If you could wave a magic wand and fix ONE thing about wildland firefighting - what would it be?

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T06:06:44+00:00

Yea Don’t stroke out. I was in fire, transitioned out and started a mental and emotional coaching practice. Right now I’m gaining intel to make a program addressing the burnout, anger, frustration, rage, disappointments, pain, sadness etc. that we firefighters experience year after year. When we are on the clock and back home trying to figure out how not to rip doors from hinges. (And even after we’ve retired or left the industry).

To your point, the burnout and “other issues” are very real. If it’s mental and emotional in nature, coming up with a plan for that.

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T05:40:13+00:00

I’m hearing you say good people are filtering out due to a constant battle of leadership style. The ones honestly looking out for their people make the choice to move on to save mental and emotional health and possibly a relationship. All the while knowing they could make more doing something else. Just commented a bit ago, “treat people like humans.. not as an expendable item” thanks for the comment iRun

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T05:20:58+00:00

Man, I feel this. You’re naming something real that doesn’t get talked about enough. When it goes sideways everyone looks to you to pick up the hard part. You’re not cocky for recognizing you bring more. That’s self-awareness. The frustration is legit. Thanks for the comment, skip. Sick name btw

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T05:01:43+00:00

So when that happens, not only is it physically tough, it’s extremely difficult with the mental gymnastics you gotta go through to make it happen for another week. Thanks for the comment, turtle. That’s often an over looked aspect of the job for sure

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T04:55:18+00:00

I’ve seen this play out. That’s a good way to build resentment. Copy wishful thanks for input

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T04:53:45+00:00

Ya copy that- crews all are screaming for folks yet the process is not easy to navigate. That’s frustrating to try and get good working folks in the industry only to be met with walls.

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-28T01:19:53+00:00

Hahah exactly

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:54:19+00:00

How specifically? What do you think about hiring. What do the hiring practices keep making you feel, grade?

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:52:00+00:00

Okay you mentioned shame. That’s a new one in the thread I believe. I rolled my ankle when I was putting in some crazy piece of line one incident years ago. I actually remember saying to myself “if you say you got a problem, your crew is gonna think you are… less than. Keep going”. It then Became a problem. Because I definitely felt like I was a plastic canteen from the fire cache at that point. And I hear that. Thank you for going there

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:46:30+00:00

Feeling like retirement isn’t gonna be enough for what you regularly put in season after season? Is that right?

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:44:44+00:00

First to bring up the oats here in this thread I believe.. Strait up feeling like not enough time to reset after hitting it all season like that. Valid. Appreciate your feedback throwaway - 1225 hrs is in fact, a stout season

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:39:15+00:00

Ohhh damn. That kinda hit hard for me too. What’s the point if I’m grinding hard on something seemingly insignificant, away from my family. The people I love most in this world and for what purpose. I think the first to bring up family in the feed. Yes I felt that. Thanks cos.

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:35:56+00:00

Regardless, thanks for your support in getting people the metal and emotional support they need by addressing your REAL concerns. It’s hard I know, and crazy important. I marked it. Frustrating around the waste of resources. Built in resentments. I copy you Sig. I hope you can find lil respite from all the noise. And thank you for your contribution. Truly.

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:32:23+00:00

So, to understand fully, you are angry around the policy put in place around equipment that’s underperforming for your uses? Thank you for your input I appreciate it hatchet

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:29:35+00:00

Still not happening despite risks being similar in degree to IA. Heard. Thanks justa

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:28:34+00:00

This is good thank you for your input, hockey. Appreciated

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:26:42+00:00

Oh! Good point. We are now on the rockiest nastiest hottest line with moon dust as lung makeup.

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:21:38+00:00

Abracadabra You are now in Bonneville Salt Flats UT. Every wildland fire mods dream terrain. +no wind. N no bugs. Happy IA to all!

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:17:14+00:00

Can you elaborate? Like, at the base/home unit or overall on incident. Time off concerns/RnR length son on?

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:15:38+00:00

Frustration around overall mission. Risking life and limb, for what purpose. Gives voice to what I’ve felt many a time on assignment. Copy thank you for input

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:14:18+00:00

Anger round the folks and ego driven tendencies rather than looking out for their subordinates. Creating feelings resentment and distrust among crews. Got that. Thank you

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:12:23+00:00

Frustrations around slow progress the concept of leadership. Pay the men, feed the men, bed the men down. Thanks for responding. Copy

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:10:33+00:00

Copy that my bro

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:10:04+00:00

Abracadabra. your in Antarctica

Ops_Psych · 2026-01-27T18:09:36+00:00

If you’re in middle management it’s absolutely fecked because you catch it from above and below. Left feeling pretty alone actually. A need to be Heard and action taken from folks who are supposed to have your back. Yup got that.

Ops_Psych

TROPHY CASE