Kaarl Gaalaas and Tyler Hasbargen, both alumni of Minnesota North’s Natural Resources program, are living proof of where a passion for the outdoors and a little fire can take you.

Gaalas got his start in natural resources during high school after a career-focused class and a summer job with a local fire ad campaign sparked his interest. He enrolled at the college in 2004 and graduated with a degree in wildland fire. After college, he began working right away. In 2014, he applied for a forestry position with the Minnesota DNR, only to learn that he needed a few more classes to qualify. Determined to move forward, he returned to school and successfully completed his forestry degree, landing a forestry tech position in Hibbing in 2019.

Now, with years of experience behind him, Gaalaas continues to be actively involved in wildland firefighting. “In 2023, I got back into fire, and I really enjoyed the program,” he said. “I love the outdoors and walking through old stomping grounds.” He encourages students to seize opportunities. “If you work hard and get your work done, and you have the blessing to go, take them when they arise. You won’t regret it.”

Hasbargen’s path looked a little different. After exploring options through a high school careers class and doing a stint in fire work, he later returned to college to pursue both fire and forestry. “I wanted something full time, something that let me be outside and do what I enjoy,” he explained. Before graduating, he had already secured a job, thanks in part to how closely the program mirrors real-world DNR work.

Both Gaalaas and Hasbargen are currently working on a suppression module based in the Los Angeles National Forest, about an hour outside of LA. They are helping manage fires like the Eaton and Palisades. Their ten-person module arrived in early January and has been working daily with high morale and strong teamwork. “We’re out here for about three weeks total. It took three days to drive out, and we’ll be here two more weeks. Everyone is tight-knit, and we all support each other,” Hasbargen said.

Gaalas added, “It’s not the first time I’ve gone out. I was in Tennessee back in 2016. It’s always a different place. If you’re on top of your work, there are always chances to go.”

For current students, the message is clear. Fire and forestry careers offer real adventure, meaningful work, and valuable opportunities, often in places you might not expect. Whether you’re hoping to stay in Minnesota or explore new regions, there are plenty of seasonal fire jobs to get you started and keep you outdoors doing what you love.