Waterborne Hotshots

Sierra Hotshots boat Santa Cruz fire

Above: USFS photo.

When 10 members of the Sierra Hotshots travelled to the fire on Santa Cruz Island 20 miles off the Southern California coast March 28, the last leg of their journey was on a boat.

The fire started March 27 most likely from an escaped burn pile and at last report on April 2 it had burned 250 acres. On March 29 there were 95 firefighters assigned from California and Arizona but that number has been reduced significantly.

Sierra Hotshots boat Santa Cruz fire
10 members of the Sierra Hotshots en route to the Santa Cruz Fire. USFS photo.
Sierra Hotshots boat Santa Cruz fire
10 members of the Sierra Hotshots en route to the Santa Cruz Fire. USFS photo.

The first large fire I was on was the Safety Harbor Fire in Washington with the El Cariso Hotshots. Our last travel leg was on a boat that took us across Lake Chelan.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.