1. Safety Resources

• NIOSH Wildland Firefighter Safety Guide
  NIOSH Firefighter Resources
  • Key safety hazards: heat, smoke inhalation, terrain, entrapment.
  • Includes respiratory protection recommendations.
• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) – Incident Information
  NIFC.gov
  • Up-to-date wildfire maps, activity status, weather, air quality reports.
  • Good for situational awareness before heading into a zone.
• Cal Fire Incident Map (California-specific)
  https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/
  • Includes road closures, evacuation zones, and media contact info.
• Red Cross Wildfire Safety Tips
  Red Cross – Wildfire
  • Evacuation readiness and first aid advice.

2. Recommended Gear

• Fire-Resistant Clothing
  • Nomex or FR-rated gear (shirt, pants, gloves).
  • Avoid synthetic fibers—can melt to your skin.
• Respiratory Protection
  • P100 mask or half-face respirator with multi-gas cartridges.
  • N95 at minimum—but limited against fine particulates and gases.
• Eye & Hearing Protection
  • Clear safety goggles (anti-fog) for ash and embers.
  • Earplugs for helicopters or close engine noise.
• Footwear
  • Wildland firefighting boots (Vibram sole, high ankle, fire-resistant).
  • Example: Danner Wildland Tactical or Haix Missoula.
• Other Essentials
  • Fire shelter (last resort only, but some carry one).
  • Headlamp, satellite communicator (like Garmin InReach).
  • High-visibility vest or PRESS ID with reflective tape.

3. Access & Credentials

• Embed with Fire Agencies
  • Reach out to Cal Fire PIOs or USFS Public Affairs Officers.
  • Build relationships before the fire season.
• Press Credentials
  • Carry local/state-issued media credentials.
  • Wear them visibly, but also respect all evacuation orders unless embedded.
• Drones
  • Heavily restricted near wildfires—TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) are common.
  • Violations can ground air tankers and lead to federal penalties.

4. Storytelling & Ethics

• NPPA Code of Ethics
  https://nppa.org/code-ethics
  • Be mindful when photographing victims or destroyed homes.
  • Seek consent when possible and avoid re-traumatizing.
• Behind-the-scenes wildfire coverage (case studies)
  • Lens Blog – NYT Fire Coverage
    Archived blog posts on wildfire coverage
  • Look for examples from photojournalists like Noah Berger or Josh Edelson (frequently cover CA wildfires for Getty/AP).

5. Training (Optional but Valuable)

• Wildland Fire Safety for Media Training
  Some agencies (like USFS or Cal Fire) offer short courses or workshops.
  • Reach out to local PIOs or attend wildland fire briefings when possible.
• HEFAT Courses (Hostile Environment & First Aid Training)
  • While usually for war zones, they’re useful for high-risk domestic coverage too.