On Point | Podcast The 'hotshot' life
Sep 9, 2025
River Selby, a former hotshot and author of 'Hotshot, A Life on Fire', shares gripping insights from his decade as a wildland firefighter. He discusses the relentless and worsening wildfire crisis in the West, revealing the physical and mental struggles of elite firefighting crews. Selby delves into personal battles with addiction and mental health, emphasizing how firefighting can offer purpose and community. He also addresses the alarming decline in new recruits and the pressing need for reform in wildfire management amid health risks and cultural challenges.
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Nighttime Initial Attack
- River describes running at night with a 45 lb water bladder on her back while spraying and digging to stop a fire's spread.
- She stayed completely focused on immediate tasks and relied on her squad boss's directions to prevent further damage.
The Sensory Overload Of Firefighting
- Hotshot work is intensely multi-sensory with heat, chainsaws, aircraft, radios, and the crackle of fire creating constant stimulation.
- Pain and exhaustion often arrive only when firefighters slow down or try to sleep.
Helicopter Drop Near A Ridge
- On a steep Southern California ridge a helicopter drop left them exposed to embers that started spot fires across the ridge.
- The crew caught the spots but had no identified safety zone, making the situation dangerously close to entrapment.
