Fighting Fire with Friends

Sometimes, you can like a job without really liking it, said David Yecha.

The Pacific University senior has spent the last six summers fighting wildland fires in Oregon and elsewhere.

It’s not always the dream job.

“I don’t enjoy firefighting because of the work,” he said. “It’s hard. You’re breathing smoke. You’re dirty. It’s not fun.”

But, for him, the work has a unique perk: “The fun is in building relationships and getting to know people in a way you don’t usually see people. You’re literally fighting in the trenches with each other.”