VIDEO: The Last Frontier is an experience that many firefighters never get. For the crews that do, it is a memorable experience that they regale their peers, friends and family with.
Instead of digging miles of handline across ridgetops as done in many places in the lower 48, in the rare occasion crews dig line in Alaska, they instead cut what is referred to as “tundra trenches,” which is much like pulling carpet. The intact tundra mat is easily replaced during suppression repair and grows back. Firefighters hike through wet, squishy ground with fire hose to spray the spruce trees spitting fiery sap, as bugs, nip at any exposed skin.
The comforts of caterers, internet and showers reside far away in the lower 48. Alaska’s rugged, remoteness does not allow for such relief. Firefighters must be self-sufficient and build their own “rad” camps. Surviving off Meals Ready to Eat, or MREs, for the first 72 hours until fresh food is flown in. Learning quickly who the good cooks are on their crew. Dining on steaks and getting creative with leftovers to make “weird soups.”