Vista Grande Hotshots established 1974
History
In 1974, Region 5 Fire Management added a second Hotshot crew on the San
Bernardino National Forest. The location chosen was Vista Grande Guard
Station on the San Jacinto Ranger District. Vista Grande is located near the
small mountain community of Idyllwild, California.
The name (Spanish for Great View) originated in the
1930’s when this location was a CCC camp. Vista Grande overlooks the Hemet
Valley to the west and the Banning Pass to the north. The topography in the
area ranges from the desert floors of Palm Springs up 10,000 feet to the San
Jacinto Peak.
Kirby More, a veteran firefighter of 20 years, left his
position as an engine Foreman at the Alandale Guard Station to become the
first Superintendent of this crew in June of 1974. In 1994 Art Torrez
became the Superintendent.
The Vista Grande Hotshots have been instrumental in the
development and implementation of the Prescribe Burn Program on the San
Jacinto Ranger District. This program provides protection from wildland fire
for the local mountain communities and enhances wildlife habitat.
The crew has also been involved in International Training
Programs since 1985. These programs consist of hosting forestry and
firefighter students from various South American countries including Brazil,
Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina, and Nicaragua. It is rewarding to pass
on important training and safety information about Prescribe Fire as well as
Fire Suppression Tactics and Strategies in the changing world of Fire
Suppression.
Special thanks to
California
Interagency Hotshots for use the Vista Grande history
Contact Information
Jesse Estrada
Superintendent
Vista Grande Hotshots
PO Box 518
Idyllwild, CA 92549
(951) 849-5750
More on
California Interagency Hotshot Crews
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