Portraits of Acadia: Aidan Gordon

Aidan Gordon, Wildland Fire Apprentice, holds a flaming drip torch in a forested environment. NPS photo by Brady Richards

I am a Wildland Fire Apprentice at Acadia National Park, currently in my third season here and in my first park job with the National Park Service.

My passion to pursue a career in wildland fire began during my time with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), a year-long volunteer program based out of Vicksburg, MS. While with NCCC, I earned a spot on one of their fire crews which was partnered with the Region 8 Forest Service. Most of the year was spent conducting prescribed burns throughout the region and assisting with trail clearance after hurricane damage. We also had the opportunity to work on the hand crew on the Caldor Fire in California. That year was challenging but extremely rewarding. I love spending time in nature and being a steward of the environment.

My work primarily focuses on fire suppression within the park. In addition, I spend a significant amount of time managing fuel loading and reducing fire risk in Acadia. A major part of this effort involves our crew creating a 50-foot shaded fuel break between park land and nearby private homes to reduce wildfire risk. This fuel break is aimed at creating a defensible space in case of another large wildfire, like the one that occurred on Mount Desert Island in 1947. In addition to our local efforts, we also support fire suppression efforts in the western U.S. by deploying our fire engine and staffing both hand crews and engine crews to fight wildfires during the summer. This year, Acadia had crew members stationed in Idaho, Oregon, and California. On top of fighting fires out west or creating defensible land within the park, I also assist with our Search and Rescue (SAR) operations by working on the litter team. This season alone, I assisted in eight carryout SAR operations within the park.

Aftermath of a successful prescribed burn at Jordan Pond House on April 27th, 2024. NPS photo by Brady Richards

One of my most memorable experiences at Acadia was conducting a prescribed burn near the vista at Jordan Pond House, easily the most scenic burn that’ve ever been part of.

Acadia, to me, is a place of exploration. I didn’t visit Acadia until I reached my twenties, but I fell in love with the park immediately. Today, I am lucky enough to call Acadia home.

– Aidan Gordon, Wildland Fire Apprentice

Aidan conducting a prescribed burn of grasses in an open field. NPS photo by Brady Richards

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