Jeff Belanger of Deerfield is one of two Franklin County firefighters sent across the country to help the worn out and weary crews.

"They work two weeks, doing what we did, then they get two days off and turn around and go back for another two weeks," says Belanger. "And they do this six months out of the year."

Belanger and more than a dozen others from Massachusetts were sent to Happy Camp, California, a small Northern town near the Oregon border. The team worked at least 16 hour days for two weeks, and at times weren't even able to leave the scene to sleep.

"A few days we were out there we slept right on the fire line," says Belanger. "You're in the smoke all the time, it's a little tough."

In addition to long days and difficult physical work, Belanger knew there were deadly risks. But those became even more real as nine firefighters were killed in a helicopter crash one week after he arrived, and another firefighter was killed when an area of fire exploded.

"You wanna know where your safety zones are and have an escape route in case the fire blows up," says Belanger.

That's why before they were picked, Belanger and his crew members had to endure rigorous physical tests.

"You have to complete a three mile hike with 45 pounds on your back in under 45 minutes," says Herman Meattey, Franklin County's Acting Forest Fire Patrolman.

But despite the physical and mental strain the trip caused, Belanger says he's ready to return as soon as he's needed.

"Back to my normal everyday job until we get called to go again, hopefully," says Belanger.