Klamath Tribes Fire Crews Deploy Nationwide

Crews respond across the U.S. while strengthening local protection and workforce development

Klamath Tribes Wildland Fire Program Manager conducting operational period briefing as Incident Commander on Lower Sugarloaf and Labor Mountain Fires near Wenatchee, Washington. September 2025. (Klamath Tribes)

CHILOQUIN, Ore. — The Klamath Tribes’ Wildland Fire Program is continuing to expand its role in wildfire response both locally and across the United States, with crews deploying to multiple states while maintaining strong fire protection efforts in Southern Oregon.

Since early 2025, Klamath Tribes fire crews and engines have responded to incidents nationwide, including deployments to California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Their work has included major wildfire response efforts, beginning with assignments in the Los Angeles area earlier this year.

While supporting national operations, the program has also remained active in the Chiloquin area, helping suppress small fires before they could grow and strengthening local fire readiness.

Recent deployments included a Wildland Fire Module team returning to Chiloquin in early April after completing an assignment in Oklahoma. A separate engine crew assigned to Florida was rotated out and replaced by another three-person crew, which is expected to remain on assignment for several weeks.

These deployments allow the program to provide year-round employment for firefighters while building experience across a wide range of fire conditions and environments.

Beyond wildfire response, the program also supports the community during emergencies. In 2025, crews assisted Tribal members during severe winter conditions by delivering food and medicine, and also contributed to flood preparedness efforts through sandbagging operations.

Training and workforce development remain a core focus. Firefighters follow individual development plans that include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience to build skills and prepare for advancement.

Zane Powless is burning piles near Bluejay Springs. November 2025. (Klamath Tribes)

Over the past year, the program has reached several key milestones, including increased certification levels among firefighters, the addition of new Engine Boss-qualified personnel, and expanded chainsaw operation training across the team.

The program is also working toward achieving Type I Wildland Fire Module status, a designation that would recognize it as a highly trained, self-sufficient unit capable of operating independently on complex incidents. That goal is expected to take several more years of advanced training and field experience.

As the program continues to grow, the Klamath Tribes are actively hiring for multiple positions, including a Deputy Fire Program Manager, crew members, and an equipment operator to support forest thinning and wildfire response efforts.

Cover image: Zach and Trevin are mopping up on a fire near Jacksonville, Florida, in March 2026. In the background is the Klamath Tribes Engine E-641, which assisted in the initial attack on the fire near Jacksonville, Florida. (Klamath Tribes)

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