lgriffo@tahoedailytribune.com
Cal Fire
With fire seasons lasting longer and wildland firefighters working more hours, agencies around the basin are working to address mental health concerns among their crews.
Even during a mild fire season, firefighting is a physically and mentally taxing job. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Crews work 16-hour days on 14-day assignments and typically have two days off between each assignment.
“So, in a month, you see basically two days off, which is just grinding for the average wildland firefighter, who’s 18 to 25 years old and wants a life other than work,” said Tahoe Douglas Fire Fuels Management Chief Keegan Schafer.
Cal Fire
With fire seasons lasting longer and wildland firefighters working more hours, agencies around the basin are working to address mental health concerns among their crews.
Even during a mild fire season, firefighting is a physically and mentally taxing job. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Crews work 16-hour days on 14-day assignments and typically have two days off between each assignment.
“So, in a month, you see basically two days off which is just grinding for the average wildland firefighter, who’s 18 to 25 years old and wants a life other than work,” said Tahoe Douglas Fire Fuels Management Chief Keegan Schafer.