Earlier this summer, Ashlea Wolf-Sherman took on a new job on the front lines, driving a new engine, assisting hand crews, putting out hot spots, and mopping up as a wildland firefighter.

A common but important public service role in wildfire country, helping keep communities safe.

According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, 2.5 million acres burned in Oregon by the end of August, and that is where Wolf-Sherman spent weeks on the Second Flat Fire and Black Bear Fire this summer. 

“There was a hot spot, so we had to put a line around it,” Wolf-Sherman said, describing her time on a fire. “My arms got tired, but it was fun, and I definitely had to get the dirt off my teeth as I was smiling and having a good time.”

Wolf-Sherman found this wildland fire job by sitting with Francis Cahoon at the Charlo sporting event, where he “very calmly” explained sports to her. Cahoon owns and operates Cahoon Contracting, which primarily handles government wildland fire contracts. 

She explained that she has limited fire experience, having fought fires for one season in high school, but she’s had extensive experience working in the woods with various crews. Cahoon Contracting takes on jobs across the United States and provides crews and heavy equipment. 

While fire has its hustle moments, Wolf-Sherman enjoyed it and was thankful for the opportunity.

However, back home, her other public service role was about to kick off, with school buses hitting the pavement soon. Wolf-Sherman has worked for the Charlo School District as a bus driver for the past two school years and made a commitment to her students to return this school year. 

Wolf-Sherman explained that when she went on a fire toward the end of August, she knew she might not make it back in time for the first day of school, and the school was aware, understanding and had a backup plan.

“It's a small school, so we all work together, and I'm extremely grateful for the school's flexibility and willingness to allow me to fight fire because I need it for money,” she said. 

She explained that the school is an easy place to be loyal to and a community that strongly supports one another. 

“They really are understanding that you can't survive off of bus driving,” she said. “You do not work in a public school to make lots of money. Work at a public school because you care.”

As the fire assignment continued, Wolf-Sherman missed the first two days of school, but by Monday she was back with a bus full of happy faces and questions.

“‘Oh, you’re back!’” she recalled her students exclaiming. “‘How’s the fire? What’s it like?’” 

Wolf-Sherman explained that, of course, she was back because she had made a commitment to the students, and that she told them, “‘You guys are my crew. You’re my buddies.’” 

This is the first time she has worked at a school, and she said she’s had a lot of fun with the kids. 

Although she made it back to drive the bus during the second week of school, the Nature Grove Fire in Hamilton took off, sending her on another two-week assignment. 

When asked what fulfilling these two community needs means to her, Wolf-Sherman said she feels thankful to be part of it. 

“I feel gratitude, I feel privileged, and I feel dedicated and passionate,” she added. 

She has moved a lot over the years, but after purchasing family property in Moise, she is putting down deep roots here and has her two kids attending Charlo.

“When I’m here and available, I’ll be driving and on the sub list, filling in with the school however I’m able,” she said.

While the engine she wants to be on is the Charlo school bus, Wolf-Sherman said being on the fires was like a paid vacation. She added that she definitely enjoys it, and her upbeat energy had the other wildland firefighters saying, “‘Oh, we can tell you work with kids.’” 

Cahoon said Wolf-Sherman doesn’t seem afraid of much and is a great, faithful person who works hard. He added that she does great at both jobs and is a strong team player. 

“She's got all kinds of energy, and she uses it to move things forward,” Cahoon said. 

Wolf-Sherman added that she’s excited to return to fire next year, and while on the job she was inspired to finish her forestry degree. 

Cahoon said everyone on a fire is like a big family. It’s an opportunity to spend time in the woods, camping and working hard in some beautiful area. He added that each year you keep building relationships with people you may have met the year before. 

“Fire is very fun,” he said. 

    Charlo kids hop off the school bus in the early morning. While Ashlea Wolf-Sherman fights the fire, Ginger Zempel, the head of transportation, steps in to drive the school bus. (Emily Messer/Leader)