Contract videographer captures a slice of hotshot crew life on a fire

BLM video The Wild Land — Still image from BLM video, “The Wild Land”. Videography by Matt Irving.

In 2021, the Bureau of Land Management Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew was joined on a two-week assignment by a Bureau of Land Management Fire program contract videographer, Matt Irving. He was able to capture the crew while assigned to incidents in California and Montana.

The videography is excellent and gives the viewer a small sample of what it is like to work on a hotshot crew. It is one of the best examples I have seen about the work being performed routinely by these public servants. Check it out, below.

This is a great example of why the federal land management agencies must emphasize the importance of assigning contract photographers and videographers to capture images of fires and the personnel who manage them. In these times of very challenging recruitment, this could be a small step toward encouraging potential applicants. Obviously the BLM recognizes its value. Here is how they described the video when it was posted on their Facebook page this week:

Looking for a #FireJob? Have you ever thought about applying for one of the 13 Bureau of Land Management’s Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs)? If so, take a moment to watch “The Wild Land” video by Matt Irving, as he followed the Bureau of Land Management – Colorado Craig IHC and hear about why they love working in The Wild Lands! #NotYourOrdinaryJob #WeAreBLMFire

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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. View all posts by Bill Gabbert

6 thoughts on “Contract videographer captures a slice of hotshot crew life on a fire”

Awesome work, Matt! Telling it from the boots up! It’s so great to see life at NIFC’s FOTO/VIDO program! Keep it rolling!

Awesome work Matt Irving! And hats off to Logan and the Craig IHC, excellent work out there!

Excellent work. Takes me back to Texas Canyon Hotshots about a million years ago. Ought to show this footage to everyone in DC. Maybe stir them up a bit.

I would like to point out that Matt Irving is not only a talented photographer and videographer but also an accomplished firefighter. He will probably say “shut up Jamie, no one cares”, but I think he deserves credit for his experience. I also enjoyed the film, excellent work Matt!