Latino Shares Earnings as a Wildland Firefighter in the U.S.: "It's a Nice Chunk of Change"

A video shared on social media by user johnnyenglishcr, known as Moisés, has sparked significant interest among the Latino community in the United States. In this clip, Moisés reveals how he managed to earn $15,000 over the course of a month and 10 days working as a wildland firefighter in Oregon. He also provides insights into how others can pursue this line of work.

In his TikTok video, under the username @johnnyenglishcr, Moisés explains that wildland firefighters are primarily active during the summer months, when fires are most prevalent. He notes that the job doesn't consist of regular hours; instead, shifts can last 14 to 21 days, with the potential for extensions. "We're called to action when fires break out, and we head to camps either within the state or across the country," Moisés mentions, emphasizing that Latino crews often stand out in terms of efficiency.

According to Moisés, in his first year, he participated in several deployments, accumulating a total of a month and 10 days of active duty. During this period, he received $15,000 in checks, after taxes. He also points out that speaking English is not a mandatory requirement and that the company he works for offers three days of training followed by a physical test.

The video has attracted numerous comments and inquiries, mainly from individuals eager to apply for such a position. Common questions include the necessity of legal documentation, whether women can apply, and how to find companies offering these opportunities in other states. One user asked directly, "Do you need papers to work?" while another queried, "I live in Oregon, how can I sign up?" The issue of language also arose, with someone wondering, "Do you need to speak English?" to which Moisés responded that it isn't a strict requirement. Some were astonished by the earnings, with one user asking, "Are you telling me they paid $375 a day?" Skeptics also chimed in, with a follower expressing doubt by commenting, "15 grand in a month, I don't know, Rick..."

The question of working without proper documentation was another hot topic. Queries arose about the possibility of working without papers or using false documentation, and concerns were voiced about being detained by ICE if transferred to another state.

Comparisons with other jobs in the U.S. also surfaced, such as being a delivery driver: "I see many people criticizing delivery jobs. They earn nearly the same." Meanwhile, others showed immediate interest in the application process. "Where are the classes held?" one user asked, while another from California inquired, "Does anyone know how to apply here?" Moisés clarified that in Oregon, companies start their recruitment process annually with three-day courses and physical tests.

Wildland firefighting has become a source of income for many migrants in the U.S., particularly in states like California, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, where wildfires are frequent occurrences. This video is part of a growing trend on social media where immigrants share information about lesser-known but well-paying jobs, attracting those seeking financial opportunities. Moisés promised to release more updates when his company's recruitment dates are announced, fueling further anticipation among his followers.