I became a wildland firefighter ready for danger and action. Instead, I do a lot of standing around, watching fires burn.

• Recent college grad Ryan Steinbruner was looking for excitement so he became a wildland firefighter.
• He was surprised that most of his job is preventing or monitoring fires, not putting them out.
• It's long hours and he once spent 25 days away from home, but Steinbruner's not ready to leave yet.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ryan Steinbruner, a 22-year-old wildland firefighter from Colorado Springs, Colorado. It's been edited for length and clarity.