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Our mission is to advance the health and wellness of wildland firefighters through health-focused advocacy, education, programs, and scholarships.
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Hotshot Wellness was founded in 2021 by current and former federal hotshot wildland firefighters who recognized an urgent need for better physical, mental, and emotional conditions within the wildland firefighting community.
We understand the escalating challenges faced by wildland firefighters as fire seasons grow longer and more severe. Insufficient federal support has contributed to rising mental health struggles, higher risks of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, and troubling rates of suicide and suicidal ideation.
In response, we are committed to advancing their health and well-being through targeted education, impactful programs, and scholarships designed to provide meaningful support.
We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, based in Oregon.
Our Initatives
Our initiatives focus on supporting the health, resilience, and personal growth of wildland firefighters (WLFFs).
We celebrate leadership and resilience with awards, host events to foster community and camaraderie, and create evidence-based social media content to promote fitness, mental health, and recovery. Additionally, we advocate for WLFF well-being through education and raising public awareness about their unique challenges.
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The Recharge Fund, part of the Personal Development Program (PDP), provides targeted financial assistance to wildland firefighters seeking opportunities to restore, recharge, and build long-term resilience.
Through a curated network of retreats and practitioners, the fund helps cover costs such as program admission and travel for somatic, mindfulness, and alternative medicine retreats. By removing financial barriers to these transformative experiences, the Recharge Fund empowers firefighters to recover from stress and burnout, develop sustainable self-care practices, and return to their work and lives with greater clarity, strength, and balance.
This program is currently under development and has an approved initial budget of $10,000.
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"6 Minutes for Health" is a daily wellness initiative designed by firefighters, for firefighters. Inspired by the safety briefings already standard in wildland firefighting, this program expands the conversation to address the full spectrum of health challenges faced by wildland firefighters.
This project is currently under development in collaboration with The Montrose Lab, hosted at Colorado State University.
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WARP is groundbreaking initiative dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of wildland firefighters. After the grueling demands of fire season, WARP provides therapeutic, adventure-based retreats designed to help these heroes recharge, heal, and reconnect with the landscapes that inspire them.
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We've created interactive maps to connect you with health and wellness professionals who understand the unique challenges you face—whether they specialize in mental health, physical recovery, or have firsthand experience as wildland firefighters themselves.
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Providing science-backed guidance and raising awareness to support WLFF health and wellness. Our aim is twofold: to advocate for the mental and physical health of wildland firefighters and to educate the general public about the unique challenges and demands of this profession.
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The Wildland Fire Virtual Wellness Summit 2025 brought wildland firefighters together online from February 24 to March 1 for a series of daily sessions with experts on nutrition, mental health, resilience, and more. This event prioritized well-being and offered tools to help attendees thrive personally and professionally. While this year’s summit was held virtually, we are hopeful to make future events in-person for deeper connection and collaboration. If you’re passionate about supporting this mission and want to get involved, we encourage you to reach out!
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We've created interactive maps to connect you with health and wellness retreats throughout the world. The listed locations are recommended by fellow wildland firefighters and health professionals.
“Hotshot Wellness excels in building relationships and connecting the right professionals to support our first responders' mental and physical wellness. ”
Megan Lautz, RescueRD
“Mystery Ranch is proud to stand behind Hotshot Wellness’s mission and are deeply grateful for the impact it continues to make within the Fire Community.”
Mystery Ranch
