Background

I spent five summers during my college years (77-81) fighting western wildfires. My first year was spent as a member of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) pumper crew stationed at Topaz Lake about thirty minutes south
of Carson City, Nevada. My second and third years were with the BLM stationed at Fort Rock, Oregon. I was a member of the Helitack crew which flew to fires. My fourth and fifth years were with the Forest Service stationed in Chiloquin, Oregon. I was the assistant foreman of the Helitack crew.

This a recollection of my experiences, probably somewhat embellished with time. I enjoyed my time during these summers; as I look back I was quite fortunate in that I worked with a great group of people each year. We had lots of fun and got paid for it.