Firefighters & Fatigue

When the need for sleep struck, I wasn’t picky when catching Zzz’s.

I often can't sleep now, in my fifties. It’s a new sensation. Back in my 20's, I could fall asleep pretty much anywhere and have photos to prove it.

People have asked when and where I slept when working on fires. Sometimes, when our work was done, we slept outside wherever we were. If you happen to interact with a firefighter during fire season and he or she seems a little... slow, it might be from the strain of fatigue. Maybe show extra grace and patience. This goes for all first responders. And mothers. And fathers... sons and daughters. Whether we’re fighting fire or fighting a disease, we take turns battling hard things that require all our strength for a season. Let's remember to Be Kind to each other.

When the work was done, sometimes I was so tired, a tree looked comfortable.

Resting after long days on a fire with the Horseshoe Meadows Hotshot Crew. 1989

If you’re a firefighter with a funny sleep photo, please share for my Sleepy-Head Firefighter Photo Contest. Winner receives a $25 Gift Card and I’ll feature the photo in my next blog. Send your entry to kate@katehamberger.com. Contest deadline: 3/20/22