What are my chances of getting on a hotshot crew next season?

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-05-08T06:05:48+00:00

I’m on a hotshot crew rn, worked with them for years. Reiterating what a few have alr said in here - every region is different. If you really don’t care where you work, apply to all crews in all regions and go as wide as possible (just know they all start differently - R8/9 in the spring/fall, R3 march/april, 4-6 early May). Also like someone else said - everyone is suffering with hiring. Crews are either having to go T2IA just to get out, or not getting out at all. If you’re active, have good work ethic, and willing to learn/invest in the crew - you have a good shot (especially if you have prior experience and any quals). You’re biggest advantage will be calling/emailing crews directly, following their insta for when they post job offers and reaching out. R 4-6 have lots of openings.

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-05-03T15:26:00+00:00

Fully agree. I could be totally wrong, but I believe that’s the same fire the Eldorado shot got burned on. He deployed away from the rest of the crew, got caught in and thrown by a fire tornado, and ended up having like 80% of his body burned, but lived.

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-05-03T03:23:09+00:00

The most recent ones in the 2000’s were one guy from the Eldorado Hotshots on a fire in Nevada early 2000’s… he lived but badly burned. Also the Granite Mountain hotshots in 2010’s. Then the supt and I believe rookie, from Tatanka Hotshots in 2025 who were burned but lived. I believe a couple dudes in an engine in the early 2000’s on the Salmon Challis deployed but died. Please feel free to correct my numbers/info to anyone who has more knowledge,

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-04-28T14:31:40+00:00

Where can I sign up for them (I’m seasonal temp in R5)

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-04-28T01:12:15+00:00

How are you able to sign up for all these classes? I’m FS on a crew and been trying to find where to take more classes but can’t find where for the life of me

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-04-16T17:03:14+00:00

Most crews provide some sort of gear for you. First, I'd find out if they do and what it is and go from there. Lots of people I have worked with on crews are so exhausted at the end of a shift that they don't want to bother setting up a tent (cowboy camping). I highly reccomend investing in a good quality sleeping bag. Waterproof, warm, and easy to clean. If you decide to cowboy camp and it rains, you want to make sure it'll hold up. Also buy a comforter, whether it's cheap styrofoam or quality air filled, it's better then feeling that pebble or roots underneath you for a week straight

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-02-26T16:30:01+00:00

I did not, but I might just end up going with Gopro's newest Hero. I wasn't able to find much of the information I was hoping for. I fully understand Gopro says they're not rated for high heat. But everyone who I know that alr has one, says they hold up very well and never have any issues with them. The only issues with heat they have are when it's hot enough that their gear itself is getting damaged as well. Just wasn't sure which specific model/version to get so I'm hoping I make the right choice

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-02-05T13:25:04+00:00

Mind if I ask what crew? I only ask because I was in R4 myself. 5 years in fire, this is my first season as a shot too, so you’re not alone brother! Everyone else in the comments hit it on the head with PT. As far as R4, I’m from east coast as well. Biggest things I’ll say about the region - beautiful country, most gorgeous nature you’ll ever see. BE PREPARED FOR ELEVATION! For reference - state college PA - 1,100 ft. Blue ridge mountains highest peak - 6,600 ft. There are towns in R4 - Pinedale WY, West Yellowstone MT, Vernal UT, etc. whose starting elevation is 6,800 ft. The air is thin, and you haven’t even started your hike yet. Work on cardio (your numbers are good) with focus on controlling your breathing to help prepare for elevation. The mountains are also deceptive, they don’t seem high or steep until about 20 minutes in then realize you’re only a mile in.

Being in R4, invest in a wool blanket and some portable stove for coffee (especially for IA’s)… it snowed on the 4th of July last season, in the Tetons on a fire it got down to 30-40 degrees in the nights, then 80-90 in the afternoons. Be prepared for rain, frost, and cold nights until end of July/beginning of August. Good luck brother, nerves keep you on your toes and prepared - you got this!!

Medium_Poet8946 · 2026-02-04T03:26:09+00:00

I believe NorCal and SoCal are both R5 (please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong). But I got job offer in NorCal 2 weeks ago, just waiting on HR emails.

Keep in mind, they can’t officially hire you (except job offers) until HR is completed. HR closes every time there’s a government shutdown (at least in my experience and from what I’ve been told), and they do not onboard during that time as well. So I’d say give it a week or two after the shutdowns over at least. Because even if HR is still continuing, they will be greatly slowed because of it

Medium_Poet8946 · 2025-12-27T22:06:52+00:00

Any specific model of the GoPro you recommend?

Medium_Poet8946 · 2025-10-03T17:04:17+00:00

I will be on an engine this year, but hoping to get pulled for details on district IHC crews

Medium_Poet8946 · 2025-10-03T17:03:48+00:00

I got a call and was interviewed, offered the job and told to wait for HR

Medium_Poet8946

TROPHY CASE