American Wildfire Experience

American Wildfire Experience A nonprofit organization that supports wildland firefighters and their communities.

Most people see wildfire crews as tough.They don’t see the 16-hour shifts, the missed family time, or the risk behind ev...
11/14/2025

Most people see wildfire crews as tough.
They don’t see the 16-hour shifts, the missed family time, or the risk behind every call.

In partnership with , the Backbone Scholarship supports wildland firefighters and their partners in building their next step through training, education, or professional growth.

You already carry the mission. This is just fuel for your next one. 🔥

🔗 wildfire-experience.org | Link in bio
⏳ Apply by November 30 or May 31
Photo credit: Gina Papke

Most people see wildfire crews as tough.They don’t see the 16-hour shifts, the missed family time, or the risk behind ev...
11/11/2025

Most people see wildfire crews as tough.
They don’t see the 16-hour shifts, the missed family time, or the risk behind every call.

In partnership with , the Backbone Scholarship supports wildland firefighters and their partners in building their next step through training, education, or professional growth.

You already carry the mission. This is just fuel for your next one. 🔥

🔗 wildfire-experience.org | Link in bio
⏳ Apply by November 30 or May 31
Photo credit: Gina Papke

The Backbone Scholarship, powered by The American Wildfire Experience in partnership with ’s Backbone Series, honors the...
11/10/2025

The Backbone Scholarship, powered by The American Wildfire Experience in partnership with ’s Backbone Series, honors the grit, commitment, and dedication of wildland firefighters around the world.🌍

This $1,000 scholarship supports professional development helping firefighters and their partners take the next step in training, education, or career growth. Because the work of strengthening and supporting the wildfire community continues long after the fire is contained.

Who’s eligible:
Current and former wildland firefighters and their partners worldwide (18+).

How to apply:
Fill out the form, write your essay, and submit.

🔗 wildfire-experience.org | Link in bio
⏳ Apply by November 30 or May 31
Photo credit: Gina Papke

Tag someone who embodies the spirit of the fireline and stands strong when it matters most.

The Backbone Scholarship, powered by The American Wildfire Experience in partnership with ’s Backbone Series, honors the...
11/06/2025

The Backbone Scholarship, powered by The American Wildfire Experience in partnership with ’s Backbone Series, honors the grit, commitment, and dedication of wildland firefighters around the world.🌍

This $1,000 scholarship supports professional development helping firefighters and their partners take the next step in training, education, or career growth. Because the work of strengthening and supporting the wildfire community continues long after the fire is contained.

Who’s eligible:
Current and former wildland firefighters and their partners worldwide (18+).

How to apply:
Fill out the form, write your essay, and submit.

🔗 wildfire-experience.org | Link in bio
⏳ Apply by November 30 or May 31
Photo credit: Gina Papke

Tag someone who embodies the spirit of the fireline and stands strong when it matters most.


Seeking Volunteer Reviewers | The Smokey Generation Oral History StoriesThe Smokey Generation is looking for volunteers ...
07/28/2025

Seeking Volunteer Reviewers | The Smokey Generation Oral History Stories

The Smokey Generation is looking for volunteers to support our ongoing oral history project featuring interviews with current and former wildland firefighters.

Volunteers will watch a small collection of short videos (2–4 minutes each) and provide basic feedback to help ensure the stories are presented clearly and respectfully (and the edits aren’t weird). Your total time commitment is approx. 45-60 minutes.

No prior experience is needed. We’re just looking for folks who want to watch some cool interviews and make sure they’re ready for public consumption. Participants will be acknowledged for their contributions to this project.

If you're interested in taking part, please complete the form via the link in the bio Once we review your submission, we’ll be in touch via email.

Please respond by July 31. Thank you!

Your time helps honor the legacy and voices of those who’ve walked the fireline.
This is history—help us keep it alive.

Want to see what these stories are all about?
Check out the project here: http: //thesmokeygeneration.com/

Photo credit: Kari Greer

Application form: https:https://wkf.ms/4o00VQd

Seeking Volunteer Reviewers | The Smokey Generation Oral History StoriesThe Smokey Generation is looking for volunteers ...
07/23/2025

Seeking Volunteer Reviewers | The Smokey Generation Oral History Stories

The Smokey Generation is looking for volunteers to support our ongoing oral history project featuring interviews with current and former wildland firefighters.

Volunteers will watch a small collection of short videos (2–4 minutes each) and provide basic feedback to help ensure the stories are presented clearly and respectfully (and the edits aren’t weird). Your total time commitment is approx. 45-60 minutes.

No prior experience is needed. We’re just looking for folks who want to watch some cool interviews and make sure they’re ready for public consumption. Participants will be acknowledged for their contributions to this project.

If you're interested in taking part, please complete the form via the link in the bio Once we review your submission, we’ll be in touch via email.

Please respond by July 31. Thank you!

Your time helps honor the legacy and voices of those who’ve walked the fireline.
This is history—help us keep it alive.

Want to see what these stories are all about?
Check out the project here: http: //thesmokeygeneration.com/

Photo credit: Kari Greer

Application form: https: https://wkf.ms/4o00VQd

Are you a recently laid-off federal land management or natural resources employee? We've created an opportunity for you ...
03/03/2025

Are you a recently laid-off federal land management or natural resources employee? We've created an opportunity for you to take a break and recalibrate...

AWE Reflect, Reset, Reignite Retreats offer free lodging and flexible, unstructured time for you to rest, recalibrate, and reset on your own terms—whether through quiet reflection, creative work, or meaningful connection.

Nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains of California, just 40 minutes west of South Lake Tahoe, the retreat provides a restorative environment for those navigating career transitions or seeking creative renewal.

Think of it as like a free AirBnB shared with like-minded people who also need a break—to reflect, reset, and reignite. Stay as long as you need within our scheduling options, immerse yourself in nature, work on your resume, and engage with the retreat activities as much or as little as you choose.

Rolling dates in March and April, 2025 | Kyburz, CA
Check it out here: https://wildfireresilience.center

Limited spots available - apply today!

01/06/2025

📋 Kevin McGowan, Director of the Office of Emergency Services for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (title at the time of the interview), shared insights several years ago on the behind-the-scenes actions during the Thomas Fire.

His account highlights the critical role of emergency services in coordinating responses and protecting communities.

🌟 AWE developed this Thomas Fire project back in 2018 in collaboration with and Gage Cartographic. It's one fire's story: a collaborative, community-sourced, map-based multimedia exploration of how we experience wildland fire.

Link to project in bio.

01/03/2025

🔥 “Responding to the Thomas Fire was an unforgettable experience,” says Chris Ford, a firefighter with the Ventura County Fire Department (title at the time of the interview).

Several years ago, he shared his account to shed light on the teamwork and quick decision-making required during the incident.

🌟 AWE developed this Thomas Fire project back in 2018 in collaboration with and Gage Cartographic. It's one fire's story: a collaborative, community-sourced, map-based multimedia exploration of how we experience wildland fire.

Link to project in bio.

12/30/2024

🏠 Fire Captain Drue Holthe of the Montecito Fire Department (title at the time of the interview) recounts working to protect his own home and those of his neighbors during the initial attack on the Thomas Fire.

Several years ago, he shared this personal and professional experience to highlight the challenges faced during such events.

🌟 AWE developed this Thomas Fire project back in 2018 in collaboration with and Gage Cartographic. It's one fire's story: a collaborative, community-sourced, map-based multimedia exploration of how we experience wildland fire.

Link to project in bio.

12/30/2024

🔥 The Thomas Fire Project Continued...👨‍🚒 John McNeil, Division Chief for the Ventura County Fire Department at this time of this interview (2018), shares his perspective on the management organization during the initial attack of the Thomas Fire.

His interview, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how such a large-scale incident was coordinated.

💡AWE developed this Thomas Fire project back in 2018 in collaboration with and Gage Cartographic. It's one fire's story: a collaborative, community-sourced, map-based multimedia exploration of how we experience wildland fire.

Link in bio.

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Kyburz, CA

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