Redmond wildland firefighting contractor sees sharp rise in job-seekers

PatRick officials say increase also likely tied to unemployment numbers

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- While state and federal firefighters are usually the first line of defense against wildfires, sometimes those agencies rely on private contractors to supply needed crews -- ones like a busy Redmond business.

"There's never been fires in Oregon like we are having right now," Joel Dice, the human resource manager at PatRick Environmental Inc., told NewsChannel 21 on Thursday.

PatRick has been supplying the state and country with firefighters for the past 40 years. Usually, the company receives about 350 applications each fire season, but with the busy fire season, this year has been different.

“We are seeing a lot more (applicants) than usual -- maybe a third more than we normally do," Dice said. "I think that’s just because of the locality of the fires, and the intensity of the fires that are burning. People want to come out and help their community.”

Dice said the opportunity to help fellow Oregonians may not be the only reason why more people are applying.

“I think a lot of people really need employment right now, and a lot of people are desperate for work,” Dice said.

Calvin Williams is one of those people looking for work. If Williams passes the educational and work capacity test and is hired, it will be his first time fighting fires.

“It’s a good job opportunity," Williams said. "I got my family in the car, and I want to make some money and help out.”

At the moment, PatRick Environmental has about 300 employees around the country fighting fires. Dice said this year's fire season in Oregon could last into November.

For more information: https://www.patrickfire.net/public/index.cfm