In this episode of the GlobalWarmingIsReal podcast, I talk with Kelly Ramsey, author of Wildfire Days: A Woman, a Hotshot Crew, and the Burning of the American West.
Kelly’s path into the heart of wildfires began serendipitously. Despite having a background in poetry and fiction, her passion for the outdoors led her to Northern California. Initially unaware of what wildland firefighting entailed, her interactions with firefighters inspired her to join their ranks. The camaraderie, the adrenaline, and the extraordinary nature of the work held a magnetic allure. Yet, beneath the excitement lies a stark reality.
After a stint as a wilderness ranger, Ramsey spent two seasons on the Rowdy River hotshot wildland firefighting crew based in the Klamath National Forest. In 2000, her first year on the job, 8,648 wildfires burned 4,304,379 acres in California in the most devastating wildfire year in the state’s history. The largest of these was the August Complex “Giga Fire,” which scorched over one million acres.
The Reality of Wildfire Suppression
For over a century, wildfire management has been driven by a policy of full suppression, an approach that Kelly and many others criticize as part of the problem. Suppression has led to unnaturally dense forests prone to hotter and more destructive fires. As Kelly explains, indigenous methods of controlled burns could offer a path to healthier ecosystems. Yet, the policy and funding support needed to enact these solutions at scale remain insufficient, especially under the Trump administration.
Climate Change and Policy Challenges
The exacerbation of wildfires by climate change is undeniable. However, mismanagement of forests adds fuel to the fire. Recent political decisions, like rescinding the Roadless Rule, further threaten to prioritize logging over ecological balance. This, Kelly notes, creates a precarious situation where economic interests overshadow environmental needs.
The Human Element in Firefighting
Despite the physical challenges and the psychological toll, many are drawn to the work by its unique rewards. Wildland firefighters face exposure to dangerous conditions and long-term health impacts, including increased cancer risks and respiratory issues. The mental strain is equally distressing, with high rates of PTSD and depression reported among crew members.
A Call for Change
Federal firefighters are egregiously underpaid and lack year-round health insurance, compelling many to leave for better opportunities in city fire departments or organizations like Cal Fire. Kelly advocates for better support, acknowledging recent legislative efforts to address pay, but emphasizes that these strides are not enough. The profession requires substantial investment and reform to attract and retain skilled, diverse talent at a time when their work is more critical than ever.
Wildfire Days: Looking Ahead
Amid a growing climate crisis, understanding the intricate world of wildland firefighting is crucial. Kelly Ramsey provides a compelling look into this intense and often misunderstood profession. Her journey from being a wilderness ranger to a member of an elite hotshot crew reveals not only personal growth but also highlights significant issues in forest management and environmental policy.
As Kelly Ramsey continues to promote her book, she remains a vocal advocate for improved forest management and firefighter support. The journey is arduous, but with voices like Kelly’s, change is possible.
Nighttime at Noon
This was the scene on the street outside my San Francisco flat just before noon on September 9, 2000
