Skiers Make an Impact on Wildfires

Interview by Jackie Baker

Thousands of firefighters-both volunteer and paid-have made incredible efforts to contain this summer's record-setting wildfires throughout the Western United States. A considerable number of these men and women are snow junkies supporting their winter habit through summer employment with the Forest Service. The benefits of battling blazes include remaining fit during the off-season, protecting gladed powder stashes, and returning home with a paycheck. The numerous worker hours consumed by the recent Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and California blazes have made it difficult to contact powderhounds closest to the heat. Though they wouldn't let him dig trenches or wield an ax, POWDER Senior Correspondent Pat Keane has supplemented his winter exploits by helping fend off wildfires, and provides some insight about life on the front line.

POWDER: Which fires did you work?
Pat Keane: Several in Nevada and California last summer.

POWDER: What was your specific job?
PK: I didn't actually fight fires. I rented my Jeep Cherokee to shuttle people to the fires and supplies to the line. I called to fight fires to stay in shape, but couldn't get into fire school in time? I've driven guys right through walls of flames. They get really freaked out.

POWDER: Does that damage the Jeep?
PK: Not really. I just went really fast.

POWDER: Did you speak with the fighters you shuttled? What was the worst part of the job for them?
PK: I talked to everyone. The snakes and scorpions trying to crawl into sleeping bags really messed with people. There were guys who'd been in the Army and seen active duty who said this was worse.

POWDER: Was working at the fires enough to support your ski season?
PK: No. I go through money at an exorbitant rate.

POWDER: Were your coworkers skiers?
PK: Not at those fires. They were mostly Indians from the nearby reservations. I'm trying to get Maggots interested.

POWDER: What advice do you have for skiers who find themselves on the line?
PK: Stay cool-don't get your ass into a sticky situation. The wind can change and get you into trouble at any time.