US Forest Service and historically Black colleges unite to boost diversity in wildland firefighting

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US Forest Service and Historically Black Colleges Collaborate to Enhance Diversity in Wildland Firefighting

Taylor Mohead, a recent graduate from Tuskegee University, never imagined herself fighting forest fires. Yet, as an intern with the U.S. Forest Service, she finds herself trekking through the forests of Hazel Green, Alabama, in fire gear, braving the sweltering heat. Mohead is one of twenty students from historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) participating in a prescribed burn demonstration as part of an apprenticeship program. Under the supervision of instructors, they clear paths, ignite fires, and ensure the embers are extinguished. The program aims to equip them with the necessary credentials to pursue a career in wildland firefighting.

Although spending her summer break engaged in this grueling work, Mohead embraces the experience. As a woman of color and of small stature, she finds it inspiring to challenge stereotypes and break barriers. Mohead is not alone in her journey. The on-site fire academy is part of the 1890 Land Grant Institution Wildland Fire Consortium, a collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and a group of HBCUs, including Florida A&M University, Southern University in Louisiana, Tuskegee University, and Alabama A&M University.

This partnership arises as the United States faces an escalating wildfire season due to climate change while grappling with the underrepresentation of minorities in forestry and firefighting. Although this year’s number of wildfires is below the ten-year average, the hot and dry conditions are heightening the risk, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

The consortium was conceived during the pandemic to address a “mission critical area of the Forest Service.” Stephanie Love, the USDA Forest Service’s national diversity student programs manager and an Alabama A&M alum, explains that the initiative, which officially launched in 2021, leverages the strong agricultural programs at these HBCUs. By aligning efforts, the consortium aims to create a pipeline of students pursuing education in natural resources, forestry, and fire-related fields.

The goal is to provide each student with a solid foundation to pursue various career paths in forestry, ecology, agriculture, or firefighting. This effort builds upon the longstanding relationship between Alabama A&M and the Forest Service. In 1993, a USDA Forest Service Center of Excellence in Forestry was established at the university to prepare students for careers with the agency. Additionally, Alabama A&M formed a nationally accredited firefighting team, the FireDawgs, in 2009. When classes are not in session, the FireDawgs are dispatched to wildfires and burn operations nationwide.

The collaborative programs resulting from the Alabama-Forest Service partnership have been responsible for training two-thirds of Black foresters in the federal agency, notes Love, who was part of the inaugural FireDawgs squad. The data collected by the agency indicates a 20% increase in diversity among its wildland firefighters over the past decade. The Forest Service, which employs approximately 13,000 individuals, including firefighters and support staff, saw a decline in white employees from 86% to 66% between July 2010 and July 2022.

Despite this progress, Black fire personnel remain at around 1.3%, with Black women constituting roughly half a percent. Hispanic staff have increased by 10%, while Native Americans/Alaska Natives and Asians make up approximately 3% and 1%, respectively. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders represent less than 1%.

One reason for the lack of applicants from diverse backgrounds is the limited awareness and encouragement received by potential candidates. Guidance counselors and recruiters often fail to promote firefighting as a viable career option, explains Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters and its first Black leader. Additionally, there is a misconception that outdoor work is less technical and requires fewer skills.

Once students decide to pursue forestry or related fields, the challenge becomes retaining them. To address this, the Forest Service and HBCUs ensure the availability of mentorship programs, scholarships, and internships. Bradley Massey, a junior at Alabama A&M and president of the school’s forestry club, describes how the university reignited his passion. After losing focus and working in retail, he enrolled at Alabama A&M with the intention of making the most of his college experience. Massey joined the FireDawgs and has since achieved significant milestones, such as passing firefighter work capacity tests and attending conferences with fire professionals and students from across the country.

Baker emphasizes the increasing need for firefighters as wildfires intensify due to climate change and drought. To confront these challenges, inclusivity is crucial. Baker points out that Black firefighters often feel isolated and overwhelmed when they enter predominantly white communities or lack fellow crew members of color. He recalls instances where he was the first Black person that some individuals had ever encountered in real life.

For the current group of students, meeting HBCU alumni who have become fire or forestry professionals has been reassuring. They find strength in the camaraderie and support they experience when surrounded by classmates who share their background. Mohead expresses her determination, stating that having someone who understands and has overcome similar obstacles provides encouragement and motivates her to persist.

As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat, the need to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce in firefighting becomes paramount. By partnering with HBCUs, the U.S. Forest Service aims to inspire and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in this critical field, ensuring a resilient and inclusive future for wildland firefighting.

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More about diversity in wildland firefighting

• US Forest Service
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• National Interagency Fire Center
• Society of American Foresters