The Women in Wildland Firefighting Bootcamps have been a crucial stepping stone for many women looking to break into the male-dominated field of wildland firefighting. These bootcamps not only provided valuable training in skills like digging fire lines and using firefighting equipment, but also offered a supportive environment for women to enter a field where only 13 percent of firefighters are female.
For Mikaela Balkind, attending one of these bootcamps was a life-changing experience. After completing the training, she went on to work on seasonal firefighting crews and is now pursuing a master’s degree in wildland fire science in Montana. Balkind credits the bootcamp with giving her the confidence to pursue a career in wildland firefighting and sparking her passion for the field.
However, the future of these bootcamps is now uncertain. Under the Trump administration, there has been a government-wide effort to eliminate programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the Women in Wildland Firefighting Bootcamps. Descriptions of the trainings have been removed from the U.S. Forest Service website, and the Women in Wildland Fire Advisory Council no longer has support from the Forest Service.
This dismantling of DEI work within the federal government has been met with confusion and frustration by advocates like Riva Duncan, vice president of Grassroots Wildland Fire. Duncan, who has 32 years of experience fighting wildfires, believes that diversity, inclusion, and equity are crucial for the recruitment and retention of women in the firefighting profession. The loss of these programs could set back efforts to increase diversity in the field and hinder the progress that has been made in supporting women firefighters.
While agency spokesperson Wade Muehlhof stated that the training is currently paused, he emphasized that there are still opportunities for both men and women to complete required wildland firefighter training. However, the absence of the Women in Wildland Firefighting Bootcamps leaves a gap in the support and resources available to women looking to pursue careers in wildland firefighting. It remains to be seen how the elimination of these programs will impact the future of diversity and inclusion in the field. Diversity and inclusion in the wildland firefighting industry have long been a challenge, with women historically facing obstacles in the field. However, efforts to level the playing field and make the workforce more diverse are underway, according to Abigail Varney, a wildland fire fellow at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Varney published a report last year outlining ways in which the wildland fire service could increase diversity within its ranks.
Varney emphasized that programs aimed at promoting diversity in the workforce are not about giving unfair advantages to certain groups but rather about addressing systemic barriers that have prevented equal opportunities for all. Discrimination, bias, and harassment have hindered the ability of women and other underrepresented groups to fully participate in the industry. By promoting diversity, the wildland firefighting workforce can benefit from a wider range of perspectives and experiences, ultimately leading to more effective fire management strategies.
Having a more representative workforce not only enhances the industry’s effectiveness in combating wildfires but also improves communication and trust with the communities affected by fires. Varney highlighted the importance of having diverse voices within agencies to better understand and address the needs of communities impacted by wildfires.
Despite the progress made in promoting diversity, women in the field still face challenges such as meeting the same physical standards as men, including passing rigorous tests like the pack test. However, initiatives like women’s bootcamps provide a supportive environment for women to build skills, network, and address issues specific to their experiences in the field.
One such bootcamp was organized by Jessica Balkind, who experienced sexual harassment while working on a seasonal crew where she was the only woman. Recognizing the need for a supportive community for women in the industry, Balkind organized a bootcamp in Montana, bringing together women from across the country for training and networking opportunities. The success of the bootcamp has garnered interest from organizations like the Forest Service, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in wildland firefighting.
Overall, efforts to increase diversity in the wildland firefighting industry are essential for creating a more inclusive and effective workforce. By addressing systemic barriers and providing supportive environments for underrepresented groups, the industry can better respond to the challenges posed by wildfires and build stronger relationships with the communities it serves.
