Interagency hotshot crew

Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHC) are an integral part of the wildfire suppression and forest management in the United States. These elite teams are composed of 20-22 highly trained individuals who specialize in wildfire suppression tactics.

History

The concept of Interagency Hotshot Crews originated in Southern California in the late 1940s with the establishment of the Los Padres National Forest Hotshot Crew. The success of this crew led to the creation of additional hotshot crews across the country.

Training and Qualifications

Members of an Interagency Hotshot Crew undergo rigorous physical and mental training. This includes the Arduous Work Capacity Test, also known as the "pack test", which involves carrying a 45-pound pack over a three-mile course in less than 45 minutes. In addition to physical fitness, crew members must also demonstrate proficiency in a variety of firefighting skills, such as fire line construction, fire behavior prediction, and helicopter operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

Interagency Hotshot Crews are often deployed to the most challenging sections of a wildfire. Their primary responsibilities include constructing fire lines to control the spread of the fire, burning out fire areas, and protecting structures at risk. They may also be called upon to respond to other types of emergencies, such as search and rescue operations and natural disaster relief.

Equipment and Tools

Interagency Hotshot Crews use a variety of tools and equipment in their work. This includes hand tools like Pulaskis, chainsaws, and shovels, as well as larger equipment like helicopters and fire engines. They also use specialized gear, such as fire shelters, for personal protection.

See Also

• Wildland Firefighter
• Smokejumper
• Fire Lookout
• Incident Command System

References

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