Studies have shown that wildland firefighters require how many calories per day?

Wildland firefighters engage in highly physically demanding work, often performing strenuous tasks such as hiking, digging, and operating equipment in challenging and variable weather conditions. These activities can lead to substantial caloric expenditure, hence the necessity for a high caloric intake.

Research and guidelines indicate that wildland firefighters typically require between 5,000 to 6,000 calories per day to maintain their energy levels and perform efficiently during long hours of intense firefighting activities. This caloric requirement supports their need to sustain energy for endurance and recovery while working under physically taxing conditions.

In contrast, the lower ranges of caloric intake listed in the other options would not sufficiently meet the energy needs for such high levels of physical activity over extended periods, possibly leading to fatigue and decreased performance. Thus, the identified range of 5,000 to 6,000 calories is crucial for ensuring that wildland firefighters can effectively carry out their duties without encountering energy deficits.