Killian Yates for Mayor of Central Point
My Wildland Firefighting Experience
In the summer of 2015, just after turning 18, I found myself stepping into the demanding world of wildland firefighting. Fire season had already started, and the need for firefighters was critical, with demand soaring and supply running thin. As I trained and prepared for certification on a Type 2 hand crew, I faced my first real test: the pack test.
The pack test is a physical challenge designed to ensure that every firefighter has the endurance and strength required for the job. I was the slowest person on my crew, barely managing to complete the test with only seconds to spare. It was a humbling experience, but I knew I had something to prove.
My friend Kevin and I, both certified together, felt an intense desire to get out there and make a difference. Determined and eager, we decided to stake out at the company dispatch office. The office was located behind a locked gate, and nobody else was there. For three days, we sat outside, waiting for a call from the state offering a contract. Each day, the owners would arrive and assure us we didn’t need to wait; they would call us when needed. But our resolve was unshakeable. We sat outside all day, heading home late at night for a few hours of sleep before returning early the next morning.
Our dedication paid off. On the fourth day, the call we had been waiting for finally came in. The company was gathering the crew together for deployment. Traditionally, the order of dispatch was based on the time taken to complete the pack test, which meant I would have been one of the last to be sent out. However, our perseverance didn’t go unnoticed. Despite my slow performance on the pack test, the dedication Kevin and I showed by waiting outside for days when no one else would made a significant impression.
Because of our determination, I got the chance to go out on the fire. It was a moment of validation and a testament to the power of persistence. This experience not only marked the beginning of my wildland firefighting career but also taught me invaluable lessons about commitment and the rewards of unwavering dedication.