2023 Wildland Fire Dispatcher Survey

Wildland fire dispatchers are an overlooked and understudied component of the wildland fire ecosystem. Their work acts as a linkage between units and they are a nexus of information that is invaluable to the overall firefighting mission. The impact of their work on their mental and physical well-being is unknown, and through this survey, we seek to better understand how working conditions impact recruitment, retention, morale, and overall well-being. 

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This survey closed on 1 March 2023 and we are analyzing final results now.  A copy of the preliminary report can be viewed here.

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Key findings include:

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Wildland fire dispatcher mental health is critically impaired.

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Wildland fire dispatchers have high exposure to trauma.

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Wildland fire dispatcher workload and stress 

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