Over 3500 Professional Private Firefighters from member companies of the National Wildfire Suppression Association are currently on the fire lines in the west helping our agency partners during this explosive fire season. These folks are often the unseen heroes on the lines providing resources to supplement the agency workforce.
“Our folks are the ‘Boots on the Ground’,” said Rick Dice, President, National Wildfire Suppression Association. “We are professionally trained to work in the harsh environments that come with fighting wildfires, and we take that role seriously.”
Providing 90% of heavy equipment to contain wildfires
The Professional Private Wildland Fire Industry plays an important part in supplementing. “The private industry provides up to 40% of all resources available in the battle to contain wildfires, and up to 90% of all heavy equipment utilized,” said Deborah Miley, NWSA Executive Director. “Our folks are highly skilled in their profession.”
The firefighters in the Professional Wildland Fire Services have a vested interest in protecting our forests and the towns that border them as many of them work and live in those environments.
The National Wildfire Suppression Association was founded in 1991 and currently has 245 member companies across the United States that supply resources under contract with the agencies for fire suppression. During the height of fire season, we can provide up to 7500 trained firefighters and a significant amount of equipment in the fight to protect our communities and natural resources.