Who are the BLM firefighters?

Who are these firefighters battling the blazes in Idaho? Are they ready to handle what looks to be a rough fire season?

“I’m from Pocatello,” said Marcus Green, Engine Chief and four-year Bureau of Land Management firefighter.
“Pocatello.” said Ryan Pope, a newcomer to the BLM fire staff.And Jason Russell, an engine operator of the BLM firestaff is from Inkom, Idaho.

Three local men have stepped up to the challenge of becoming a BLM Forest Service firefighter. They’re willing to risk their lives to battle thousand-acre fires. But why?

“I have friends that got into it. And talking with them, it just seem like a great job. I am attending school right now, so that works well that I can work in the summer and go to school in the winter.” said Pope

“I got into it when I was younger, and started liking it and it helped pay for school. I grew to like it.” said Green

But as much as it helps pay for school, Green says this job isn’t for the faint of heart.

“I have worked 30 hours straight.” said Green.

“Usually you do get the adernaline rush. When it starts to calm down you get tired. Worn out.” said Pope.

And when they aren’t battling the blazes, more training in is order.

“We’ll get up at 9a.m. to go for a run.” said Green.

“We’ll practice our radio communications — radio programming” said Pope.

“Line the crew out make sure they’re doing the right thing.” said Green.

And firefighter Russell said you must be well versed in operating the truck.

“We can put four trucks together and make a hand crew and take out tools, dig line around.” said Russell.

And sometimes they have to travel to other states to battle other blazes.

“Yeah, I’ve been to almost every state in the West.” said Green.

“The ones we just got back from in Colorado were pretty interesting. I was in a terrain i’ve never really been in.” said Russell.

But the fires closer to home hold more meaning to our local firefighters — especially to firefighter Pope.

“The Charlotte fire was definitely a memorable one. Especially since it was so recent. But to me, I’ve never been to a fire where structures were lost before.” said Pope.

But these firefighters know that each day brings a new challenge.

“It’s exciting — a little bit intimidating, but we train for it, so we’re prepared.” said Pope.

The BLM firefighters say their biggest accomplishment is seeing a fire completely contained.