Michigan is pretty similar to back home except for there aren't any mountains. The firefighters brought with them extensive training and experience. At the age of 27, Madplume already has been fighting fires for nearly a decade. He enjoys fighting fires because of the physical challenge. Firefighters often work 12-hour days and many times on initial attacks can fight back flames for 20 hours.
Rough terrain can make their job especially difficult.
In the off-season, I try to keep myself in shape because the job can be pretty demanding. Watson said by the time crews leave the woods, they are ready for a well-deserved rest. Officials arrange lodging for the firefighters ranging from hotel rooms to rustic bunkers at nearby military training bases and summer camps. Our accommodations can be pretty classy. Many of the firefighters were flown in on a chartered airliner from throughout the United States, said Carol Nilsson of the National Forest Service.