Research has decidedly proven that physical training prior to attempting the stated fitness goals is essential. It is also the experience of previous crewmembers that training before the season is the best way to be successful at staying healthy and keeping safe. If it is difficult to keep up with the crew, it becomes very difficult to stay mentally in shape. Physical Training F ighting fire demands a high degree of stamina for both productivity and safety. It is extremely important for all crewmembers to stay together while constructing fireline and hiking during shifts - and on those occasions when we retreat to our safety zone.
Rough ground makes most people love it and hate it at the same time.
We do not run in our boots while power hiking. A dequate stretching and warm-up activities are very important in exercise to prevent injury. Before any physical training is done, we do an average of 10 minutes of stretching in groups or individually. Stretching is also done after physical training. The record time is 29 minutes.