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Hotshot History

Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs) are the most highly trained, skilled, and experienced type of handcrews. Hotshot crews were first established in Southern California in the late 1940s on the Cleveland and Angeles National Forests. They were called “Hotshot” crews because they worked on the hottest part of wildfires.

The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, state and county agencies sponsor more than 100 Interagency Hotshots Crews, with most located in the western United States.

The Palomar Hotshots were organized in 1975. The first Superintendent was Gary Glotfelty and the first foreman was George Mangle. The crew was made up of career conditional positions, some of whom later became superintendents of other crews such as Bob Bennett and Dennis Baldridge. The Crew was based at the US Naval Survival Camp in Warner Springs, California. It was the only Hotshot base to have its own..

Palomar History

FAQ

What is a hotshot?

Hotshots are highly trained wildland firefighters.

Where are the Palomar Hotshots from?

The Palomar Hotshots are based out of the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California.

Who do the hotshots work for?

Palomar Hotshots are employed by the Federal Government through the United States Forest Service. There are many other agencies however that staff Hotshots crews such as the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service.

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