KQED's Forum ‘When It All Burns’ Brings Us to the Fireline
Jun 17, 2025
Jordan Thomas, an anthropologist and former wildland firefighter, shares riveting tales from the firelines of California’s megafires. He discusses the harrowing realities of battling intensified wildfires fueled by climate change. The conversation dives into the rivalry between firefighting crews and the emotional challenges faced on the frontlines. Thomas emphasizes the need for political action and better support for firefighters, highlighting the historical relevance of indigenous fire management in confronting today’s wildfire crises.
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Anthropologist Becomes Firefighter
- Jordan Thomas transitioned from academia to firefighting by directly joining the Los Padres Hotshots.
- He combined academic research with hands-on fireline experience, even grading papers during breaks at fire camps.
Mountain Terrain Fires Challenges
- Mountain firefighting is uniquely challenging due to steep terrain, fuel type, and unpredictable weather.
- Fires move rapidly uphill, requiring deep knowledge of topography’s impact on fire behavior and intense physical stamina.
Chainsaw Sawyers Set Pace
- Chainsaw operators set the pace for the whole crew and must avoid equipment failure to prevent disaster.
- Maintaining focus and physical performance is vital because any delay can lead to severe injury or death.