Crew History:

The Bitterroot Hotshots were established in 1963 and have been in continuous operation since that time. Originally located at the current site of the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center,the crew moved to the East Fork Guard Station on the Sula Ranger District and then to the current location of Darby in 1976.

Crew Operations:

The Bitterroot Hotshots work out of the compound on the Darby Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest. Located on the district compound are two government bunkhouses faciltities that allow crewmembers to live within a 5-minute walk of both downtown Darby and the crew warehouse.

Physical fitness is a major emphasis on the crew. There's a weight room on the compound, available for use during and after work hours, and there's a running track available at the local high school. As per IHC Operations Guidelines, the crew is provided time each day to pursue physical fitness training, including stretching, strength training, and 3.5- to 6-mile runs over various terrain.