Crew Information

Unaweep Powerpoint

Introduction
In 2004, the Unaweep Wildland Fire Module (WFM) became the first BLM module in the nation. Unaweep obtained its national resource certification in August 2004. Unaweep WFM is a specialized resource whose primary mission is the implementation of multiple management objective incidents, suppression incidents, hazardous fuels reduction, and prescribed fire projects. Fuels reduction and prescribed fire work includes, but not limited to, project design & layout, site preparation, project implementation, and project monitoring.

Wildland fire modules are a unique resource due to the monitoring and technology focused capabilities. Modules provide expertise in observing and collecting information about the fire such as weather, fire behavior, and smoke data. Data collected by modules is used by fire managers to predict wildfire spread, map growth, and document fire effects. WFM’s are logistically self-sufficient resource with a full complement of gear to work and cook in backcountry conditions.

Duties of Crew
Unaweep WFM supports multiple management objective incidents with typical handcrew operations (fireline construction, burnouts, etc). What makes wildland fire modules unique is the capacity to use a wide range of monitoring activities and the specialized equipment and technology that supports these activities. Unaweep utilizes multiple computer programs to create products to assist fire managers during incidents. Assignments for the module are different on each incident depending on the situation.

When not assigned to MMO incidents, the module actively participates in the Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit fuels management program. Project work consists of prescribed fire implementation, stand thinning projects, prescribed burn prep work, project monitoring and fuels planning.

Working Conditions
Wildland fire modules often work in rough remote country while on wildfires. It is not uncommon to be hiking between 6-12 miles a day on fires. The work is physically demanding with work shifts lasting up to 16 hours. Crewmembers should expect extremely hot, smoky, dirty, and dusty work conditions. WFM’s spend the majority of the summer camped in tents in the backcountry. The majority of the fire assignments are fourteen days in duration. Six to eight assignments per season is the average, so crewmembers should expect limited free time throughout the fire season.

While on assignment, evenings usually consist of organizing and inputting data collected on the fireline into the computers. While some of the crewmembers are inputting data, the remaining crewmembers are preparing dinner for the crew. Crewmembers rotate duties in the evenings between computer work and cooking.

Physical Fitness
Due to the physically demanding aspects of this job, a high level of fitness is expected of all crewmembers. Unaweep WFM maintains a rigorous physical training (PT) program consisting of weight training, 3-6 mile runs, and routine field exercises consisting of hiking and digging line in full gear.

All crewmembers are required to pass a physical fitness test measured by the pack test. The test requires individuals to carry a 45lb pack over a flat, three mile course in 45 minutes or less. Crewmembers are expected to show up on their first day of work in good physical condition.

Crew Dedication
Unaweep strives to be one of the top modules in the country. We have a strong work ethic in every aspect of the job. This includes traditional suppression operations and a commitment to keeping current with advancements in technology applications. While on assignment, we cater to the host unit to provide the best support possible regardless of the assignment.

Due to the majority of the fire season being spent on assignments away from the home unit, Unaweep crewmembers must be flexible and focus on teamwork. Crewmembers not only work together, but eat, rest, and travel as one unit. Unaweep takes pride in providing a highly skilled, cohesive resource to assist and support the implementation of a variety of fire management operations.

Crew on the Taylor MMO incident, Gila NF


Ferris Mtn MMO Rawlins, WY

2010 Season

2004 Unaweep Crew

2005 Unaweep Crew

2006 Unaweep Crew

2007 Unaweep Crew


2008 Unaweep Crew

2009 Unaweep Crew

2010 Unaweep Crew