Disasters can strike at any moment, leaving communities in chaos and uncertainty. The recent 2025 Los Angeles fire displaced more than 200,000 people for weeks due to safety concerns, even after the blaze had died down. For many, that meant additional sadness and uncertainty for the animals they were forced to leave behind as they fled.
Wildland firefighting has always faced many challenges, but the challenges have increased as wildland fires have grown in size and magnitude over the last 25 years. During a fire, wildland firefighters face long hours dealing with challenging and changing conditions. Wildland firefighters spend the majority of their time on their feet, walking over rugged and steep terrain, in hot temperatures, all while carrying the gear they need for extended time out on the fire line.