop: Kirk Fire, 1999. Courtesy of Burt.

Crew on Castillo: AG Flight Crew working on the Castillo Fire, burning out. Photo provided by Tom P.

Holding Castillo: AG Flight Crew holding the Castillo Fire. Photo provided by Tom P.

Not Burn: One last photo of the millennium. One last attempt at putting smoke in the air this year. Dec. 28th, two handcrews, 3 engines, 1 helicopter, 1 water tender, some smokejumpers, assorted forest personnel and unfortunately, light winds out of the north. Well at least the Shasta-Trinity NF follows the "Go-No Go" check list. Better luck (southerly wind component) next year! Compliments of Stu.

ODF Crew: Our assignment was Mt.Airey, NC, but we were staged in Knoxville TN. at this time I cannot remember the official fire name. We were a joint strike team, combined of Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Forest Service, and the B.L.M. This is the first time in the history of O.D.F. that we crossed the Mississippi. Photo compliments of Jimbo.

Woman FF: This shot was taken last November on a prescriped burn west of Coffee Creek, CA. Those are the Trinity Alps in the background. Photo courtesy of Stu.

Taladega Burnout: Burning out on the Taladega Fire, Taladega National Forest, Alabama, 1998. Photo courtesy of KJ.

Woman & Fire: Burning out on the Taladega Fire. Photo provided by KJ.

Driptorch Fun: After a hard day, some fun! KJ and Dave B., Taladega Fire, Taladega National Forest, Alabama, 1998. Photo compliments of KJ.

Onion Backburn: Part of the Big Bar Complex of fires in the Shasta-Trinities Aug 23-Nov 7, 1999, the Onion Fire was backburned and contained almost 6 weeks before the Megram was finally put out by late fall rains. Photo compliments of Mellie.

Sacramento Shots: Members of the Sacramento Hotshots from AZ taken during the containment backburn in late Sept, 1999 above Five Waters. Photo taken by Roger E.

Crew Gone Overhead: VG at Big Bar Firecamp, was on the Onion Fire when it first began with Bacon's Team. When the fire burned on, she came back again as part of Bateman's R3 Team. While not a member of a handcrew on these fires, she certainly knows that role well! Photo courtesy of Mellie.

Flathead Shots: From Flathead Lake, Montana, these shots knew all my Montana relatives. Felt like old home week to sit around the picnic table at Five Waters, take a breather and talk, while waiting for their ride. Photos complements of Mellie.

CDF Crew: Here's a picture of my Firecrew (CDF) from Cuesta Camp. At a fire near Cuyama, California (Spanish Ranch?). Compliments of Michael.

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Tired and Dirty: Crooked Fire, Idaho, 2000, Kevin Q and female groundpounder, taken by KJ.

Crooked Fire: KJ and Jon H., Idaho. Sent in by KJ.

Idaho 2000: Another woman firefighter on the Crooked Fire. Compliments of KJ.

Break: Groundpounders take a break. Sent in by KJ.

Home Sweet Home: Firecamp home. Compliments of the one whose home it is.

Mop-up: Idaho/Montana, summer 2000. That woman wields a Pulaski! Photo taken by KJ.

Delaware Crew: Some members of the Delaware Crew in Montana, Fires 2000. NA and others.

Franklin CDF Crew 1 & 2: CDF inmate crew who were building line and burning out on the Franklin Fire, NE Mendocino NF, first week in April, 2000. (Carlson's Type 2 Team was in charge. They were joined by firefighters who had been on the Town Fire as that one was contained.)

Kirk '99: Taken on the Kirk Fire North during a phoschek retardant drop. Courtesy of Burt.

LP IHC in Jackpot NV, in Colorado, and in Georgia: The Los Padres Interagency Hotshot Crew working fire around the US. Photos compliments of Norman.

Sonoma Vollies 1-3: Here are some pics from our zone training in July. Sonoma County, near the Russian River. Mobile attack kind of stuff. Photos contributed by L.A.V.E.

Bitterroot HS: This is a preflight safety briefing for the Bitterroot Hotshots. It preceeded their helicopter transport to an inaccessible location on the Johnson Creek Fire. The Bitterroot HS were one of the crews that worked on the Lakeview Complex (OR). Photo by Mike Matarrese, Branch Director on Stutler's PNW Team 3.

Roosevelt IHC: Here is a photo of our 2001 Roosevelt Hotshot Crew, a new Colorado crew. Our people come from as far east as Maine and as far west as CA. These people are great! Photo taken and sent in by Rocky Mountain.

Fresno Crew: Manter Fire CA, August 2000, Sequoia National Forest. Fresno Blues AD crew from the Sierra. The crew formed up for a photo near Church dome after being forced into the black by extreme fire activity. Photo taken by USFS-FEO.

Dinner: Mexico 8 Fire AZ, April 1999, Coronado National Forest. USFS regular crew, composed primarily of permanent engine personnel. This Dinner break was hosted by MRE and several main courses were available as long as they came in a brown plastic wrapper. Photo taken by USFS-FEO.

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More: What a surprise to see those pictures after 50 plus years. Alan Turk identified several of the guys on the crew. I started as a Hotshot in the 1952 season, and became the L.P. Hotshot truck driver in 1953, and drove and fought fires during the 1954 & 1955 seasons also. That's probably me (Bob Purvis) standing by the Hotshot truck in one photo. I think that is Joe Gonzalez (5th from left in top row), and Lee Powers (somewhere) in the other photo. I agree that that's Porky Moreno (seated front row, far left), and Ed Bensen (standing far left in top row). A lot of these guys had gone to Santa Ynez High School... Alan Turk, Denny Treloar, Joe Gonzalez, Lee Powers, and myself, among others. It was great to see some of these old friends at the 50 year L.P. Hotshot Anniversary get together held in 1999 (actually delayed until 2001 due to extended fire season). Thanks for putting these photos on your site. Bob Purvis

Ferguson Crew: Building line near Denny, Onion Fire, Sept, 1999. Photo taken by Mellie.

Southwest Crew: A crew from one of the reservations in AZ. Megram Fire, late Oct, 1999. Photo taken by Mellie.

Canada Spike: Spike camp home of CIIMT 4 while fighting fire in Canada, 1998. Photo by Marie.

Manitoba Firefighters: No, not convicts. Canadian firefighters. The Manitoba Forestry crews wear orange Nomex. Taken by Bum Pup.

M&M Thieves: The sign says it all. Photo taken by JE.

Sleepy: Fire camp of the Sleepy 91 fire, Colville National Forest, WA. Fire began August 13, 2001. To see more photos: Sleepy91 Gallery

Lava Beds Crew: lava beds national monument prescribed fire crew, oct 2001. Contributed by MR.

Modoc IHC: Modoc IHC crew photo, Oct 2001, Biggs Flat fire, Lewis & Clark NF, Montana. Contributed by MR.

Hash Rock: Here's a photo I took two years ago on the Hash Rock fire in the Ochoco NF in Oregon. I am on the far right. Contributed by Johanna.

Slash Burn: Highlands 26 crew, location is NE WA near Loomis. Photographer: J. Foster.

Crews of Hotshots: Here is a photo of Idaho City, Union and Arrowhead IHCs at the Prineville Oregon Wildland Firefighter Memorial, taken by Britt Rosso Arrowhead Supt. after the Bald Peter Fire, Warm Springs BIA, Oregon, 2001.

Hazard Tree 1, 2, 3, 4 and Sawyer: These are from the firey summer of 2000, the Buffalo Lake Fire. Photos sent in by FPD.

Sawyer Silhouette: The title says it all.

Line: Also from the Buffalo Lake Fire, summer of 2000. Sent in by FPD.

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Union IHC '00: The Union Hotshot Crew (R6) summer of 2000. Photo sent in by BBFS.

Buffalo Lake: Fire at night. Photo compliments of FPD.

Night Crew: Night firing. Photo compliments of BBFS.

Crew Cohesion: Summer of 2000, after a hard several days of work. Photo sent in by BBFS.

Colorado River Crew: Colorado River Crew at the helibase on the Elk Creek Fire in Idaho, August of 2001. Photo compliments of CS.

Motley Crew: Here's a fresh pic of my motley looking crew from Bullard VFD, and yes I'm the oddball one in in the group, I told them I would wear my day suit but I was also wearing my SAR colors as well. So I'm the on one on the end with the red cap on. From Keith.

Driptorch: The Buck Mountain Fire on the Blue Ridge Parkway, NPS, in Roanoke VA. The forest fire burned into a tire dump of 4 to 5 million tires. Total size was 1046 acres. Allen L. of the Blue Ridge Parkway during a burnout operation. Photo compliments of Scottie.

MT Shots: The Flathead Shots getting on the Yellow Jackets' Crew Carrier, Oct 2000 during the Big Bar Complex. Photo by Mellie.

Crew Briefing: Six Minutes for Safety - a line briefing. Ferguson 41 Crew on the Hayman Fire, 2002. Division X-Ray. Photo compliments of J. Foster, Highlands 26.

Scout: An interior run on the Hayman Fire, 2002 threatens the line of Whisky & X-Ray divisions. Photo compliments of J. Foster, Highlands 26.

Hayman Crew: Ab, check out this nice pic of the Tatanka Shots working the southern part of the Hayman Fire. They saved some structures with their burnouts. The photo is by Karen Wattenmaker.

Night Crew & Cleanup: Some more contributions from The Meat. We await further details. Ab.

Catalina Hotshots: I finally found a couple of photos from 1976, when I was a member of the now-defunct Catalina Hotshots, on the Coronado NF. I took this photo at the beginning of the season when our Nomex pants shipment hadn't yet arrived. The photo was taken at the Sollers Point Helitack base, near the Santa Catalina Ranger Station. I hear the helibase is also now closed. Papa.

Russian Crew, Classroom Training, Pack Test, Chainsaws, Russians Building Line: These photos are from an exchange with the Russians earlier this year (2002). We sent Scott Bushman (Superintendent, Logan IHC) to Krasnoyarsk (east of Novosibirsk in central Siberia). Russia is very interested in our Hot Shot program, and has been trying to implement a similar firefighting resource. Scott's mission was to conduct formal training courses on hot shot crew firefighting concepts and techniques. This is a follow-up of similar efforts from 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Targhee Regulars: Targhee Regulars IA crew from Targhee National Forest, Idaho on the Eastfork Fire. Fire was located in NE Utah, Uinta Mountains, July 2002. Photo by Sfirelake.

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Yampa Valley, Kiva & Slurry: These photos were taken in Colorado summer of '02. Will the photographer please resend the information?

FL Crew #4 Bus, on the Mustang Fire and Squad: Mustang Ridge Fire, Flaming Gorge UT @ Ashley National Forest, July 2002. Photos compliments of Bill Kettler.

Dead Out: Taken on the Cone Fire, Lassen NF by MM.

Coconino Regulars: Enroute to the Sour Biscuit. A pit stop in Willow Creek CA and a pose with Bigfoot. Photo contributed by MEC.

Biscuit: The Biscuit Fire burned in OR for several months in 2002. For more info, click HERE. Photo compliments of Kris.

What's This? Fire's out, Surf's up. (Naw, we ain't tellin who they are or who sent this in! Ab.)

Walnut Fire 1 & 2: Spent some time in Southern New Mexico, and had a couple of pics off the Walnut Complex that I thought I'd share. Sent in by BigHat.

Wolf Fire Crew: The Wolf fire burned in June of 2002, 10 mi N of Ojai. Photo sent in by LB from the Los Padres NF.

Bolivian FF 1 & 2: These Bolivian Firefighter photos came in from a Bolivian Search and Rescue group, whose website is HERE. These guys also sent in their logo. The title of the second photo is Gus and Badboy. They didn't really send any description.

Australian Hotshots '01 & '02: These are photos of the Olinda Hotshots - Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria Australia; first one is of the 2000 / 2001 hotshots and second is of the 2001 / 2002 hotshots. Photos submitted by Wol, Wildfire Management, Dandenong Ranges National Park. Ab adds, check out the vegetation in the second one.

BigTree: Five foot tree with two foot bar. Big Bar at the Big Bar Complex, 1999 Northern CA. Photo compliments of RB.

Malheur Cplx 1 & 2: This is a burnout on Division Z. The complex of Oregon fires near Prairie City started on 7/12/02 as a result of lightning. They consisted of the High Roberts, the Easy and the Flagtail Fires. Later the Monument Fire near Unity, also lightning caused, was managed with the others. These pictures on the handline next to the wilderness were taken on Division Zulu. Crews were a mix of different crews there, my engine crew from Malheur NWR is one, and a bunch of different crews from elsewhere. Photos compliments of Josh O'Connor.

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Mescalero HS: This photo was taken in Florida. Compliments of Josh O'Connor.

Bomberos Forestales: La Brigada de Bomberos Forestales acompańados del presidente de Bolivia, Lic. Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada al haber controlado el incendio en Tarija. (To the best of Ab's ability to translate: The Forest Firefighter's Brigade accompanied the President of Bolivia Lic. Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada on having controlled (or inspected) the fire in Tarija.)

This photo was removed as requested. The forest firefighters had this to say, "The events that have happened in Bolivia recently make us ashamed to pose next to a killer." See other photo description below.

Sawyer Hondo: Sawyer hondo. Photo compliments of  the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Crew, Kansas.

Red Bird Crew: Red Bird Handcrew. Photo compliments of  the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Crew, Kansas.

Pawnee Crew: Pawnee Nation Crew. Photo compliments of  the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Crew, Kansas.

Kraft Sawyer: Kraft Complex Sawyer Hondo. Photo compliments of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Crew, Kansas.

Creek Nation Crew: Creek Nation Handcrew. Photo compliments of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Crew, Kansas.

Bonners Ferry: This is a fire crew from Bonners Ferry Idaho, they worked together with our Obediah's Wildfire equipment to save cell towers from burning on the Missionary Ridge Fire. Photo compliments of Woody.

FS SMNRA: US Forest Service, Las Vegas Dist.( SMNRA ) at the Fire Fighter Memorial in Las Vegas Nevada. Photo compliments of Robert C.

CDC Crew, IA Pickup, Resting: This is one of the CDF Inmate Crews that works Initial Attack in Northern CA. The residents who worked side by side with them to contain this 3 acre grass fire sparked when a mower blade hit a rock said they "worked like hell" to get the job of containment done.

Big Torching: On the Purdy Fire. Hotshots watch as torching activity increases along the dozer line of a burnout operation. Photo compliments of Ben Croft USFS / MTDC.

Burnout Purdy: Firefighters monitor a nighttime burnout on the Purdy Fire MT. Photo compliments of Ben Croft USFS / MTDC.

PowWow: Augusta Hotshot (?) discusses strategy with division supervisor (?) on the Fridley Fire MT. Photo compliments of Ben Croft USFS / MTDC. Ab Note: If you recognize either of these people, please let us know who they are so we can record it.

Smyrna Wildland: Wildland crew of Smyrna Fire Department, Smyrna SC. Photo sent in by R Wilson.

Keene Flight Crew: The Keene Flight Crew of 2002. Taken by/submitted by Mike Spink.

West Dome Fire: These are photos from Arizona State Land Departments Engine 36. (More on Fire 16 photo page.) This is a Type 6 engine stationed out of the Tucson district during severity season. The pictures are from the "West Dome" fires southeast of Tucson, which burned 970 acres and was the largest "state" fire of 2002 I believe. E-36 was IA on the fire, and was there till the fire was controlled 4 days later. Compliments of AZfirefighter.

Space Shuttle Recovery Group: We were part of this group that recovered and cataloged over 700 pieces of Shuttle debris in Cherokee County, Texas. This team was mostly VFD's and TFS Employees as well as Tx DPS and area law enforcement. We got pretty adept at recovering GPS coordinates documenting location, date, time and recovery team. We then had to check it in and assign it another number. Even though we all knew the magnitude of the events that we were part of, we all worked with a great group of folks and established several new friendships that make us better folks. Contributed by Keith.

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Alpine Hotshots '97: The Alpine Hotshots in Alpine, Texas circa 1997. Photo compliments of NMAirBear.

Carlsbad "Hotshots" '98: The Carlsbad (NM) Interagency Crew in 1998. Photo compliments of NMAirBear. Further info (2/03): This T2 crew of agency regulars hailed from Carlsbad, NM, in R03. This crew was out there regularly from 1988-98 and was well known in R03. There was one assignment in R06 where they were erroneously called the Carlsbad Hotshots but their now retired FMO went mildly ballistic and kyboshed that misnomer mid-assignment when he heard about it.  An unfortunate sign of the times is that this crew can no longer be assembled due to a general shortage of collateral duty line qualified personnel in Southeast NM.

Every Wildland Firefighter: Photo compliments of zig zag ihc.

Buffalo Lake Burnout: Here's a photo from the Buffalo Lake Fire in 2000 on the Colville Indian Reservation. Photo compliments of Chris.

Ventura Crew & Pyrotech: Ventura Co. Fire crew and Pyrotech, July 4, 2002. Photo compliments of Lakers.

Crew 133: Photo of a fellow crew member of Crew 133, Walker Range Fire Patrol, just before a prescribed burn at Big Marsh in the Deshutes National Forest, Oregon. In conjunction with the US Forest Service. Photographer, Shawn Eaton.

Hayman Crews: Photo taken on June 21, 2002. Sent in by J.

Ventura County Handcrew: On the Wolf Fire, summer of 2002. Photo compliments of Lakers.

Ventura Responding: Photo compliments of Lakers.

Ventura Crew '01: Ventura County Fire Crew 1-1. Chase '01. Photo compliments of Crew Guy Morton Salt.

WI Burnout: Wisconsin is having an active fire season so far. Toward the end of a slow day, we had quite a bit of excitement. Some ATV'ers had sparked a fire starting in the middle of a 10 year old pine plantation. It crowned and ran right off the bat. Tractor plows constructed line and here's a firefighter burning out behind the plow units. Photo compliments of Pulaski.

DIVS Sizeup: More from Wisconsin. Nothing like getting a string of railroad fires first thing in the morning. We only have about 3 miles of active tracks left in my area and darn near the entire thing was lit off one day in a string of 20+ ignitions. This is a photo of a Division supervisor who assesses the situation as SEAT flies overhead. We utilized 2 SEATs and one helicopter on the fires. A few of the fires were difficult to deal with due to soft (marsh/swamp) soils. Fortunately, fire spread was minimal as there was nearly zero wind. Photo compliments of Pulaski.

El Cariso '72: The El Cariso Hot Shots in 1972. Missing from the photo are Bill Gabbert (photographer) and Ron Campbell (Superintendent).

Laguna IHC '75: The Laguna Hot Shots in 1975. Missing from the photo is Bill Gabbert (photographer).

GPF IA: This picture was taken on the toolbox fire near silver lake, 2002. This is my hand crew (GFP initial attack crew). Photo submitted by Brett.

Vista Grande Crew: Vista Grande Hotshots visiting Mt. Rushmore in summer of 2002. Photo compliments of Garett.

Sawyer Ken & Sawyer Steve: This is what our guys do. It's also why we need professionals on the fireline. Photos submitted by Fire Momma.

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Pairumani & Pairumani SAR: Bomberos Forestales (The Forest Firefighter's Brigade) of Bolivia.
Foto uno: Miembros del Grupo SAR Bolivia divison Bomberos frende al cuartel forestal de Pairumani. (Photo I: Members of the Group SAR Bolivia division Firemen friends at the forest headquarters of Pairumani.)
Grupo de la Brigada de bomberos Forestales en el bosque de Pairumani.
(Photo II: Group of the Forest Brigade of firemen (hmmm, but mostly women) in the forest of Pairumani.)
Photo compliments of Bomberos Forestales. For more photos of this crew, see Handcrews 7. Their website: Bomberos Forestales

Ventura Academy ventura county fire recruits in training, push up time!! cant you feel the pain. sunday! sunday! sunday! Photo compliments of Lakers.

More Pushups: Ventura Co Fire ain't the only ones! Here’s a picture of the Enchanted Circle Fire Chasers Annual Training…the last sweep through an area we’d mopped up turned up a smoke, so we all got to do twenty push-ups at the top of the hill, cold trail all the way down, and do twenty more at the bottom. Teaches you to be careful! Photo contributed by Nerd on the Fireline. More photos from the department.

Olinda HS, Australia: This is a photo of - OLINDA HOTSHOTS 2003 (Victoria, Australia) compliments of Wol Worrell, Wildfire Management Officer, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria, Australia.

Incindio 6, Bolivia:  We presume that this is another one of the crews of the Bomberos Forestales (The Forest Firefighter's Brigade) of Bolivia. The subject with this photo was Incindio Liriuni or Fire Liriuni. If we figure out what liriuni means, we will post that. Photo compliments of Gabriel. Reply from Gabriel: Lirioni es un bello lugar donde existen aguas termales y algunos bosques nativos y de pinos se encuentra en Cochabamba Bolivia. Tim and Ab's best attempt: Lirioni is a beautiful place where there are thermal waters and some native forests with pines that can be found in Cochambamba, Bolivia.

PA 7 Crew: Picture is from the crew PA-7, Maul's Maulers, taken along a road in the North Umpqua Ranger District. Photo compliments of Todd Z.

Bighorn IRS: Here's an old one. Bighorn Interregional Fire Suppression Crew (later became Wyoming IHC) on the Verde Fire, Tonto National Forest in 1979. How long were those sideburns? Photo compliments of B. Watt.

CDF 106 Drop, CDF Shelter 1 & 2, Shelter Burnover: The photos were taken at a training burn in Santa Clara County, CA. The photo with CDF C106 doing a water drop was a in conjunction with a progressive hoselay drill. Approx 5-10 acre burn. The shelter photos were from a burn over drill. students had to clear their area, deploy a shelter and have a burn over. Photos compliments of Andrew (Lt. S).

What Fallers Do: Here's a picture of one of our fallers cutting on the Umpqua Fire a couple of days ago. Putting a back cut in, its kind of hard to see the initial movement of the tree as it starts to fall into the face cut. It's also hard to hear a yell or a whistle. Using the stick in the inside notch is one way to trigger the faller its time to move out, but works only if the stick is kept in the fallers' peripheral vision and they can see the stick's movement. Thought you'd enjoy the picture. Photo compliments of FireMomma.

Bobby and Justin: Fallers, sent in by FireMomma.

Sizeup Wilcox: Wilcox Fire on the Okanogan Highlands...Fire Chief Dart and I trying to figure out where the head of this fire is going to come out of Haley Canyon and how much threat is poses to fifty nearby homes. Photo compliments of J. Foster.

Heavy Fuels Wilcox: Morning of August 22 and we've a dozer line around the head of the fire tied into the road system. Its burnout time in heavy fuels! Photo compliments of J. Foster.

Pre-Dawn Firing Wilcox: The best time of day in the dry Okanogan Highlands for burnout, just before daylight...  Photo compliments of J. Foster.

Aspen Fire, Aspen Fire Observer, Aspen Fire Burnout:   From the Aspen Fire, Arizona, 2003. The photos shown here and on Handcrews 9 contain images of crewmen from, Kern Valley, Modoc, and my crew Monterey. All of the fire in the photos are of burnout operations conducted on the desert side of the fire (near Oracle) after the fire passed around the Observatory area in the timber. 

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Aspen Fire & Aspen Fire Buggies:  From the Aspen Fire, Arizona, 2003. The photos shown here and on Handcrews 9 contain images of crewmen from, Kern Valley, Modoc, and my crew Monterey. The photo with the buggies in it also shows Idaho Panhandle's buggies. All of the fire in the photos are of burnout operations conducted on the desert side of the fire (near Oracle) after the fire passed around the Observatory area in the timber.

Cle Elum IA Forces: This is a photo of all the Initial Attack forces (engines, prevention, and 23 person I.A. crew) of the Cle Elum Ranger District of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest.
Photo compliments of Brian W.

Firing, FL Crew on Mineral Primm Complex & Florida Crew #3, Unit 3: Mineral Primm Complex, Lolo National Forest , Montana, 8/03. Photos taken by Bill Kettler.

The Bolivian Firefighter Series: Compliments of the Bomberos Forestales, the forest firefighters.

LP on Aspen Fire: Aspen Fire photos from up top at the Observatories. Photo compliments of NC Crew.

Canoe Staging and Canoe Briefing: Several pictures of the Canoe Fire near the communities of Salmon Creek and Myers Flat in northern CA, end of September '03. Heavy fuels, High Temps, and low RHs challenged us for many days. Some very hard work and long days were put in by the troops. The level of dedication to suppress this fire was awesome to see. CDF Team 5 did an outstanding job under the leadership of Chief Hawkins to give the troops the tools they needed to do the job. Salmon River and Helena Hot Shots put in some awesome work for us. Photo compliments of RC.

TX Forest Service Academy Crew & TX Digging Line: Here are some pictures from the Texas Interagency Wildfire Academy, 2003. Photos compliments of Artie T.

Greg & Lonnie: My cousin Lonnie Charbonneau was injured in a bad car accident. He loved Wildland Firefighting. He dispatched from Belcourt ND. Im sending his picture for you to share on your website, and requesting prayers for him. Lonnie is one the right. Photo contributed by Charbs.

Turtle Mtn Forestry Crew & Turtle Mtn CC:  These Photos are from the Turtle Mtn Forestry, Belcourt ND. Priest Lake Idaho 7-03 - Hand Crew - Crew Boss - Jim Fleming; Fish Creek Complex - Lolo Nat Forest 8-03 Camp Crew - Crew Boss - Penny StClair. Photos compliments of Charbs.

Interface: This was taken again at the Pines Fire near Banner Ranch. The red helmet in the pic is an Engineer from the Angeles F, 2002 fire season. Photo compliments of MTD.

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Alone: The Olinda Fire burnt about 800 yards off the road where it burnt into this gully. This fire fighter was alone on the flank and trying to hold this little gully.  With help of airtankers and the copters they successfully held the creek-bed. Photo by Andrew H.

Baja Bravo 10, 2003: Mexican Crew Photo, Me gustaria que publicaran esta foto de este grupo de bomberos forestales en Baja California, mexico "bravo10". I'd like to publish this photo in your page, it's a mexican fire crew in Tecate, Mexico the crew name is "bravo10". Photo compliments of Luis P.

A little background on the crew: They are a mexican AD crew out of Tecate hosted by the Cleveland National Forest. The forest  put the crew through an extensive training process prior to the 2003 fire season, and provides a crew boss whenever the crew is  activated. The forest used them several times during this past fire season, and has gotten great reviews about their work. Bravo 10 was an excellent addition to our toolbox. Socal Dispatcher.

Fire in Portugal, Portuguese Crew, Portugal Fire: Portuguese photos compliments of Antonio José Pina. Visit his fire department at www.bombeirosdealhandra.com.pt.

Isabel Fire, Crew in Montana, Burnout in Montana, Robert Fire, PatRick Ride, PatRick Crew: Here are some pics. of my crew. PatRick Crew out of Ellensburg WA. Cutting fuel break and doing Burnout of Isabel Fire Concunally WA, Robert Fire in MT, Helicopter ride, Crew, 2003.  Photos compliments of Chad James.

Baja Bravo 10, 2004: Mexican Crew Photo, Here's another more recent photo of  mexican fire crew in Tecate, Mexico the crew name is "bravo10". Photo compliments of Luis P. who says: Hola soy luis de bravo 10, lei algunos comentarios sobre nosotros en su seccion de ¨They said¨ y les doy las gracias, fue un gusto colaborar con ustedes y esperamos que solo sea una de muchas mas, aqui les mando una foto de nuestro crew, aclaroando la foto que anteriormente habia enviado fue de un incendio en tecate, el crew es de mexicali. Nuevamente gracias por la atenciones que se nos tuvieron en nuestra enstancia en su pais y esperamos poder colaborar mas con ustedes, Atte: Luis (bravo10).

Another Baja Bravo 10: Another picture from bravo 10 compliments of g-ray. Note the Mexican flag.

Hot Creek Camp: Here's a pic from fire camp on the Hot Creek Fire, 7/29/03. Photo compliments of Smokechaser.

Bergdorf Bucket Drink: A thirsty Brian Finley takes a drink. Photo compliments of MadRedZeke.
Trapped Inside the Heliwell: Photo compliments of MadRedZeke.
Heliwell Flex: Flexing outside the helliwell. Photo compliments of MadRedZeke.
Heliwell Swim?: Brian gets ready for swimming. Photo compliments of MadRedZeke.

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The following photos are of the Ventura County Fire Crew.  Photos compliments of Mike Fuller. They see a lot of fire. Nice photos, Mike. Thanks. Ab.

Ventura Crew- just got done with a training cut adams canyon
Ventura- control burn haley ranch
Ventura Crew 2
Simi Fire- simi fire oct 03
Burnout- control burn haley ranch
Ventura Terratorch- fire control worker now firefighter clint hull using the terratorch
Training Cut- training cut @ broom ranch 6 & 7 are on heli page
Drip- fire control worker fuller burning out
Ventura Torch- control burn haley ranch
Ventura Crew 3- control burn haley ranch
Quick Pic Simi Fire- pausing for a quick pic in mentryville simi fire oct 03 
Crewmember at Work- fire control worker fuller
Haley Ranch- control burn haley ranch 
Laying on Fire- fire control worker golden burning out
Ventura on Simi Blowup- mentryville blowin up just watchin the show simi fire oct 03
Ventura Crew 21-  after fighting fire in moorpark california. 
Ventura Crew 22- fourth of july standby @ the heliport.
Ventura Burnout- 
Handling Fuels- 
More Ventura Burnout- 

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Jill & Amy: This is a picture of my friend Amy and I initial attacking the Tobias Fire last summer ('03) just outside of Salmon, Idaho. The fire blew to 10,000 acres and we were stuck in our safety zone for four hours! LOL Lot of good we did huh!?!
Photo compliments of Jill A.

Jill & Jesse: Jill and Jesse finishing up with the Badger Fire 2003 and having a "piss pump" war!! Photo compliments of Jill A.

West Yellowstone: Here's a pic of an assignment - two DIVS & one OSC2 at West Yellowstone jump base (Rathbone fire Gallatin NF).  Todd, I didn't really have a place to put non-handcrew overhead except on miscellaneous photo page. I thought this was a more interesting and widely viewed location, next to several pics of very cute firefighters. Let me know if you want a different location. Ab.

The following photos are compliments of Chris D. and were taken in 2002 and 2003
Boise Airfield Hop- Dall, Epperson, Appleton at Boise Airfield waiting for a hop; 
Squad OR '02, Lunch Burito Heating,  Lunch Break OR '02 & Rain OR '02- - That's me on lunch break.
Rx '03- Prescribed burn 2003
Jobill Doing Weather- 2002

Mad Red et al -Bergdorf & McCall: New, old pictures from the 2000 fire season. First one is Bergdorf Junction fire on the line. Second one is us in front of the Smokejumpers jump tower at McColl. Photos compliments of MadRedZeke.

Nelspruit HS, S. Africa & Nelspruit HS: Two pictures from South Africa. "Working on Fire" Hotshot Crews. Photos compliments of Alexander C. Held, The Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), Germany

Mat Su Crew, Alaska: Mat Su Crew 2003 Alaska. Photo compliments of Cal.

North Carolina Rx: Here's a photo from a prescribed fire we did here in North Carolina, 3/20/04. The burn went well, it cleared a lot of the over growth and produced some good fire. Amazingly we had some group torching and a nice run during the burn, just might have impressed the westerners. The weather was: RH 48%, temps were in the upper 60's, and winds were 4 mph. Photo compliments of NCCrew.

Bear Bait & DCT Sawyer: Photos compliments of DCT.

Pine Hills '03: Pine Hills Fire, Fall of 2003. Photo compliments of Dan H.

Sawyer Cal: missionary ridge fire, sawyer cal. Photo compliments of Sawyer Cal, of course.

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Aussie Faller: Here's a pic from Australia of a dodgy looking tree being fallen on the fire line. Thanks for the great website and keep up the good work. Maybe see you in the smoke one day. Photo compliments of Alpine.

NC Driptorch & Watching the Line in NC: A few more photos I was able to take around here in North Carolina. Photos compliments of -NCCrew.

Idaho City IHC series: These are from the Fish Creek Fire near Atlanta, ID last summer '03. I spent 2 days with the Idaho City Hotshots...great crew. The night shots were taken during a burnout that was delayed by low RH: at 10pm RH was still 3%. Also Idaho City on Hot Creek. Photos compliments of Al Henkel, a Producer for NBC News who covers a lot of fires all over the west. He's a Red Carded FFT2.

Laguna IHC 1 & 2: Pix of the Laguna Hotshots from the Beaver Lake Complex last year '03. Photos compliments of Al Henkel. See Al's short bio above.

Dalton IHC series: I spent a shift with the Dalton IHC, cutting line direct. Sedgewick Fire in New Mexico last month (6/04). Photos compliments of Al Henkel. See Al's short bio above.

Highlands 20 Crew: WA DNRNE Region Highlands 20 Crew awaiting a briefing during a command transition from Rotor 341 Helitac on Coby Fire. Photo compliments of J. Foster, Highlands 26.

Shots on Log Springs Fire, Burnout & Torching at Log Springs: Snake River (from Idaho) and Lone Peak (from Utah) Shot Crews on Log Springs Fire on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation OR, 7/25-8/4/04. Burnout and Torching says it all. Photos compliments of Ben Croft.

Whirl: While instructing this wildland firefighter class field day I lucked out with the perfect example of unstable air. The students got the message. Photo compliments of J. Foster, Highlands 26.

Roadrunners '02 & '03: The Roadrunners is a Type II Hand Crew, which is dispatched by the Angeles National Forest to wildfires across the United States. To learn more, visit their Website. Photos sent in by John and Harry.

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DIVS B: Hensel Fire in Wyoming 2002, Divs. B. This a crew photo of the 5 type 2 handcrews I had on my division. Great bunch of personnel; enjoyed working with all them. Photo compliments of Dennis.

Crew 32, Tasting the Top, zzzzz: These pics are from various fires when i was a ff with Stanislaus National Forest, R5, Mi-wuk, and Summit districts. I was on Fire Use Crew 3, Helishot Crew 2, and Crew One. I did stints on an engine but really liked to sling dirt and run saw - besides real men don't use water, lol. Photos compliments of Marko (mark walker).

Esparron: Photo of one of our "Office National des Foręts" firefighters (the equivalent of your USDA - Forest Service) Photo compliments of L. Marsol.

Apple Valley Flight Crew, Apple Valley '03, Apple Valley in MT, Apple Valley MT '03, Apple Valley Two: Photos are of the Apple Valley (Helicopter 554) crew in 2003 on the Black Mountain Fire outside Missoula, MT. Photos compliments of Don G.

Union IHC '04: This photo of the Union Hotshot Crew was taken in Fischer Firecamp near Leavenworth WA by Chris Pappen, Information Officer on PNW Team 3. The Union IHC is from LaGrande OR.

Alaska Night Fire: One picture of the taylor complex in alaska, courtesy of Alaska State Forestry, Tok Area Office. For a few more fire photos from AK, see our Fire 24 photo page.

Pleasant Valley Wedding & Hotshot "Pulaski Arch": A hotshot wedding!  Photo compliments of BG.

IHC Birthdays: Two guys had birthdays on the line. So our Supt. did something special for them.  Photo compliments of BG.

HS Break on KP: 2 Pleasant Valley Hotshots. This picture is on the KP fire. Escaped RX in Eastern Arizona in 2004. Photo compliments of BG.

Hotshots on Blackwall: Pleasant Valley Hotshots. The Blackwall fire was in 2003 and took place on the border of Montana and Idaho on the Continental divide. This day "Big Ernie" nuked off 2,000 acres in about 20 min. Photo compliments of BG.

PV IHC on Willow: Picture of crew buggies with the Willow Fire in the background. PV was the first crew, IA the fire when it was about 150 acres and PV was the last crew to leave when it was 120,000 acres. Photo compliments of BG.

Boundary Column & Boundary Firecamp: These pictures were taken by me on the Boundary Fire, Alaska, 2004. I think when all was said and done, it burned over 500,000 acres. The first picture is of a Bell 212 making a water drop. (It's on Helicopters 17.) The next was taken from a house in the middle of nowhere for which a couple of us were in charge of structure protection. The third picture was taken back in camp at about 2330. I don't think anyone on the crew could sleep the first couple of nights we were there. The sun goes down in Idaho, not in Alaska. Photos compliments of Douglas Savor.

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Handcrew on Willow: This pic is from the line on the Willow near Payson AZ in July, 2004. Photo compliments of Cody W.

Nice Catch: Along the Pit River near the town of Alturas, CA. While Copter 101 was making water drops on a lightning fire in a snag some of the crew went fishing. We always packed a fishing rod in the tail boom for such an occasion. Pictured left to right are: Capt. Jim Wattenburger, FF Tom Price and FF Joe Merz. The date of this photo is not remembered. (sometime it the 80s.) Photo compliments of FF Bob Zwicky.

Tarantulatime: Our little Tarantula friend that we found on the Hawkins Fire in Enterprise, Utah, 2004. Photo compliments of JA.

Cabin Return: Returning to the Cabin Creek Fire outside of Indianola for five more days of cold trailing. Photo compliments of JA.

Cle Elem Crew:  Photo compliments of Brian W. Photo compliments of Brian W.

Big Tree: Big tree dumped on the Wenatchee National Forest. Faller: Brian Warnicke Photo compliments of Brian W.

Ft. Lewis Training: Practice crew on a fire out in the training area, Fort Lewis. Aprox. 100 acres. Photo compliments of Ric S.

IHCs on Nickle Fire: Morning Star IHC and Big Bear IHC working together at the Nickel Fire July 2004 in the Virgin Mountains of Mesquite, NV. Courtesy of: H.E.

Morning Star Crew: Here's a photo of the Morning Star Hotshots at the Wildcat Fire in the Ruby Mountains in Elko, NV. August 2004. Courtesy: H.E.

Sawyer IHC: Sawyer for the Morning Star Hotshots hikes up the Virgin Mts. in Nevada 2004: Nickel Fire. Courtesy: H.E.

Lime Creek:  Lime Creek Fire, near Pine Idaho 2004. Photo compliments of Jason M.

WentacheeRiver IA: Crew picture of one of the two Initial Attack hand crews that I work on based out of the Wenatchee River Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests in Leavenworth Washington. The picture was taken on the Icicle Fire '04 and you can also see the bucket of X-ray popa (the helicopter that went down last year on our ranger dist.). Photo compliments of Luis M.

Midnight Sun IHC & Burnout: Burnout by Midnight Sun IHC at Poker Creek, Boundary Fire AK. Note the sign on the bridge! Photo compliments of Robb C.

Underburning LeBlanc: A pic brought to you by Medford BLM Oregon. Photo compliments of Jerry S.

Marines in Camp & Marines on Move: Photos of marines helping out on the Clear Creek Fire, ID 2000. Lots of teams helped, Hutch's (Tom Hutchison CIIMT 4) for one. Photos sent in by NorCal Tom.

El Paso Crew, El Paso County Crew on El Paso on Shrine Fire '04: Here are some various photos of the El Paso County Crew, we are located in Colorado Springs Colorado. Also, we have a website www.epsowildlandfire.com. Photos compliments of Matthew Branch (supt).

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WY IHC Backburn, Wyoming IHC Saw, WY IHC Faller & WY IHCrew '05: Taylor Complex, AK, 2004. The website address is www. wyominghotshots.com. Photos compliments of MMP.

Chena IHC '92 & AK Backburn: description. Photos compliments of Sean L.

Mojave Fire Crew: From 2003. Photo compliments of Jhun Pascual.

Smoke, no hat in '81: From a discussion on theysaid (3/25/05) about when hardhats were required: Backburnfs, I am gonna call your bluff on the no hardhat part of your post, especially if you were eating Vietnam date C Rats". Attached is a photo taken in 1981 of a couple members of an Alaska hotshot crew. If you look closely you will see no hard hats. We were in the tundra and the highest vegetation was up to our knees. If you look at photo PBY-1 on page one of the air tanker section you will several other firefighters relaxing without the benefit of head protection. Photo sent in by Tim, clearly an  old training slide.

Faller, 2004: Ab, here's a faller photo, my FF hubby on top of the stump. He's on a type 2 crew from SLC. Photo compliments of Catskilldog (from Familysaid).

Fire Weather: Here is a once in a lifetime shot of what happens when a fire creates its own weather. On this day we had a lightning strike start a 800 acre fire on the Green River/Uintah River confluence in NE Utah on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation (BIA UOA). A small thunder cell started to develop just south of this smoke column and eventually the columns sucked up the cell and when they merged we had a good little lightning event. Robert Lee (BIA Fire Mgmt.) took the picture as we (Blaine Tarbell- BIA Fuels, Chris Secakuku - BIA Forester, and Kirby Arrive - BIA FMO) collaborated our strategy. If anyone wants a better copy of this pic, email me at c1secakuku@yahoo.com. Photo sent in by Chris F-8. Also by Greg Littlewhiteman.

Crewbosses: This photo was taken somewhere in Idaho, 2002. This picture has from left to right, the Tanacross/Tok, Alaska crew boss Leonard Sanford, and crew member James Harbison, a retired Forestry Tech. Bob Jonathan, and Fairbanks 1 crew boss Neal Charlie Jr. Photos compliments of Peggy Charlie.

PC's Crew: This is the Tanacross, Alaska type 2 crew. They were a mixed crew, meaning they had guys from Tanacross, Tok, Tetlin, Northway, Mentasta, Dot Lake, and Minto. All these villages are in Alaska. The photo was taken in Hamilton, Montana, 2001. The crew boss, Leonard Sanford said, "That's the best damn crew I ever had in all my years fire fighting." Photos compliments of Peggy Charlie.

HS with driptorch: Photo compliments of Ben C. (OHD)

Slide Mt Crews '05: Here are some pics of the two, 20 person crews: Slide Mountain Crews of 2005. Photos compliments of -Shep.

Shasta Trinity Fly Crew and Chester Flight Crew: Arizona 07/2005. Photo compliments of DM.

Mason Gulch Fire Camp, Hotshots in CO: The Mason Gulch Fire burned 7/8-7/15/05. These are photos of the Lassen and Big Bear Hotshots setting up camp in Beulah CO. Taken on 7/12/05 by Peter Conlon. See offer below.

Hotshots at Work 1, 2 & 3: Mason Gulch Fire. Photos compliments of Karin Kyte Romano. Photos are of the Lassen, Big Bear or Pike Hotshots. If anyone knows who, please let us know. Peter and Polly Conlon of Beulah CO sent in a cd of fire photos from the Mason Gulch fire. They include these photos and others. They're willing to send photo cds to firefighters. Contact Ab if you're interested.

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Blossom Fire/Faller Series: Photos compliments of Shari Downhill.

Blossom Burning Snag & Blossom Faller: Compliments of Dan Tyndal.

Cave Creek Fire Danger, Cave Creek Media & Nuns & Firefighters on Cave Creek: Cave Creek Fire- Black Canyon AZ. Black Canyon Media feeding frenzy. KNF E-15 FF Crews had just finished a day of brushing around houses to try to save them from approaching fire. KNF E- 15 Lava Beds National Monument E - 74 (Vaughn-strike team leader) Protecting the nuns and the nunnery at Black Canyon. They were so terrific. They brought us goodies and ice water and gave us protective medallions. They also prayed for our safety - can't get better than that! Photos sent in by a proud FFs mom.

Grayling Crew '05: The Grayling Crew at the Long Lake Fire 2005. Photo compliments of Sue Ann Gochenauer, Grayling, Alaska.

Craig Hotshots: Our team managed the Southern Nevada Complex of Fires, 7/4/05. The complex ended up burning 708,000 acres before we handed off one of the bigger fires to a Type One Team and the remainders of ours to a Type Three for mop-up. Photo sent in by Dave C.

Alaska Series: Firecamp, Hooch, Briefing. OK, so who was ragging on Californians in Alaska? I'm up here on Walker's team in Eagle. Things are just tippy tappy here. There's a learning curve, but nothing this team can't handle. Remember, this team has been in Montana and Oregon before.... I'm enclosing a few pictures to prove we've adapted just fine. Since everyone is spiked out here we need to brief by radio. Some of the folks covered their tents so that they can sleep in the lonnnnng days up here. Photos compliments of the FBAN for the California Incident Management Team, "Gone Native" aka Fish.

Roadrunners '05: The Roadrunners is a Type II Hand Crew, which is dispatched by the Angeles National Forest to wildfires across the United States. To learn more, visit their Website. Photo compliments of UCLA-J.

Ahtanum 20 series: Here are some photos of the Ahtanum 20 person fire crew, for Washington State DNR. These were taken while working the Wood Gulch fire, in Bickleton, WA. Photos compliments of Kris B.

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Ahtanum 20 series: More photos of the Ahtanum 20 person fire crew, for Washington State DNR. These were taken while working the Wood Gulch fire, in Bickleton, WA. Photos compliments of Kris B.

NorCal Faller: Compliments of SS.

Farmington Regulars: On the Blossom Complex, Agnes, Oregon, 2005. Photo Compliments of Forrest P.

Crews in Italy and HAZMAT in Italy: Nucleo di Protezion Civile A.N.A. Squadra di 2°Livello Antincendi Boschivi Regione Lombardia; Villa D'Alme' (Bergamo) Italy. BYE BYE. Geom. Dolce Gabriele. Photos compliments of Gabriele.

Fall Burning in Oregon series: Fossil Beds OR. From JS: Some people doing what they do best (Medford Fuels). Photos compliments of Jerry S.

Smith River Crew: Members of the Smith River Crew in front Lassen Engine 11 Memorial. USFS photo by Dan Felix. Closeup photo of the memorial for John Self. The memorial site for John Self. USFS photo by Dan Felix.

Military on Tripod Complex '06: Tripod Complex, Eight Mile Camp, Okanogan NF, WA, the Army was giving out awards
prior to Demobing. Photo compliments of CDW. 

Blossom Crew '05: From 2005 Blossom Complex, Siskiyou NF, OR, morning ride to work. Not sure what Crew, grey
sweaters, might be Greyback. Photo compliments of CDW.

Aussies on Bassett: Australian firefighters. "Aussies and Kiwis help Yanks in battling wildland fires Reciprocal firefighting program provides excellent learning forum" News release with photo. See 9/29/06 theysaid post.

REDDING, Calif. –For the past two weeks 25 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand have assisted American firefighters in battling some of the most severe fires California has experienced in the last 30 years. With a high level of preparedness across much of the U.S., fire management officials returned to their ties in the South Pacific for assistance.

“We are deeply grateful for their help. Our countries have a long standing friendship, spirit of cooperation and helping each other in time of need,” said Incident Commander Bill Molumby, California Interagency Incident Management Team 2. “They have provided leadership and filled key supervisory positions on the fire team at a time when we needed help.”

The coordination and request of overhead or middle management positions occurred between the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho and the Forest Fire Management Group in Australia. The request defined the criteria and qualifications that an individual must meet. These requirements include experience, level of fitness and skill sets. The same qualifications required by firefighters in the U.S.

The contingent of Australian and New Zealand firefighters flew to Boise where they underwent two days of training at NIFC. This training encompassed:

· Weather systems in the Northern Hemisphere
· Expected fuel types
· Fire behavior
· Emergency fire procedures
· Defensive driving
· Cultural advisement

After their training was completed they were assigned to fire teams throughout Northern California. Depending on their qualifications they were utilized as Division Supervisors, Branch Directors or Helicopter Managers.

“There were flames, smoke and aircraft just like at home,” said Operations Chief Peter Cramer, Swifts Creek, Australia, Dept. of Sustainability and Environment.

While there are some similarities, the Australian and New Zealand firefighters feel fighting fire in Northern California has some unique characteristics. (...go to theysaid for the rest)

Columbia Complex 1 & 2: Columbia Complex (Div. A) 8.27.06. Crews from Snohomish Co. WA. Strike Team prep a non-defendable structure in a canyon and then use Therma-jell on it. The Therma-jell held well and was recharged with water a couple of days later. Photo compliments of sfirelake.

Aussie Branch: Second from left with radio is Hilton Taylor from Australia. He was night shift Branch 1 Director, morning de-brief at North Touchet Staging, Columbia Complex, 9/3/2006. Photo compliments of C64 (1006 BW)

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LPF Crew #1 & Dozer: This is LPF C-1 with FHL Dozers FHL being Fort Hunter Ligget DoD Fire, this is a prescribed burn last season ('05). Photo compliments of helishot-ff

Rookeyes: Hey Ab, laid the crew off saturday and life is good again. Here is a photo of a rookie hotshot on a hot burnout, Brins fire, Sedona, AZ. Photo compliments of DF. (1006)

Orange Co Crew #1 IA (series): Picture of Orange County Crew 1 IA on Sierra Fire taken at about 0545 hours; Initial Attack size-up from lookout point;  Night Burn-out operation on Sierra Fire IA. We were the first on scene hand crew at the Sierra Fire 2/5/06. Photos compliments of Ryan Johnston, Orco Crew 1.

Taos Crew: Taos BLM Squad 1 Clear Red Complex 2005 Idaho. Photos compliments of AA.

Alaska 2004 1 & 2: Hadn't sent in anything for a couple years and thought these were ok pictures. Thanks for continuing to keep up a great site. Thanks. Photos compliments of Mad Red Zeke

Omak Lake Fire: Firefighter dodging a SEAT drop during this Aug 21, 2004 WA fire . Photo compliments of Mark (0106)

Roadrunners '04: The Roadrunners is a Type II Hand Crew, which is dispatched by the Angeles National Forest to wildfires across the United States. To learn more, visit their Website. Photo compliments of someone connected with the crew. (0106)

Applegate Briefing: Photo compliments of JS. (0506)

Olinda Hotshots Ready to Burn and a Cold Day on the Line: Photo compliments of Wol Worrell, Wildfire Management,
Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria, Australia.

Dale & Tom: We miss you Dale. Dale Nichols passed away in January 2006. The fire world is not the same without his smile. Ab.

NC State Series:
NC-St  41 in Story WY on the Ditch Cr. Fire in 2003:; 
NC-St 49 in Nez Perce ID on the Milepost 59 Fire in 2003:; 
NC-MA 55 Hungry Horse MT on the Blackfoot Lake Fire, part of the Blackfoot Lake Complex in 2003; 
NC-St 8 in Pensacola FL on Hurricane Dennis clean up in 2005, note the wildland gear on the beach in 100 degree weather. 
Die hard Wildland Firefighters, we are. Photos compliments of Chris Lister. (0206)

Waiting for SEAT: Waiting for SEAT. Photo compliments of JJ. (0706)

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Tripod Fire Trapper: Photo compliments of Dan T. (0806)

Cavity Lake Fire, MN: Pics from the Cavity Lake Fire in Northern MN. July/August 2006. (Boundary Headwaters area of MN containing extensive pine tree blowdown from 1999 winds.) Photos compliments of R.N. (0806) For more photos see the Fire 32 & 33 Photo pages.

Another Cavity Lake Fire Series: These are from the Cavity Lake Fire on the Superior NF Aug. 06:
#38 It was wilderness (so they dropped us off at the line...)
#34 Start paddling... (10,000 Lakes, but only three that day)
#32 Portaging... The Minnesota Pack Test
#18 More portaging, get used to it.
#16 Mop-up in the blow down. The dead and down fuels "tend to complicate things"
#02 Dinner on our island, the canoe was being used as a wind-break

Photos compliments of Kicks. (1006)

LACO on Munz Fire & LACO Crew: LA County Crews, Munz Fire ‘05; Los Angeles County Crew 14-4. Photos compliments of KR. (0206)

Denny Spike Chow Line: Most crews working on the (Trinity Alps Wilderness) Oven and Bake Fires of the Bar Complex early on were camped in Denny Spike Camp. Photo compliments of Mellie. (0806)

Kern Valley HS and Rio Hondo Crew: Task Force 5700H, BLM Kern Valley HS in Blue, Rio Hondo Roadrunners in Black. Taken on the Klamath Complex '06, full 14 day assignment for both crews as a Task Force. Twelve members of KV are ex Roadrunners. For more info on the Rio Hondo Crew see Firecrew77.com Photo by "BOB" Macias and sent in by John Bennett. (0307)

Pinnacle Fire Weather: Firefighters on the Pinnacle overlooking the Linville Gorge Wilderness, NC. Looks like they're taking fire weather readings. Photo taken by someone on Larry Raley's Eastern Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team. Please let us know who so we can give credit. More photos on their team website: www.imtcenter.net/EasternArizonaType2IMT/default.html (0507)

Ojai Hotshots, 1976: Ab I have a lot of information and pictures of the Ojai Hotshots. Bob Burnett was the first Supt. Terry Raley and John Salzay were the first two formen in those days. The crew was brought on for the Fire Season of 1974 during a large build up of crews in California. Photo compliments of TR. (0707)

Ringtown PA Crew: Ringtown Valley Wildlandfire hand crew, '07. Ringtown Pa. Photo compliments of Barry. (0108)

Santiago Fire Shelter Deployment '07: On October 22, 2007 just before 1600 hrs, 12 Orange County firefighters located on the East side of Santiago Canyon Rd on the Santiago Fire deployed their shelters. The info is located here: www.wildlandfire.com/hotlist/showthread.php?t=2166 The photographer is Karen Tapia-Jones of the LA Times. She and the LA Times hold the copyright. Later... Here's the whole sequence she took of the deployment with sound and done in Flash: http://www.latimes.com/la-burnover-f,0,732907.flash?coll=la-home-center (1007)

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Marc & Shawna 1 & 2: Marc Mullenix and Shawna Legarza... Prescribed Burn in Long Island 2003. Photo compliments of Shawna (0208)

Marc & Team '03 plus Marc and Team '05-'06: I don't know if I have the dates complete on these. If anyone has info to share, please send it in. This could be the beginning of Marc's page. Ab.

Mark Mullenix: We remember him for who he was: fine firefighter, terrific Incident Commander, trainer and mentor of firefighters, excellent leader, hard worker, friend, fun-loving, funny, compassionate, professional, public servant.

Marc & Mexico: This Picture of Marc was taken at the Kelly USA Evacuation Center for Hurricane Katrina evacuees in San Antonio, Texas. Marc's Team was managing the facility which at times supported over 12,000 evacuees. Without any prior notice the Government of Mexico sent a military "Humanitarian Unit" to San Antonio to help in the relief effort. Through Marc's efforts a major international crisis was avoided and the Mexican Army was blended into the relief effort. The individual on the left is the Mexican Consul for Texas, the military person is the Mexican 2 Star General in charge of the unit, then Marc, and on the right is from the San Antonio Red Cross. I'm sure Marc had a lot of good tales to tell about this "Incident Within An Incident". Photo compliments of AK Old Timer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~other photos:

Helitack Sawyer: Cal-Fire Helitack Sawyer on the Rice Fire in Oct '07. Photo compliments of Matt. (1107)

Crew N449RC: N449RC Copter 10 is one of San Diego County Sheriff's 205 A1++ helos. There are also CDF stickers on the door. N107BZ Copter 12 looks just the same. Copters are operated by SDSO pilots and there is a CDF Captain in left seat. 1 ship staffed with helitack crew depending on the time of year. Photo compliments of Brent. (1107)

Castaic Lake Fire Camp: Tallac Crew 19 at fire camp, SoCal Fires 2007. Photo compliments of Connie L, Joey's mom. (1107)

AZ Strike Team #1 & AZ at Fallbrook CA: Here are a couple of photos with some flames. This is Arizona Strike Team #1 (Alpha) at the Rice Fire, Fallbrook, CA in October 2007. Five Type 1 engines made up of Central Arizona Response Team members Apache Junction, Chandler, Guadalupe, Mesa and Tempe Fire Departments. These pictures are of a burnout operation we performed near a few structures we were protecting. Photo compliments of AZfirefighter. (tf1107)

Lakeview Fuels Crew: The photo was the BLM Lakeview District 2006 Fuels Crew located at Klamath Falls, Oregon. The crew that started in 2000 is one of several funded by the National Fire Plan - available for suppression but focusing on hard manual work and lots of prescribed fire. We're pretty proud of this crew. They've accomplished a lot of fuels and suppression over the last 5 years. Photo compliments of Cathy F. (1005)

Blankenship on Jocko, Wilson on Jocko, Burnout on Jocko Lakes: These are from the Jocko lakes Fire in MT. Div "C" 09 Aug 07. Holding during a burnout. Christian Blankenship from the AK Type-1 team. Tim Wilson/Sup from the Happy Camp IHC. Taken by Al Henkel/NBC News on assignment for NBC. (0907)

Owens Valley Crew 3: There aren't many Cal Fire Handcrew photos.  Here is one of my guys on the Bluff Inc. Div C  Bishop  Calif.  Owen's Valley Crew 3. Taken and Sent in by Sue Jorgensen. (0308)

Plumas IHC: on Moonlight Fire, PNF / LNF Sept 2007. Photos compliments of ACW. (0907) For more photos from ACW of the Moonlight Fire, see Fire 36, Engines 18, Equipment 11 and Airtankers 24.

LPF-Crew 1 in 2005: This is the LPF C-1 with FHL Dozers FHL being Fort Hunter Ligget DOD Fire; this is a prescribed burn we did in 2005. Photo compliments of TV. (0406)

Pile Burn & Rx Burn: unknown location, etc. Photos compliments of Rupert. (0406)

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Southern Fire '08:  Photos from the Southern Fire, March 22-24, 2008. This was west of Phoenix near the City of Avondale, burning in the Gila River bottom. I believe the Phoenix Fire automatic aid system worked this as a second alarm brush on the 22nd, then turned it over to BLM and Arizona State Forestry. Units from the Central Arizona Wildland Response Team, other Arizona FDs, BLM, and Arizona Dept. of Corrections hand crews worked it on the 23 and 24th, contained at 200 acres. Photos compliments of Todd F. (0408)

Ralston 1, 2, 3: Taken on the Ralston fire. I am not sure what hotshots they were, but they were hotshots from nor cal. They were doing a burnout that ENF Dozer 3 (me) was supporting. Photos compliments of JG. (0508)

Leoni Meadows Rx '07: Leoni Meadows Rx Burn, May '07, was an Rx burn that I facilitated. It was in Grizzly Flats CA, for a summer camp that owns 960 acres.. For flames see Fire 36 photos. Photo compliments of JG. (0508)

At Cameron Park CA: Deer Fire near Cameron Park CA. The fire laid down as soon as the sun went down, and was wrapped up by midnight. Photo compliments of JG.(0508)

Hibernia Co Park Rx 1 & 2: Two pics from this year's prescribed fires in Hibernia County Park (Wagontown Road in West Caln Township Chester County) Wagontown PA. The Parks and Recreation department has a fairly progressive land management program which has its own prescribed burn crew which I am a part of. First one - Rice Farm Burn . - April 2008; Second One - Vernon Farm - March 2008 - Burn Boss John Vickers. Photos compliments of L. Todd Ziegler. (0508)

Ron Smith, Texas Canyon Hotshot Sup, 1993: Photos compliments the 50th reunion CD. Sent in by FC180. (0508) For more photos of Ron, see Engines 20 photo page. And see this hotlist thread of tributes to Ron. He left his mark on the next generation of wildland firefighters.

Mike Kessler, Cherry Fire, El Malpais National Monument '02 and closeup: This was taken June 8, 2002. Mike is the one on the far right. He was serving as the extended attack IC on the Cherry Fire, El Malpais National monument. I remember he gave me one of the best briefings ever when I arrive on the fire. Photo compliments of Tom Jones. (0508) See this hotlist thread of tributes to Mike. Gone but not forgotten.

Adam Deem & Smokey: 7/18/08. A couple of days ago, Adam Deem, a forester with Calfire was scouting the Moon Fire's NW flank near Buckhorn Summit (West of Redding) when he came across a little 6-month old cub that was dehydrated, had 3rd degree burns to its paws, an injured eye and no mom. He took it to medical in fire camp, after which it was evaluated and treated by veterinarians at the Dept of Fish and Game's Rancho Cordova facility near Sacramento. The cub's seriously burned paw pads will require more treatments and 5-7 days to heal. The cub is now at the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, a wildlife care center, and is a good candidate for release next January or February. Photo compliments of Adam Deem (0708). [Right now the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care website is overwhelmed with viewers. Later you can follow Lil Smokey's progress: www.ltwc.org.]

Hotshot with BAD Poison Oak 1-3: Here are a few pics of a midnight suns crew member with some heavy poison oak; he got it while working on the American River Complex. Photos compliments of MG. (0708)

NewRiver Gorge FOBS: This photo was sent in with a photo of an antique engine and this message: While not fed service, here's "our" engine at our place on the Iron Cplx. Mellie says, "I'm not yet attached to her (the engine) although she's classic and functional... She's very new to our family. However, check out our New River Gorge FOBS; people clearly are a different story." Photos compliments of RPE. (0708)

Corral Firefighters: Photos of the Corral Fire on the California LMU. My engine was called to aid CALFIRE due to major spotting on 6/28/08. That afternoon the fire had a thunder cell blow over. The fire gained 5,000 acres in less than four hours. A lot of crews had to pull off the lines to safety zones due to erratic fire conditions. This photo was taken ahead of the fire from a safety zone, where units were advised to stand by due to erratic fire behavior from a thunder cell. Photo credit:

Photos of plume on the Fires 38  photo page were sent in by Russell Haynes. (0708)

Palomar & Laguna IHC 1&2: At the Goldledge Fire June 2007. Photos sent in by Strider. (0607)

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Hazard / Warning:  The sign says it all. Photo compliments of Sammie. (0808)

Bear Who Reads: The pose says it all. Photographer unknown. If you know, please sent info so we can give credit. (0808)

Fuego Tech Crew and Fuego Tech Rangers 76: Fuego Tech Rangers 76 is a Type 2 Handcrew based out of the Angeles National Forest. Photos compliments of Anthony Claustro. (0808)

Unknown HandCrew: A theysaid contributor wrote: appears to be the Mojave Greens. A type 2 crew from the San Bernardino NF. (Judging from a few familiar faces). Photo compliments of Renato P. (0808)

Jake and Bravo Co: This dog kinda of adopted us at fire camp and seemed to be pretty happy with the caterers; he lives about 4 miles away but would come into camp everyday and on more than one occasion, follow up us up to the burn and stayed with us the whole day as we mopped up. Photos compliments of MG. (0808)

New FF: Hi. I'm a recently certified Wildland Firefighter from Flagstaff, AZ. On my way home to Carlsbad, NM. On April 30th, I saw my first wildland fire through a firefighter's eyes. It was truly beautiful. I wanted to share some pictures with you for your website. Thanks. (More Trigo Fire photos on Fires 39 photo page.) Photos compliments of JM. (0508)

Chester on Angora, Chester on Rock Fire, Chester Flight Crew, Chester Rappel: A few pics of Chester Flight Crew from last year (07). One with single person is me cutting line on Angora fire TNF. The other is us on the Rock fire MDF. Rappel is on Stiver Mtn. Photos compliments of rats i. (0508)

Size-up Backcut, 75" Red Fir, After Felling, Tree Mopup: Angora Fire. this was a 75" DBH Red Fir cigar that the SOFR wanted felled. The DIVS for that Division was concerned about collateral damage to several healthy trees next to this one so we had to fall it 20 degrees off its lean to miss them, which we did. FALC William Ray- City of Grass Valley; FALC (trainee) Shawn Entz- Nevada County Consolidated Fire
FALC William Ray sizing up his back-cut on a 75" Red Fir on the Angora Fire, TMU-06,2007; FALC Ray (with saw) and FALC Shawn Entz (spotter) finishing back-cut; FALCs Ray and Entz after the tree had been felled. It caught fire right after the trunk hit the ground. No other trees were injured during the felling of this tree; FALC Entz helping the engine guys mop-up the tree. Photos compliments of Will. (0508)

Applegate Fire Briefing '06: The OR-ODF-Applegate Fire burned from 8/29-9/2/06 in an area 6 mi NE of Flora Oregon. Fires often burn here. 209 file Photos compliments of JS. (0506)

Fire Jumped I-5; TCU Valecito Crews 1 & 3 (two); Grapevine Fire '07: A few pictures from a fire we came across while en route to Santa Barbara County to a fire right before the Zaca Fire started. I don’t remember the name of this one but it was on the Angeles at the end of June 2007 on the Grapevine at Interstate 5 near Smokey Bear Blvd. The fire started in the RV and then spread to the northbound side vegetation as the vehicle rolled down the road towards us and came to rest in the median. While we were battling the NB side, the propane tank on the RV blew across all the lanes of the SB side and started a fire on the other side. It was a pretty exciting day to say the least. The crews in the pictures are us: ST9476G, CAL FIRE Tuolumne Calaveras Unit Vallecito Crews 1 and 3.Photos compliments of CDFFBC. (am0408)

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Kern Crew 81: Kern County Fire Department's IA Crew 81; 2005 Season. Photo compliments of JA. (1108)

Helitack on Hazard Tree: Bieber Helitack crew member Weston felling a hazard tree on a fire on the SHF. Photo compliments of High Lonesome. (1208)

Barker Fire ID & SZ Chalk Fire LPF: Some pics from last season 2008. Tree torching was taken on Barker Fire on Boise National Forest, Idaho. Pic with all the buggies was taken from safety zone on Chalk Fire LPF. Photos compliments of Rats. (0109)

Nov Rx Burn '02: this picture that I took in the fall of 2002. Its a prescribed fire at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. The photo was taken in November, temp outside is a crisp 20 degrees....ands is about 1 a.m.!!!!! Photo compliments of Jay Fassett. (0908)

Pine Stein Irony, Stein & Pratt: Photos compliments of Kevin- squeeb. (0908)
Pine Stein: Irony, sugar pine crew #1 and #4, hasty firing operation to save Sugar Pine camp and adjacent areas. SHU Pine Fire. June 08:
Stein: Crew extraction From the Bottom of SHU Stein Inc. Shasta Lake. July 08
Pratt: DOWNHILL WIND SHIFT! Crew from E 2468 on HUU Pratt Fire.

Zephyr Fire Crew: Got a new muni crew in the Tahoe Basin up and running. Tahoe Douglas Fire District’s Zephyr Fire Crew. 26 man hand crew to support the fuels issue in the region 4-5 area. Also working with NDF 402 helitack to combine efforts on I.A. Compliments of Zephyr. (ks0209)

FL Burnout, Blake; Navajo Scouts in Florida; R8 Local: Florida Burn Out. Capt Joe Blake; Navajo Scouts - They basically rebuilt this road so we renamed it in their honor; one of the locals we were "protecting". Photos compliments of JB. (0307) More Navajo Scout photos on the Bray Creek Rx in AZ

AZ fire crew on Hog Fire 1&2:  Photos compliments of Shawn. (0309)

BLM Crew '08 and Mescalero Apache Crew '08: On the Cold Springs Fire, WA. Photos compliments of A. (0509)

Ojai HS module '78:  Ojai Hotshots, full module :)  The bus had a cyl gas engine, 5 spd manual (no synchros), no insulation, no seat belts, AM radio with a single speaker by the driver, and she topped out at 52 mph.  A true joy.  We really envied Mammoth HS; just don't tell them!  And yes, we could all sleep, going down the road; you just have to be creative (and tired).  I usually slept in the door-well, on the steps.
Additional comment from EP on the Ojai HS Bus.: the photo with ojai hs bus (little winker) is not 1979
the crew was axed in august 1978, along with about 1/3 of the r5 hs shot crews in a "budget saving" move (in the middle of fire season??),  known as the "hotshot massacre"
so this photo is early 1978, maybe 1976, 1977, i recognize the t-shirts from those years
yes the whole crew fit on that bus and the sup truck. there was a bench seat in the back of the bus and 3 rode in the single cab 2wd sup truck. bob (shakey) burnett was the sup.; the crew did come back in the early 1980's, ish messer and bob becker were the sups.; ish is now with oes, i believe. lots of good memories EP
Historical photos compliments of Pyro. (0309) More on Helicopters 27, Equipment 13, Engines 22, Engines 23.

Drew Smith briefing on the Jesusito Fire '09: Spencer Weiner, who took this photo, is a photographer for the LA Times. Contact them for a high resolution photo or others of the Jesusito Fire: www.latimes.com/news/la-me-sbfire6-pg,0,1212700.photogallery

Tulare Crew Jesusito: Tired fire crews from Tulare rest after cutting fire lines all day in the hills above Santa Barbara on 050709. Photographer is Mark Boster of the LA Times. Slideshow here: www.latimes.com/news/la-me-sbfire6-pg,0,1212700.photogallery

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Diamond Mountain IHC 2008 - 2 photos: '08 Crew and Crew returning to their crew buggies on the Siskiyou 2008. Diamond Mt is a BLM Crew out of Susanville CA. Photos compliments of a friend of the crew. (0409) Their website is here: www.diamondmountainhotshots.org/

Little Winker, beyond the Ojai years: I saw a post and photo (crew photo page 28 http://www.wildlandfire.com/pics/hand25/ojai-hs-module78.jpg) a while back and meant to chip in and add to the story at the time, but just didn’t get around to it. I stumbled upon my own photos of said topic today and decided to take the time to add to the story.

Those who posted or commented on the story and photo, Pyro and EP, may be interested. -Little Winker, beyond the Ojai years-

The small bus known as Winker went on to serve the Mendocino Hotshots in 1980 - 82 before her untimely (or timely depending on your perspective) retirement after the 1982 fire season. Late in the 1981 season Winker suffered a near career ending malfunction, however she was valiantly repaired and put back in service. Attached are photographs of Winkers near death experience. The incident as photographed happened at the end of the day as we were pulling up to the fuel pump on the compound. Thankfully this happened here, and not on the highway while zipping down the hill to some fire.

And yes, I can confirm 16-17 can sleep relatively comfortably in its cramped quarters as long as you didn’t get stuck on the floor over the rear axle where it would get quite hot. But only an am radio with one speaker by the driver? ...come on you guys where was your ingenuity? We added an am/fm cassette deck and two speakers front and two in the back.

Love her or hate her, Winker did save us and other crews many extra miles of hiking as the little bus could go where larger buses could not, and there were no, or very few, of the crew carrier type buggies around in those days. Photos compliments of Pulaski, -once known by few as “poppin’ fresh” (0409)

Tatanka Shots '08: Based out of the town of Custer in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Their website: www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/fire/tatankas/index.shtml Photo compliments of one Tatanka's gal-friend. (0509)

Olinda Shots 08-09: Olinda IHC, 2008-2009. Photo compliments of IW (0709)

Tom Marovich, 2009: Tom "TJ" Marovich died on 7/21/09 following an accident during a routine helirappel training exercise. His loss is a great loss to us all. Hotlist thread & Condolences thread. 

TJ's Fire Picture: Photo compliments of TJ Marovich, Jr. Tom Marovich's dad found this fire photo among TJ's digital things. We asked what fireit might be. Got this back: It may of been from the Bench underburn on the Double Head RD, MDF.  Due to bitter brush and low afternoon RH's we opted for night burning.  After racking my brain and looking at the picture, I believe it could be from the Bench underburn.(0809)

OCFA Crew 1b: OCFA Crew 1b, Sierra Peak with Yorba Linda behind. Photo compliments of Patrick. (0809)

Wolf Creek Shots: Firing out on Div G Road 7521 of the Boze Fire. Pretreated the green with CAFS and did not have a single spot. Photo compliments of Robert, Xtreme Wildland, Inc (0909)

SQF Organized Crews: Scorpions, Cobras, & Black Eagles; Pack Mules: This is our refresher group in 2009 held in last week of February.
Then had about 96 Rookies in basic fire school First week in March. This program has about 60-70 CRWB (T) go through the program each year nation wide ,
Great learning experience, For all that have come, for both the overhead and the crews. More on these historic crews on IMWTK. By the way, the Mules are from the INF with Packers, part of the cadre; when ordered they get O numbers with packers. Photos and info compliments of SMS (0909)

Station Fire Column from I-5, Div AA Gun Range, Tanker Drop, Blowup after AT Drop: Station Fire header from 100 miles north on I-5; Div AA Gun Range firing op; Tanker drop; blowup after tanker drop. Photos compliments of  Cary G. (cw0909) Photos of our two fallen firefighters Capt Ted Hall and Firefighter Arnie Quinones are on their Memorial page.

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Rio Hondo Roadrunners: Our crew, The Rio Hondo Roadrunners Fire Crew 77 of the Angeles N.F. at the 2009 Backbone Fire in the Six Rivers N.F. Photo compliments of GF (1109)

Two Jumpers: Photo compliments of BK, California Smokejumpers. (1209) More information and photos here: gacc.nifc.gov/oncc/logistics/crews/smokejumpers/index.html Check out their new website.

Smith River IHC: Photo compliments of Slowjoe. (jr1209)

Wolf Creek IHC on Boze: Burning out and utilizing the Tactical tenders for support. The Boze Fire was on the Umpqua NF. Photos compliments of Eric M. (0210) Also check Fire 43 and 44 photo pages for flames.

Pike IHC: 2009 crew. Sent in by HSgirl. (0210)

Smith River IHC Rig & Hotshot Buggy: Making a food stop in Arcata. Compliments of Mellie. (1009)

Smokey Bear IHC: On Slide Fire 10/23/07.  Photos compliments of FP. (0208)

Aussie Fire 1&2, Helitack345, Us Hotshots with Olinda HS 1& 2: Aussie Fire, Helitack 345 - Tasman Helicopters / Canada, Olinda Hotshots Base, 08/09 Wildfire Season, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Olinda, Victoria, Australia. US Hotshots with with the Olinda Hotshots (Aus)
on the Mt Riddell Wildfire -Victoria Feb 2009. Photos compliments of WOL Wildlife Management, Australia. (iw0208)

Dad, 1982: Your historical photo stuff this mroning got me digging. I have been tearing the house apart looking for pics of my dad, and fires, I found several pictures of fires, but they were at night and look like all the others pictures of fires. I did find one though of him from ~1982, not much has changed since then. The vest he has in his hand, I wore last week when I was running chainsaws. Still looking for more, he supposedly has some pictures of some desert fires, engines, and helicopters and such from the that era, but they are on slides so I have to try to first find the slides, then find the slide scanner. He has some good stories of flying in helicopters that were ex-military and still had bullet holes in them from Vietnam. Photo compliments of L. (0310)

Olinda Hotshots '09-'10: The 2009/2010 Olinda Hotshot crew, based at the Olinda Work centre, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Victoria - Australia.  Photo compliments of Wol. (0510)

Road near Powerhouse: Bull Fire, CA-SQF. July 2010. Photo compliments of Polo. (0710) More Bull fire photos on Airtankers 33, Helicopters 28, and Fire 44 and 45 photo pages.

Retardant Target: LNF CREW 3. Spammed! Photo compliments of JM. (0710)

OR-Oak Flat: Pics from the OR-RSF-Oak Flat Fire, August 2010. Photo compliments of LP. (1010)

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Little Tujunga Reunion, 2010: Attached are pictures of Little Tujunga Hot Shot Reunion, October 23, 2010. I am sure there are members of that crew that would like to see them. There were several crew members that they were not able to contact. Larry Sall gave permission for you to post. Thank you, Gordon Rowley
Message with the photos: Here are some pictures Jimmy Smith's kid took at the reunion. There's a big group picture then he breaks it down into the individual pictures of each year starting with 1970. I'm sorry some of you couldn't make it. It was worth every second. (There were 4 photos that had older members, no year was specified. If anyone would like to see those, contact Ab. The 4 logo cake photos are posted on the Logo 19 photo page.)

OR-Oak Flat: More pics from the OR-RSF-Oak Flat Fire, August 2010. Photos compliments of LP. (1010)

Waveclouds: Photo sent in by DP (0910)

Cle Elum & Ellensburg Combined Crew '70s: Here's a photo of the Regional Reinforcement fire crew, combined crews from Cle Elum, WA and Ellensburg, WA, early 70's. Claim to fame is that we were sent to Minnesota to fight the peat bog fires in the fall, an impossible job! And then it snowed. Photo compliments of John Gaasland. (11/10)

Laguna & El Cariso: Hotshots on Salmon Complex in 1985. I took this one, stepped off to the side of tool order and snapped this beauty of El Cariso and Laguna Hot Shots movin' in for the kill. Photo compliments of David M. (12/10)

Dalton HS '84: Dalton Hot Shots Crew Photo 1984
Back L-R Robert Serrato, Mike Holland, John Solstis, Randy Unkovich, Dave Nava, Dave Brown, Herman Garcia.
Center Eric Haggen, Andy Lang, Matt Robinson, Lewis Yazzie, Terry Pennybaker, Jerry Acuna.
Front Dave Ayon, Rick Thompson, Bernie Alvarez, Gerry Cimini, Ron Bollier, Steve Slate.
Photo compliments of Bernie. (1/11)

Supe Lewis Yazzie '85: Lewis Yazzie - Dalton Hotshot Superintendent in Idaho 1985. Photo compliments of Bernie. (1/11)

Dalton Saw Teams '85: Dalton HS 1st & 2nd Saw Teams-
L to R-Ron Bollier, Randy Unkovich, Eric Haggen, Bernie Alvarez. Photo compliments of Bernie. (1/11)

Dalton -Gorda Rat '85: Dalton HS at the Gorda Rat Fire 1985 – Support on this fire was lacking and most of the time we had to do without. Just before I snapped this photo we found this staging area that had a bunch of MREs and a whole cake. That is the reason for the smiles. It was good cake! Photo compliments of Bernie. (1/11)

Dalton in R3 '86:  Dalton HS in R3 1986. Photo compliments of Bernie. (1/11)

Arroyo Grande Flight Crew 1980: I found this photo while sorting through a pile of post-career debris on a snowy Montana day. It was my first IA fire response flight as a rookie member of the LPF Arroyo Grande Flight Crew on Sunday, June 29, 1980. This photo was the result of the attempted landing on the Ojai district below Topa Topa bluffs. Nobody was injured in this Bell-212 wreck. We hiked 2 miles out to the trailhead and toasted to our luck later that night. Nobody quit that day and several of us continued on with our fire careers. You might recognize some fire leaders...
(Top L-R) Ted Mathiesen, Tom Fogata, Willie Jewel, Cyrl Johnson, Joe Duran
(Middle L-R) Kevin Cardwell, Ken Doss, Tracy Helms, Mike Teague
(Bottom L-R) Mike Higgenbotham, Tony Escobar, Gary Olsen
I know of several that have left the planet since then. Peace be with: Tom Fogata, Tracy Helms, Mike Teague, and Gary Olsen. Photo compliments of Fishtales. (1/11)

SQF OC Program 2011 RT-130:
2011 SQF OC Program.
470 Personal, RT-130 Refresher / and Red carded.
3 Initial Attack crews.
14 Type 2 Crews.
2 1039 Temp Crews.
2 Camp Crews.
Biggest change you will notice is they all have same color shirts now.....

Texas - Edwards Fire 1, 2, 3: Pics from the IA on the Edwards Fire which later merged with the Batch and became the Dicken's County Complex. More on Fire 46 photo page. Photos compliments of Ryan. (0511)

Trilogy Fire, CNF: June, 2011. Photo compliments of Jeff Hall, Cal Fire VIP Photographer. (0611)

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Fortuna Crew 22: This crew is a partnership between the Six Rivers National Forest Fire Organization and the California Conservation Corps. Fortuna Crew 22 went available on Wednesday August 3rd, 2011. Photo compliments of Lead 51. (br0811)

Big Bear Hotshots: Flyer for Jimmy Avilas retirement party and Big Bear Hotshots 10 year reunion party. Flyer photo compliments of Seth. (1011)

Oak Grove Hotshot Reunion 1 & 2 and Logo: The 52 year OakGrove Hotshot reunion was held this week at the ANF Sups' office. The crew was formed on the Angeles N.F. in 1950, making it the first Hotshot crew on the forest. The crew was disbanded in 1978. Oak Grove Hotshot History  Photos compliments of Russ M. (0512)

Lakeview Vet Crew: Lakeview Vet crew with the VLAT 911 in Phoenix AZ. Photo compliments of Mike M. (0712)

Pennsylvania Crew 6: In California 2012. Photo compliments of Michael B. (1012)

Vandenberg HS to CO & Loading for Waldo Canyon: Vandenberg hotshots military deployed to Waldo Canyon, Colorado in June, 2012. Photos compliments of RES. (1012)

Bikes for Baldwin Lane Elementary from the Big Bear Hotshots: The Big Bear Hotshots keep this annual tradition going as they gave 24 new bikes to children at Baldwin Lane Elementary in Big Bear, CA. They have raised money from their current firefighters during the fire season. The feeling of giving back to our community is fulfilling. This year's selection was Baldwin Lane Elementary students meeting the criteria of good citizenship, grades and attendance. The kids were surprised and very happy to receive this gift from us. Thanks to all Big Bear Hotshots past and present for this honorable tradition. - Captain Jesse Montijo. Photos compliments of Jesse Montijo (1212)

Old vs New & OC Crews, SQF 2013: Sequoia National Forest Organized Crew Program, Attached are pictures we took at our RT-130 Fire Refresher this week.
Tanker 48 Staged in Porterville, Also Inyo National Forest R-5 Packers --Old Vs New , We still need both. And of course the OC Crews. Photos compliments of Just Me. (s0313)

( If you have photos you want to share, send them in! )