Comment by Valentino Martinez on July 5, 2013 at 2:43pm

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of those 19 brave firefighters who lost their lives doing their job as firefighters this past weekend (see story ref.). They were considered “Hot Shots” the “elite” among firefighters – and they fought a fire to their very end.

As recruiters we recognize and respect the link we have in filling, or helping in filling jobs, like: firefighters, pilots, danger-zone contractors, large and dangerous animal handlers, miners, etc., where people work in disciplines that have clear & present dangers & the real possibility of terrible downsides. The consequences can be severe and they are told how severe -- yet they come forward and take and do those jobs.

A tip of the hat to those courageous souls – and to these elite Hot Shot Firefighters may they rest in peace in the knowledge that they are true HEROES - for their work and their ultimate sacrifice on the job.

Comment by Valentino Martinez on December 21, 2013 at 8:42pm

California's Massive Rim Fire...

A firefighter in Groveland, California, battles the Rim Fire. Elias Funez/Modesto Bee/ZUMA

After starting in late August, the enormous Yosemite Rim fire eventually grew to encompass more than 250,000 acres, gaining it a ranking of the third largest in California history. To put that in perspective, the Rim Fire grew almost as large as all the other 2013 California fires combined (thus far). It was not fully contained until October 26, more than two months after it formed. (Notably, 7 of the 10 largest California fires have occurred since the year 2000.)

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