My Journey Into Firefighting

My name is Alexandra Main, and I come from a small town in Idaho called Kamiah. I first learned about the Forest Service during my senior year of high school. A few crew members visited my advisory class to talk about their jobs and recruit people for firefighting. At first, none of the recruiters seemed to notice me, but I knew one of them because I had gone to school with his son. When I showed interest in firefighting, they started paying attention and helped me navigate the long hiring process, making it clear that this job was no joke.

At first, I wasn’t sure if firefighting was the right path for me but looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. I didn’t work out much before my pack test, so I wasn’t fully prepared, though I did manage to pass. Even then, I had doubts (but I’m not a person who gives up on something). I already had a good job lined up for the summer, but something about firefighting called to me. The first week was tough. My car broke down on the way to the compound, and I was sick the whole time. Despite this, I still showed up for work. My bosses insisted I see a doctor to make sure it wasn’t anything serious. After the check-up, I went back to the compound and started guard school.

I was the only new female recruit in a group that included a few ex-Marines. I expected to be judged for not being the fittest or fastest, but those guys took me in. My crew was all about teamwork. No one was left behind. During physical training, if someone fell behind during a run, we’d turn around and finish together. That sense of unity was incredible. It showed me that you don’t have to be the strongest to be part of the firefighting family.

One of the toughest experiences early on was the “chaser hike.” We hiked 3.6 miles up steep, challenging hills, through water and mud. It pushed me to my breaking point, and I seriously considered quitting. But my crew wouldn’t let me. They came down to where I was and stayed with me until we finished together. No one judged me—they pushed me, and they showed me what it means to be part of a team.

My first fire was terrifying. I was scared that I’d let my crew down. It was a mix of people from all over the country, and I only knew a handful of them. Despite that, I quickly formed friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The fire community is like that—you meet people from all walks of life and form bonds through shared experiences.

This job isn’t easy. It’s dangerous, exhausting, and mentally punishing. It will break you at points and will test your will.

There were many times during long hikes when I wanted to quit. Standing next to a fire is painful, and the work can feel never-ending. But for me, the reward is knowing that I’m helping protect cities and keep farmers in business. It's not always exciting—some parts of the job are boring, and a lot of it is physically draining—but it’s what I love. Firefighting isn’t for everyone, but it’s taught me that even when you’re unsure about something, you should give it a shot. You might discover something that changes your life.

In my short time as a firefighter, I’ve learned so much—about the job and about life. The crew members have taught me lessons that I’ll carry with me forever, and I can’t wait to continue learning. Hopefully, one day, I’ll be able to pass those lessons on to others.