B is for Burnout
It wasn't uncommon for wildfire fighting vehicles to feel like they had been pushed past their limits by September rolled around, but this year had been particularly brutal. A smokejumper injury early on had left them understaffed and an August with the National Interagency Fire Center at Preparedness Level 5 meant that the air attack members that were left spent more time outside of the park fighting fires than inside it. In short, it was the type of firefighting season that swallowed both experienced and greenhorn firefighters alike and spit them out exhausted as slag…and it was clear that it was going to be the type of fire season that was going to cost the Piston Peak's Air Attack Base dearly.
"So…how many do you think will stay?" Maru broke the contemplative silence before taking a deep draw from his can of high grade.
"Cabbie…" Blade replied without hesitation. Even though he had only worked with the old bird for two seasons it was pretty clear he was clearly more stubborn than an oil stain. Then after a few rotor beats of thought. "The rest, who knows?" The helicopter gave a shrug of blades.
"I suspect the Chief will stay, too." Maru hummed quietly to himself. "I can't see a Cessna like him allowing a fire season like this completely roll over him, but I agree with you on the rest of them. This summer has left everyone extra crispy."
"So…what is your plan?"
"You really have to ask?" Maru gave Blade an amused look. "I am staying…after all where would we go otherwise?" The mechanic gave a harsh chuckle. "But I will openly admit that once our contract ends October 1st, I'm going to find myself a nice sunny beach and drink myself into oblivion for at least a week."
"That isn't particularly healthy…" Blade mumbled under his breath with the venom of a curse.
"The saying that mechanics make the worst patients in exists for a reason." Maru said with closed eyes, clearly imagining his reprieve. "And you are welcome to make other plans."
That simply got a harrumph from Blade. As much as the helicopter might disagree with Maru's choice in vices, he also recognized why they existed…he also knew just how careful his friend was to make sure to let Blade know that while Maru used high grade as a crutch, he was completely supportive of Blade's efforts to remain sober.
Blade also knew that he would also follow Maru wherever he ended up booking their trip. The hanger roof over their heads was usually funded by whatever winter work Maru managed to snag, after all, so Blade couldn't afford to be picky. The helicopter hoped that someday he wouldn't have to rely on his friend to provide such basic life necessities, but ever since 'the crash' Blade knew that he wasn't going to be able to make it alone.
"So…what is your plans for next fire season?" Maru asked with a sidelong look.
He got a harsh chuckle out of Blade for that. "Same as you. As you said where else would we go. I worked too hard to make myself a new life, I am not going to let a bad fire season take it from me."
So with that the two vehicles sat on the tarmac surrounded by companionable silence, dwelling in the exhaustion of their burnout but finding comfort in the knowledge that winter was coming and with the snow would come an opportunity to find recharge and relief before the rhythm of a wild firefighter's life would start again next spring.
Term- Burnout- Classified as a mental disorder, burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion brought on by periods of prolonged stress. Symptoms of burnout often include headaches, depression, fatigue, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, and increased pain sensitivity. Many professions are at risk for burnout, but medical personal, soldiers, and first responders are at particular risk…especially during time of crisis. Recovery from burnout often takes a prolonged periods of time and sometimes requires supplemental counseling to process the root causes of stress.