The Hotshot Wake Up

Thanks to all the subscribers. Couldn’t do it without you folks that help out. If you would like to support what I do, you can subscribe through the link in my bio. Gunna be a busy 2025 wildfire season. Multiple states already way ahead of schedule, with some setting records.

@AzPatriot_1 Yup

@HotshotWake It's that time again, isn't it?

The Tower Fire outside Bakersfield, California in Kern County has grown to 2,219 acres. Localized evacuations have been ordered near the fire.

The Tower Fire outside Bakersfield, California is now 2,500 acres and remains 0% contained. Fire behavior has moderated some going into this evening. Classic fast moving and large Kern County grass fire. @WishiwasinCR 🤙

@pmarca What a mess…

Well.

New Start, Oregon: The Trout Creek Fire is burning in the Deschutes National Forest of Oregon, roughly 3 miles southwest of Sisters. The fire was sized up at 40 acres and continues to be active. Resources including 6 engines, 1 hotshot crew, and miscellaneous overhead are responding. The cause is under investigation. Currently 77 degrees, 21% RH, and winds pushing 7MPH.

New Start, California: The Tower Fire is burning in Kern County, California and quickly surpassed 100 acres. Fire activity has increased and 10 Air Tankers have been ordered to help suppress the fire, sending the world. The fire is burning east of Bakersfield off Comanche Drive, and pushing in a northeast direction currently. Temps at 80 degrees, RH 33%, with 10MPH winds. Resources continuing to respond.

Arizona: Update from the Hazen Fire in Maricopa county, the fire is now 558 acres and 0% contained. Some added acres today are from Firing Ops that took place last night and into today. I cover this and a whole lot more on todays show.

Instead Of Telling Wildland Firefighters To "Make It Work," We Need To Help Them "Make It Work Better." Continued staffing and fleet issues. These are fixable problems.  On Today’s Show: * Full operational update. * Hotshot crews are still having issues securing the vehicles they need to operate at the level they are being asked to. * Reports of dozens of Type 3 Engines that remain unstaffed. * Canada cancels $106M wildfire satellite contract with American company. Trade war actions leaking into wildfire? * Wildfire aviation fuel costs are on the rise, and concerns from wildfire CEO’s about a shortage. * A rant about the irony of all the problems in wildland fire, including mental health, staffing, physical health, and the old trope of “make it work,” doesn’t help with these issues. * Plus more. 🎧 thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/p/instead-of-t…

Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/31xN8L…

Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…

Red Flag Warnings across Montana, North Dakota, and parts of Wyoming today. Increased potential for wildfire.

4 Firefighters Sustained Burns On Prescribed Burn In California. Two flown to Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center at UC Davis. thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/p/4-firefighte…

Red Flag Warnings across southern Florida today. Increased potential for wildfires, and growth on existing fires.

New Start, Arizona: The Dane Fire was reported this morning and is estimated to be 115 acres, with a slow to moderate rate of spread. Resources responding. The fire is located east of the Blue Ridge reservoir. Current temps are 60 degrees with 20% RH. Light winds at 6MPH.

Fires continue to burn in Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, and Montana. The USDA has made public their 2026 wildfire directives and priorities. It’s covers everything from aggressive initial attack, firefighter safety, and surge capacity during a PL3 or higher. Also, Senators pen a letter asking for clarification on the Forest Service ReOrg. On Today’s Show: * Full wildfire update. * Fires in Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, and Montana. * USDA Secretary Rollins provides the 2026 wildfire secretarial memo. * It covers priorities for the 2026 fire season and directives for the Forest Service moving forward. * I go over the priorities, including initial attack, surge capacity, secondary fire positions, fuels work, prescribed fire, and more. * Senators sent a letter this week to the USDA demanding answers about the Forest Service reorganization. There are some very valid questions about R&D, clarifications on office locations, and employee duty stations. * I cover all that and more. thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/p/usda-submits…

@USWFS Love to see it

Recognizing the Zuni Hotshots on the successful completion of their national preparedness review! This milestone reflects the crew’s hard work, professionalism, and commitment to meeting the Standards for Interagency Hotshots Crew Operations required of a Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crew. Following the National review, the crew has been recommended to begin a four-phase recertification process, that will be conducted by the Southwest Operations Committee. Zuni last held a Type 1 status in 2018, making this an important step forward for the crew and their program. Strong teams are built through dedication, training, and accountability, and this achievement reflects that effort. Well done, Zuni Hotshots.

Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…

Spotify open.spotify.com/episode/0Nuftp…