New firefighting crew of eight women

A new crew of firefighters, based in Clemson, will work and travel the Southern region to gain hands-on experience in prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction and fire suppression, working alongside Forest Service personnel.  What distinguishes this crew, as unique, is that the entire crew is made up of eight women.  Their leader, Taylor Roe, says, “We are learning how to be students of fire; this means constantly observing the world around us, supporting our team and being open to the ever-present possibility of change.”  The USDA Forest Service recently hired three female fire leaders to mentor interns with the Student Conservation Association.  It has its aim the training of the next generation of conservation leaders.  On a crisp, cool South Carolina morning, a team of eight women in yellow Nomex shirts, wearing hard hats, and carrying drip torches prepared to conduct a prescribed burn on U-S forest land.

(USDA Forest Service photo by Megan Saylors).

(Featured slide photo Courtesy by Taylor Roe).