It can be easy to take for granted the sense of community built in the fire world until it’s abruptly taken away. Part of the job of being a wildland firefighter is that for many, the gig is a 6-month commitment and then we’re let go. From 100 to zero in an instant. And that can be hard.

All summer we rely on each other, share jokes & stories, build strong friendships. Then, we often scatter across the country like buckshot, seeking other employment opportunities or enjoying the off-time to travel. 

The loss of community has a profound impact on a number of wildland fire folks. Winter is hard. It’s cold, there’s less sunlight, & it’s easy to feel lonely in the slower moments. I know it has personally been hard for me, even if my Instagram looks well-stocked with photos of doing cool things or traveling to far-off places. 

Off-season is a double-edged sword. A fabled time to be savored & simultaneously loathed. After the fast pace of fire season where adrenaline is constantly pumping, endorphins are fulling flowing from physical exertion & constant opportunities to be around your friends, it can be truly refreshing to just slow down & enjoy the stillness. 

But eventually the stillness grows too loud.

Mental health matters. Especially in wildland fire. 

I listened to an episode of the Anchor Point Podcast entitled “Have a Plan for Off-Season with Shannon Mead.” In it, the concept was discussed that we, as wildland firefighters, experience an extraordinary amount of loss doing this work. Whether that be losing time with loved ones back home, fellow firefighters, huge swaths of forests/wildlife, & ultimately the end of season layoff, it can be difficult. 

Lacking the structure, tight schedule, sense of purpose, & a built-in friend group of highly motivated folks is tough for us all. We literally cannot wait to get back. This is a great time, if you haven’t been already, to check in on your fire friends. The hardest part is always picking up the phone, everything else will come naturally. You’re already more closely bonded than you realize.

January, February & March are times to push ourselves hard to be physically ready. And the joy that results in coming back & seeing our old friends is immense. And refreshing. Only a few months ago, we all disliked each other in the dreaded Snaptember when tensions are high & everyone is on each other’s nerves. 

After nomad-ing around for the last 5 months, I’m back & while I don’t start work for another month, it’s so good to see some of my friends again. Almost like I never left at all. The bond between myself & these people is strong. Friendships truly are forged by fire. 

It’s been a pleasure working on this project. I hope you’ve enjoyed this visual portrayal of the humanity behind the epic nature of this job. 

Huge thanks to the American Wildfire Experience for creating this amazing opportunity. And Mystery Ranch Backpacks & Waterax Pumps for their generous sponsorship of myself & other creatives in this field. Excited to see what comes out of this in future iterations. And lastly, thanks to YOU, the reader who followed along on this journey over the past year. I appreciate you more than you know.

Cheers! - Logan