Retired Hotshot Superintendent | Interviewed April, 2014 | California
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Ken Jordan, retired Hotshot Superintendent, describes his perception of the characteristics that make an ideal Hotshot and talks about the draw of working with good people early on in his career. Interviewed: 4/2014
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We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Ken Jordan, retired Sierra Hotshot Superintendent, on November 27, 2016. Ken was in the first batch of people who interviewed with The Smokey Generation in 2014, when it was still a part of my Master’s thesis project. He shared some great stories, including his experience surviving a shelter deployment, and was kind enough to pass along some of his writings and photos, as well. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. His impact on the Sierra Hotshot community reaches far and wide; he will be missed. Rest in peace, Kenny.
Read Ken’s account of his shelter deployment.
How did Ken view the role of fire in the environment?
“As far as natural fire in the environment, it’s had to change a lot because of the urban interface (of course). Natural fire was part of the environment back in the day and now, since they do the, “hit them hard, keep them small” (from the 1900s), it’s changed a little bit. But I think, Mother Nature takes care of itself anyway…”
