Podcast: Fighting Fires, Fighting Stress: Part One and Two

Fighting Fires, Fighting Stress: A Deep Dive into the Wildland Firefighter's World, is hosted by me Lauren Lee, a person deeply connected to the world of wildland firefighting due my husband's 17 years of experience in the field and my own 8 years of involvement. The podcast aims to explore and shed light on the challenges faced by wildland firefighters and their families.

I describe the intense and chaotic environment faced by wildland firefighters on the front lines, highlighting that they battle not only flames but also physical exhaustion, sleepless nights, and real danger. The emotional toll of witnessing the devastating effects of wildfires is discussed. The burden on the hearts and minds of these firefighters is emphasized, and the challenges persist even when they return home.

The separation from families due to extended tours and unpredictable schedules is a significant aspect of the podcast. I discusses the frequent worry, lack of communication, and the waiting game experienced by those who love wildland firefighters. The stress and exhaustion faced by families dealing with the weight of responsibilities and concerns during their loved one's absence are highlighted.

To create a comprehensive understanding of the topic, I draw from scholarly journals, share perspectives from my husband and surveys taken. I also  explore government initiatives supporting wildland firefighters. During the podcast I consider interdisciplinary perspectives, including insights from psychologists, family therapists, wildland firefighters, and government policies.

The overall goal of the podcast is to inform, inspire, and build a community of support for these unsung heroes. It aims to bring attention to the serious and heartfelt struggles faced by wildland firefighters and their families, providing a platform for their stories to be heard and fostering awareness about the need for support.

Works Cited, In Order of Mention:

1. Johnson, C. C., Vega, L., Kohalmi, A. L., Roth, J. C., Howell, B. R., & Van Hasselt, V. B. (2020). "Enhancing mental health treatment for the firefighter population: Understanding fire culture, treatment barriers, practice implications, and research directions." Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 51(3), 304–311. DOI: 10.1037/pro0000266
2. Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., Gai, A. R., & Joiner, T. E. (2018). "Wildland firefighters and suicide risk: Examining the role of social disconnectedness." Psychiatry Research, 266, 269-274.
3. Ruby, B. C., Coker, R. H., Sol, J., Quindry, J., & Montain, S. J. (2023). "Physiology of the Wildland Firefighter: Managing Extreme Energy Demands in Hostile, Smoky, Mountainous Environments." Comprehensive Psychology, Top of Form
4. Gabbert, B. (March 14, 2022). "Survey of spouses of wildland firefighters identifies issues facing families”. https://wildfiretoday.com/2022/03/14/survey-of-spouses-of-wildland-firefighters-identifies-issues-facing-families/