112 days, 20 firefighters, one team. The U.S. Forest Service reflects on the Union Interagency Hotshot’s 2026 season

By Garrett Christensen on Monday, October 26th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

UNION COUNTY – As fire seasons end across Eastern Oregon, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest has continued to share various behind the scenes updates and season recaps. From record breaking days at the La Grande tanker base, to show just how much effort goes into national firefighting logistics, the Forest Service has continued to shine a light on the people and equipment that keep the region safe during fire season.

Most recently, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest posted a lengthy season recap on the venerable Union Interagency Hotshot Crew. For a deep dive into the crew’s history and what they accomplished during the hectic 2026 fire season, see the full write up from Wallowa Whitman Below:

(Original post from the Wallowa Whitman National Forest)

Union Interagency Hotshot Crew | 2026 Season Recap

Rooted in history. Driven by service. Built on integrity, leadership, respect, and safe practices.

A Legacy of Service

Established in 1980 on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest by the U.S. Forest Service, the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew has a long and proud history of serving on the front lines of wildland fire suppression. Originally part of a single crew alongside the La Grande Hotshots, the two eventually became separate Interagency Crews. Today, both crews continue their legacy in La Grande, Oregon, operating out of separate buildings at the La Grande Airtanker Base. Together, they share a unique connection within the hotshot community and a common base in the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s fire country.

As one of approximately 100 National Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs), Union is a highly trained, 20-person hand crew prepared to respond to wildfires throughout the United States and Canada. Hotshot crews typically consist of 20–25 firefighters and are assigned to some of the country’s most challenging terrain and highest-priority wildfire incidents. Their mission is to solve problems and safely, effectively, and efficiently implement strategies and tactics that meet incident objectives.

From constructing handline and conducting firing operations to holding containment lines and completing mop-up, hotshot work demands exceptional physical conditioning, mental toughness, teamwork, and sound decision-making under challenging conditions. Safety remains the foundation of every assignment, guided by LCES (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones), the 10 Standard Fire Orders, and the 18 Watch Out Situations.

Becoming a hotshot requires dedication, physical fitness, and a strong commitment to the work. Positions include full-time, permanent seasonal, and temporary employment opportunities. Every assignment calls for preparation, adaptability, and a shared commitment to crew safety and mission success.

The 2026 Season: A Season of Growth and Accomplishment

The 2026 season brought demanding assignments, changing conditions, and valuable opportunities for growth. Union spent 98 days on fire assignments and 112 days away from home, including travel, completing eight assignments across Utah, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Whether supporting Incident Management Teams or responding to emerging incidents on initial attack, the crew adapted to shifting priorities and demanding operational environments.

Cottonwood Fire (Utah)

The Cottonwood Fire was a large and destructive fire in June. The crew was tasked with directly engaging the fire along portions of its edge and successfully helped stop forward fire progression across significant sections of the perimeter, preventing further growth.

Throughout the incident, crew members received tremendous support and appreciation from the local community. That support was exemplified when the Mayor of Beaver, Utah, personally shook hands with each crew member in recognition of their efforts.

Rowe Creek Complex (Oregon)

The Rowe Creek Complex brought some of the most extreme fire behavior the crew had experienced, along with unique challenges in the field. Assigned to the northern portion of the fire, the crew engaged the fire directly and successfully stopped its progression on the north side.

The assignment also provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with local ranchers and develop effective approaches to challenging interactions. Through patience, communication, and professionalism, crew members fostered trust and strengthened partnerships with local ranchers and members of the Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs).

Firing operations along Highway 26 and around homes helped protect structures and private property. The work reinforced the importance of sound tactics, local knowledge, strong partnerships, and clear communication when wildfire threatens homes, ranches, and livelihoods.

Modrite Fire (Washington)

On the Modrite Fire, the crew successfully stopped fire progression on the northwestern end, accomplishing objectives that initially appeared uncertain. The outcome reflected the crew’s persistence, adaptability, and commitment to finding solutions in challenging conditions.

Together, these assignments reinforced the importance of sound decision-making, adapting tactics as conditions evolve, and working alongside local partners to accomplish objectives when the stakes are high.

Investing in Leadership and Professional Growth

Beyond accomplishments on the fireline, 2026 was a year of professional development. Crew members completed numerous task books, marking important progress toward leadership and technical qualifications. These included:

One Division Supervisor
One Task Force Leader
Two Crew Bosses
Two Heavy Equipment Bosses
Three Firing Bosses
One Felling Boss
At least four Firefighter Type 1 qualifications

Each completed task book represents an investment in the future of wildland fire leadership and the continued development of the crew. Building these skills strengthens Union’s ability to take on complex assignments, prepare future leaders, and deliver effective service in the years ahead.

Lessons Beyond the Fireline

With many relatively new crew members, the 2026 season brought important lessons that extended beyond fire suppression. Working directly with landowners whose homes, ranches, and livelihoods were threatened by wildfire gave many members a deeper understanding of fire’s human impact.

Scouting, planning, and communicating with property owners who were understandably concerned provided opportunities for crew members to practice balancing operational objectives with compassion, professionalism, and respect. These experiences offered valuable perspective on the broader impacts of wildfire. While firefighters focus on strategies and tactics, the communities they serve are navigating uncertainty, disruption, and the potential loss of what matters most to them.

The season provided opportunities for crew members to grow not only as firefighters but also as leaders, teammates, and representatives of the wildland fire community. The lessons gained through these interactions will continue to shape the crew long after the season ends.

A Season Built on Commitment

Union Hotshots typically begin their season in late April, completing training before becoming available for assignments by May 1. The season generally continues through mid-October. In 2026, the crew remained available through October 16.

With a crew supervisor whose service dates back to 1999, Union benefits from a strong foundation of experience, institutional knowledge, and continuity. At the same time, the development of newer firefighters helps ensure that the crew’s standards, skills, and traditions are carried forward by the next generation.

This balance of experience and growth is central to the crew’s continued success. Every season presents new challenges, every assignment offers opportunities to learn, and every crew member plays a role in upholding the standards that define the hotshot community.

Looking Ahead

From its beginnings in 1980 to the challenges of the 2026 fire season, the Union Interagency Hotshot Crew continues to carry forward a proud tradition of hard work, professionalism, and service.

The season brought demanding assignments, extreme fire behavior, meaningful accomplishments, and important lessons. Through it all, the crew remained committed to accomplishing objectives, supporting its partners, developing future leaders, and serving communities affected by wildfire.

Every assignment brings new challenges. Every season builds experience. And every crew member contributes to a legacy bigger than themselves.

Follow the Union Hotshots’ journey:

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