Big Sur Fire launches fully funded hand crew program

Press Release

Contact: Big Sur Fire Administration – info@bigsurfire.org, (831)667-2113

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17th, 2024

Big Sur Fire Launching New Fully Funded Hand Crew Program to Enhance Community Safety and Local Economy in 2025.

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Big Sur, CA – Big Sur Fire is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new 21-person hand crew firefighting program for the 2025 fire season.  This new division marks a significant expansion of the organization’s 50 year history of firefighting and emergency response.  The program, which is fully funded for the next two years, represents a comprehensive investment in community safety and local workforce development.

The new hand crew program includes complete outfitting of personnel with firefighting gear, specialized tools and other essential equipment and a fleet of dedicated vehicles.  This investment positions Big Sur Fire to respond more effectively to wildfires and of equal importance, conduct critical fuel reduction and preventative work throughout the region.  The hand crew will also be available as a statewide resource participating in California’s Master Mutual Aid Plan.

“This program represents a major step forward in protecting our community and creating meaningful career opportunities for local residents,” said Matt Harris, Fire Chief of Big Sur Fire. “With the increasing challenges posed by climate change and longer fire seasons, having a dedicated hand crew significantly enhances our ability to protect lives and property along the Big Sur Coast.”

The program will create 21 new seasonal firefighter positions, providing employment opportunities for local community members while building critical firefighting capacity in the region.  Crew members will receive comprehensive training in wildland firefighting techniques, emergency response, and forest management practices.  The hand crew will complement our current volunteer firefighters who will continue to respond to structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents, rescues, medicals, and all other 911 calls in Big Sur.

Beyond emergency response, the hand crew will conduct essential fire prevention work, including fuel reduction, chipping, pile burning, creating firebreaks, and maintaining emergency access routes throughout Big Sur.  This proactive approach will help create a safer, more fire-resilient community while preserving the region’s iconic landscape.

For more information about the hand crew program or employment opportunities, please contact Big Sur Fire via email at info@bigsurfire.org or by calling our office at (831)667-2113.