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cover of episode ‘When It All Burns’ Brings Us to the Fireline

‘When It All Burns’ Brings Us to the Fireline

2025/6/17
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Jordan Thomas: 作为一名人类学家和前野外消防员，我亲身经历了加州火灾季节的严峻挑战。我发现科学家们对火灾的实际情况缺乏了解，而那些依赖于导航火灾能力的热射手却了解很多。热射手来自各种背景，他们在极端高温下，连续数小时、数天、数周、数月地用电锯在山里穿行。我了解到，气候变化使一切变得更热、更干燥，风也更大了，这使得野外消防工作变得更加困难和危险。此外，我还强调了土著人民在火灾管理中的重要作用，他们通过有意识地将火灾带回来，并适应特定的生态系统，可以帮助建立应对气候变化影响的复原力。然而，我也对热射手所面临的健康风险表示担忧，他们经常暴露在有毒烟雾和毒葛中，但却没有得到足够的医疗保障。我呼吁联邦政府采取行动，改善热射队的待遇，提高他们的工资，并为他们提供全年医疗保健福利，以确保他们能够继续为保护我们的社区和环境做出贡献。

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Jordan Thomas, an anthropologist, transitioned from academia to become a wildland firefighter. His experience fighting fires firsthand led to his book, "When It All Burns." This chapter details his motivations, the challenges of the job, and the dynamics within the hotshot crew.
  • Transition from academia to wildland firefighting
  • Challenges of the job: 16-hour days, toxic smoke, and physical demands
  • Crew dynamics and the importance of teamwork

Shownotes Transcript

For California firefighters battling wildland flames, the work is up close, unrelenting and fueled by a climate growing hotter and drier by the year. Anthropologist and former Los Padres Hotshot Jordan

Thomas pulls readers straight into this world in his new book “When it All Burns,” chronicling six months on the frontlines of California’s megafires. We talk with Thomas about what it is like to battle uncontainable destruction and the deeper roots of the crisis.

Guests:

Jordan Thomas, anthropologist and former wildland firefighter; author, “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World"

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