Black Diamond Wildland Fire Crew

06/01/2026

Shared from incinotes page.
🔥🚒 THE TRUE COST OF PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES 🚒🔥

When you see a wildland firefighter on the fireline, you’re looking at far more than a yellow shirt and a hard hat.

You’re looking at thousands of dollars of specialized safety equipment designed to bring that firefighter home alive.

From fire shelters and Nomex clothing to radios, helmets, boots, gloves, eye protection, packs, and life-saving communication equipment, every piece of gear serves a purpose. Every dollar invested is an investment in survival.

Most people never realize that outfitting a single wildland firefighter today can cost between $5,500 and $8,500+ before they ever step foot on a wildfire.

The boots protect their feet on steep terrain.
The Nomex protects them from heat and flame.
The radio keeps them connected when seconds matter.
The fire shelter is their last line of defense.

These men and women willingly run toward danger to protect lives, homes, forests, and communities.

The next time you see a firefighter on the line, remember: behind every firefighter is a commitment to safety, training, readiness, and sacrifice.

🔥 Every tool has a purpose.
🔥 Every piece of gear can save a life.
🔥 Every firefighter deserves to come home.

Please take a moment to thank the wildland firefighters, dispatchers, mechanics, pilots, support personnel, and families who make this mission possible.

🇺🇸 Courage. Commitment. Community.

05/04/2026

Once again today May 4th 2026

04/28/2026

The bears got some moves 👍👍👍

04/23/2026

Today April 23, 2026

04/21/2026

Just a heads up for April 21, 2026

04/20/2026

This was a bit before the crew was in existence
Interesting read

Nearly 200 men volunteered in a laborious battle against a raging forest fire that threatened to burn summer cottages and the Glen Summit Hotel in Fairview Township, Mountain Top, in April 1902.

04/02/2026

Last night the fellas got busy marking up our new equipment we purchased through the DCNR grant program. We put 5 shelters, new saw, portable pump and some extra sawyer tools into service.

03/28/2026

We now have air support.

03/27/2026

Today is the day!!! We hope to see you later today.

03/23/2026

The Black Diamond Warden Crew extends our deepest condolences on the passing of Edward W. “Curly” Kresge, Jr., a dedicated Pennsylvania Forest Fire Warden and public servant.

Ed proudly served as a fire warden and worked for the former Department of Forests and Waters prior to its transition into what is now DCNR. During his time, he was part of the early Bureau of Forestry patrol efforts, protecting the woodlands of Northeastern Pennsylvania and helping lead the charge in wildfire detection and suppression during a time when resources were limited but commitment ran deep. A resident of Mountain Top, he served the very forests and community he called home.

He later continued his career as a fire inspector, carrying forward his knowledge and passion for fire prevention and public safety. Eventually, Ed moved on from DCNR to pursue other opportunities, but his impact on forestry and fire service in our region remains part of the foundation we stand on today.

Men like Ed “Curly” Kresge helped shape the traditions, grit, and brotherhood that still define today’s wildland fire community especially here in Mountain Top.

We honor his service, his legacy, and his contribution to protecting Pennsylvania’s forests.

Rest easy, Warden.