Vista Grande Hotshots History
Historic crew photo of the Vista Grande Hotshots (link to a FlickR photostream)
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 California COnsevtion Corps 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 to 10,834 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.
1985
The crew became involved in international training programs. The Vista Grande Hotshots have hosted forestry and firefighting students from various South American countries including; Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina and Nicaragua. The crews work in the program has been very rewarding. The crew exchange allows aopportunities for international partners to train with hotshots on prescribed fire operations as well as fire suppression tactics,strategies, training and safety.
1994
Art Torrez became the superintendent until 2004, when he accepted a position at South Ops.
2005
Jesse Estrada accepted the Superintendent position.
The Vista Grande Hotshots have been instrumental in the development and implementation of the prescribed burn program on the San Jacinto Ranger District. This program provides protection from wildland fire for the local mountain communities and enhances wildlife habitat.
Crew Superintendents
| Name | Dates |
|---|---|
| Matthew Ramstead | --present |
| Jesse Estrada | 2005-- |
| Art Torrez | 1994-2004 |
| Kirby More | 1974-1994 |
