Rising Above the Flames:  MWRS Wildland Firefighting Program
 

“The wildland firefighters ethos is duty, integrity, respect. Our ethos provides the distinguishing factor between this profession simply being a day job or an actual way of life” 

The “Rising Above the Flames:  MWRS Wildland Firefighting Program” is for MWRS male clients who are interested in building a life and career in wildland firefighting and incorporating this lifestyle into their sobriety journey.  Participants are identified by MWRS team members and exhibit exceptional aptitude for success in the program based upon discipline, positive attitude, devotion to service, and growth in recovery.  Participants will be selected in the winter season from the MWRS Modern Warriors program and will be steadily progressing in their treatment process.  Participants will be lodged at the Badger Bunkhouse, and in addition to regular treatment activities as per treatment plan, will experience accelerated and intensive recovery work, physical conditioning, and integrity and ethical development.  Participants will receive fire training and FFT2 and Initial Attack certification and will be prepared to dispatch during fire season.  Certification is ongoing and those graduating prior to dispatch for fire season will receive assistance with contacts for employment.  Those in the program at the time of dispatch will do so with the MWRS staff member going on that fire, and will remain in the program through fire season.  Participants will be identified in the winter for the following fire season.  Program participants will engage in all services at MWRS, including steps 6-12 of MRT and will engage in group style physical conditioning and additional activities related to the program in the evenings/weekends with the Badger’s House Mentor, to include:

• Nutrition and diet
• Intensive life skills specific to address the complex nuances associated with wildland firefighting
• Advanced Relapse Prevention skills
• Budgeting and money management
  

Participants will successfully participate in and complete the firefighter certification process, including the pack-test, and enroll in services to secure resources such as assistance with equipment.  Those in the program will be closely monitored and can be removed from the program for rule infractions, lack of treatment progress, and behaviors that do not support the values of duty, integrity, and respect.  Participants also can be removed if it becomes obvious that they cannot be successful in the program.  Program  participants will receive guidance from mentors for life skills such as banking, gathering all forms  of identification  to become employable, and becoming licensed to drive (if applicable).  Once dispatched, participants will continue  to maintain abstinence as evidenced by negative UA results from the field, and will continue with weekly 1x1 individual therapy sessions with primary counselor.  They also will engage in additional programming to occur in the field, to include process and  skill groups.  At the conclusion of the fire season, participants will remain at the Badger Bunkhouse for approximately 60 days to debrief the fire season, secure off season employment, locate housing, and review and revise relapse prevention plan.

 Bunkhouse requirements:

• Participants will reside in the Badger Bunkhouse, and follow all the housing rules that apply to all of our lodging sites
• Participants will maintain an environment of brotherhood and camaraderie in the bunkhouse; fighting, disrespectful behavior, gossiping, etc will not be tolerated
• Cleanliness and order is a must!  House will be inspected regularly, and infractions could result in consequences up to and including dismissal from the “Rising From the Flames” program
• Participants will engage in the purchase and preparation of food within the house
• Participants will maintain the yard at the Badger Bunkhouse—all members will participate in this duty
• Participants will provide service work to include activities with peers who need extra support and duties as directed by house manager
• Red bags must be packed and stored and ready for immediate dispatch

 
Eligibility:  Participants will:

• Have an interest in a career of Wildland Firefighting
• Complete the application process
• Be Native American and enrolled in the Modern Warriors Men’s treatment program
• Be making progress on treatment plan and timely completion of treatment activities, and exhibiting critical thinking skills
• Be referred by counselor
• Demonstrate exemplary behavior as evidenced by following the rules, supporting peers, exhibiting leadership, etc.
• Have the physical ability to safely work in the field and pass required testing