Letter from a Cougar Creek Fire Firefighter

I have a special treat this evening, a personal letter written by a firefighter with 12 years of experience packing for a 14 day run of fire camp, packing their heavy pack up on the firelines, and coping with all the wildfires in many places.  They have also been camped in many small towns as well.  This Firefighter asked to stay anonymous, but asked me to share especially with those who think fire camp looks like a prison or a military camp. #CougarCreekFire  #WaWildfire

     "I speak on behalf of myself when I say that all firefighters in camp fully understand this job.  We all pack our 14 day bags, and expect to be at a camp in the wilderness for two weeks. We prepare for this and do not need laundry services.  This is a self sufficient, smooth moving machine that we choose to live in and we take pride in our careers.  We eat like kings and queens.  Our supply unit carries wet wipes, sunscreen and any other necessity you could think of. We have unlimited access to boxes of various fruits and snacks to supplement our amazing lunches.  Today's breakfast consisted of blueberry banana pancakes, sausage patties, eggs, hashbrowns with a bar full of toppings. Not to mention the option of granola, yogurt, cereal, cottage cheese and fruit, fresh fruit, milk, chocolate milk, various juices, teas, coffee, lemonade and iced tea.  This is our job. If we accepted all donations that came our way, we would waste an unfathomable amount of time, money and especially food.  The outpouring of support for the wildland firefighting community this season is something we don't generally see to this extent.  If only the community knew how much we appreciated the offers!  PS - we also have mobile laundry services. ;)  We are always willing to set up a public tour of camp!  It's open!
     Additionally, these crews will throw a fit when presented a shift under 16 hours.  A majority of these firefighters work seasonally.  We make a years worth of money in 3-4 months.  And love every minute of it. ;) "
~ anonymous long term firefighter

I want breakfast with them!
I know that everyone really wants to help in some way.  Folks in Glenwood are doing their best at making at least some of the FF feel at home and cared for, with homemade cookies and postcards, but most especially with signs and conversations and appreciation, even hugs.  The Firefighters were happy this morning thanks to some folks in town that made kind gestures. Locals also spoke of watching a couple Firefighters walking around town this morning picking up trash.  That meant a lot to the townsfolk, as did the FF acting as crossing guards for the kids going back to school.  It is the conversations, the waves and thank you notes and other encouragements that really make the big difference.
~darlisa