contract wildfire firefighting

[mark56]

How did contract wildfire firefighting start
did people form private companys specifically for fire fighting or did fire departments from private companys for this purpose
thanks Mark

[NJFFSA16]

I have a theory. It's the American way. Capitalism. Make a Buck. Indiviudals saw the need for additional firefighting resources and formed corporations/companies to make a profit.

Necessity is the mother of invention. They saw the need....and provided a solution. (For $$$$$$$)

[Mechanic]

Your right. money probably was the motivational issue there. Then again, no one can blame anyone else for trying to better there lives. Contract firefighting started back in the early 80's. They started with small state tree planting contracts. Which then turned to some line holding on controlled burns and so forth.

Contract firefighting didn't just fall from the sky. My old boss worked his live to make his company what it is today. And to tell you the truth, from my 10 years in the service, I have seen some damn good contract crews come out. True there are some bad ones. But thats everywhere, and yes even the forest service.