At the end of the drawn-out, hot summer, however, even coffee fails to elevate energy levels. Especially after one of the worst fire years in half a century. Over 4.7 million acres burned in the western states in 2000. The aftermath of such a crazy summer has left the Hotshots burnt out and ready for a break. Korwin and Burbridge are traveling to Australia and Wilson wants to take time off to hang out with his girlfriend.
Bushman moves back into the office for the winter season.
He will spend 50 percent of his time recruiting, training and meeting with the Hotshots and 50 percent of the time on special projects. Bushman says that his hardest work comes in the winter months. While battling raging fires seems like an action packed and exciting job, it also offers opportunities for solitude and peace. There is serenity and silence in a space that is no longer occupied by coyotes, squirrels, blue jays or human beings. The crunching and snapping of scorched sticks, browned leaves and pine needles are the only sounds the Hotshots hear as they walk through the mutilated forest.