In the United States, an interagency hotshot crew (IHC), or simply hotshot crew, is a Type 1[1][nb 1] handcrew of 20 firefighters specially trained in wildfire suppression tactics.[4] Hotshot crews are considered an elite group among wildland firefighters, due to their extensive training, high physical fitness standards, and ability to undertake difficult, dangerous, and stressful assignments.[5] They often respond to large, high-priority fires and are trained and equipped to work in remote areas for extended periods of time with little logistical support.
As an interagency resource, hotshot crews can be requested to respond to wildland fire incidents in any jurisdiction. As of 2009, there are 107 IHCs in operation in the United States, organized by diverse agencies such as the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, as well as state, county, and city governments.[6] The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho coordinates Hotshot crews on the national level.
Hotshot crews trace their history to Southern California in the late 1940s on the Cleveland and Angeles National Forest. The term "hotshot" comes from their having been assigned to the hottest parts of the fire.[5] In American English, the term also connotes "a person who is conspicuously talented or successful".[7]
While not fighting fires, hotshot crews typically work in their home units to meet resource goals such as thinning, prescribed fire operations, habitat improvement, and trail construction projects. Hotshot crews can also respond to other emergency incidents, including search and rescue and disaster response.[5] For example, in 2009 the Cherokee IHC was assigned to clear trees downed by rare tornadoes in Prospect Park and Kissena Park in New York City, their first employment in an urban setting.[8]
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Hotshot crews are known for their extensive training, and are expected to display proficiency in the full range of fire suppression tactics.[4] Like other handcrews, IHCs are primarily tasked with constructing, firing out,[nb 2] and holding handline, through the use of chainsaws, hand tools, ignition devices, and water delivery equipment. Hotshot crews can engage in all phases of wildfire response, from initial attack[nb 3] to mop-up.[nb 4] They are also trained in specialized operations, such as hot spotting,[nb 5] spot fire attack,[nb 6] tree felling, and structure protection.
When not on fire assignments, the crew performs project work such as prescribed burning and fuels reduction.
Living conditions while on assignments can be primitive. Fresh meals, soft beds, and regular showers are not to be expected. Field assignments away from home can last several weeks with daily work shifts averaging 16 hours, but can extend up to 48–64 hours. Sleep deprivation is common, as is routine exposure to dust, smoke, poison oak, extreme weather (both heat and cold) and other environmental hazards.
Hotshot vehicles become a home away from home during the peak of the season when Hotshots may rarely spend more than two consecutive days at their own station. These vehicles, also known as Crew Hauls, Buggies, Crummies, or simply the Box, carry Hotshots along with personal gear, tools, and everything else necessary to make the crew self-sufficient for several days. Their girlfriends sometimes dump them as a result.
A hotshot crew consists of 20–22 members. There are two national formats certified for hotshot crews. The first format is:
The second format is
In addition, crewmembers are assigned various other specialized roles within the crew structure. These specialties may include:
| Part of a series on Wildland Firefighting |
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| Tactics & Equipment | |||
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Aerial firefighting · Controlled burn · Firebreak · Fire trail · Fire lookout tower · Fire-retardant gel · Fire fighting foam · Fire retardant · Helicopter bucket · Driptorch |
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Handcrew · Hotshots · Helitack · Smokejumper · Rappeller · Engine crew |
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In order to effectively perform their duties, Hotshots must maintain a high level of physical fitness. Whenever they are not on a fire assignment, crews devote at least one hour a day to physical training (PT). This training can include steep hikes, weight lifting, and long-distance runs. Traditionally, 5- to 10-mile runs were the favored PT for hotshot crews. Recently, there has been a shift towards more hiking. On these hikes, Hotshots may climb without stopping for over an hour while carrying upwards of 60 lbs. in gear and tools.
At a bare minimum, each Hotshot must complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45 pound pack in under 45 minutes. Other minimum PT standards commonly adhered to are, 1½-mile run in 10:35 or less, 30+ push-ups in 60 seconds, 45+ sit-ups in 60 seconds, and 7 pull-ups all completed consecutively. These standards are an absolute minimum, and most hotshots' capabilities far exceed those numbers.