Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A decade of grit 

Ten years.

That’s how long it took Paul Sokoloski, prescribed fire module lead for our Fire Forward program, to complete the prerequisites to become a federally certified Burn Boss (RXB2).  

Fresh off vacation time with his family, he speaks humbly about this achievement, which he completed earlier this year.  

“I’m excited to have completed this certification,” Sokoloski reflects. 

Behind his down-to-earth demeanor lies years of hard-won experience, grit, and heart. From working in the rugged back country of the Sierra Nevada, to parachuting into the wildlands, to forging family bonds with crew mates, and leading squads into high stakes conditions — Sokoloski’s latest milestone has earned him a place among fire practitioners recognized across the country for their exemplary skills and experience. Sokoloski’s professional accolade is an asset to our work to bring good fire to any type of land whether state or federal and opening doors to new partnerships.   

First sparks 

Becoming a wildland firefighter while studying forestry at Cal Poly Humboldt (formally known as Humboldt State University) was a natural progression for Sokoloski. 

It made sense. He loved being out in the woods and the work also served a social need many young people feel — to be around like-minded others, while living and working together. Plus, it was a great summer job.  

“I had family who were wildland firefighters. I’d heard stories from them,” he reflects. “I’d heard stories from my friends who were doing it while I was in college. It just sounded like a good time.” 

From spark to ignition 

As Sokoloski continued to train, his passion for wildland firefighting grew.   

“There’s always a next step, which kept me motivated,” he points out. “You are expanding your area of responsibility and how many resources you can manage. I love that about it.” 

The camaraderie was something he continued to enjoy as well. 

“You’re living, eating, working, sharing hard times with the same people throughout the whole six months of the fire season,” he remembers.  

In working as a squad leader for the Truckee Hotshots and as a Grangeville Smokejumper, Sokoloski took on the most challenging wildland fire suppression training there is, responding to remote and demanding wildfires. 

“It was the challenge of it,” he reflects on being a smokejumper, “Seeing if I could do it and being around a group of like-minded people who also enjoy the hard parts and are really good at their jobs.” 

Behind the acronyms  

Through his decade-long work in fire suppression, Sokoloski acquired the experience needed for the federal certification. Along the way, he acquired a string of acronyms.  

He became a Crew Boss (CRWB), Firing Boss (FIRB), and Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB). He also became an Incident Commanders Type 4 (ICT4) and Type 5 (ICT5) and Emergency Medical Technician. 

“The firefighting world is very complex world full of acronyms and weird lingo,” he shares. 

Sokoloski is also a state-certified California Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (CA-Rx), which means he can plan and lead prescribed burns in California with coverage from the California Liability Claims fund.  

With the added federal certified Burn Boss (RXB2), Sokoloski and Fire Forward can now burn on federal lands, such as those held by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.  

“RXB2 is a level recognized by the federal government,” said Sokoloski. “It’s recognized anywhere in the nation.” 

Leading with fire 

For Sokoloski, the federal certification is not the end of the line in his training. He will be putting into practice his passion and years of experience, continuing to hone his knowledge of fire and developing leadership skills to manage burns.  

The certification also expands the scope of workforce development offered in our prescribed fire module, which Sokoloski leads. With the federal certification, Sokoloski can mentor crew mates seeking to also become federally certified burn bosses.

Widening the circle of partnership 

As the only federally certified burn boss on the Fire Forward team, Sokoloski holds an important tool for the impact of the program.   

“With Paul’s federal burn boss qualification, there is the potential to expand our prescribed fire partnerships,” shares Tom Gardali, CEO. “For example, coordinating with agencies and municipalities who only work with federally certified burn bosses and organizations who work on federal lands.” 

“Having the RXB2 on paper is a big thing,” Sokoloski adds. “It opens up doors and is another tool in the toolbox.”

 

Be an advocate for good fire 

Support our work using good fire in stewarding healthy ecosystems and mitigating wildfire risk at egret.org/donate/.