Some Thoughts on Wildland Fires
Brush fires, grass fires, woods and forest fires
The task of attacking wildland fires is different from what we are used to, and so we must prepare for it differently. Most of the time, our involvement in such incidents will be through mutual aid, so there is a bit more time to prepare, and a little less urgency. Consequently we have a few minutes to gather what we need and prepare ourselves.
Because these fires are being fought in terrain that can be rugged, and because there may be considerable distances walked, both in reaching the assigned area as well as on the fire line itself, foot protection and comfort are important. Bunker boots, either rubber or leather, are a very poor choice and will leave you exhausted and with painful feet in short order. Likewise sneakers and “dress shoes ” offer little or no protection. The best and safest footwear are work boots, either leather or combination leather/fabric, well broken in and comfortable for wear for hours at a time. Height of boots is a personal preference, with higher boots giving more protection, to a point, and lower boots weighing less and (usually) more comfortable.
For leg protection, both from sticks, scratches, thorn bushes, insects, and from heat, fire and sparks, long pants are a requirement. The ideal is wool pants, but these are hot, hard to find, and expensive. Nylon or polyester aren’t a good choice as they melt and stick if exposed to heat or flame. Fire-resistant fabrics are great, but most of us don’t have any. Actually, cotton isn’t a bad choice, as it won’t melt, is fairly tough and puncture resistant, cheap, and accessible…can we say denim jeans!!
Long sleeve shirts are another good idea. Though long sleeves can be hot and restrictive, they are great protection from brambles and scratches, as well as sparks and hot embers and biting/stinging bugs. Fabric choices are the same as for pants.
Because wildland assignments can run long hours, back-up clothing can be a godsend. Hot, sweaty days can quickly become cool, damp evenings, and a backup jack-shirt or jacket can make a huge difference in your comfort, even if it is just when you get back to base.
Fire line work is tough on the hands, so a pair of heavy-duty gloves is also necessary. Structural firefighting gloves are great for that task, but are bulky, stiff and heavy for this job. Rather, a pair of leather work gloves will give a lot of protection while being flexible enough to wear for long stretches. If possible, wear them for a while before they are needed so they loosen up and flex, just like your leather boots. Stiff gloves and stiff boots equal blisters. Head protection is MANDATORY, and our department supplies lightweight helmets for this job. These helmets include goggles; until you’ve worked in the smoke for a while and felt like your eyes were on fire as much as the fireline is, you can’t appreciate how great goggles can be.
A personal choice here, but a bandana can be worth its weight in gold. Most sporting goods stores sell these for a few bucks, in vivid colors, usually 18 by 18 inches or larger in size. They can be tied across the nose and mouth to filter out some of the crud in the air; they can be tird around the neck to protect the neck from bugs, bark and bites; they can be wetted to cool the head and neck; they make a passable emergency bandage. For a few bucks, a handy tool and a good investment to stick inside the support straps of the helmet.
Most host departments will try to feed and water all the troops, but on the fireline such supplying may be hit-or-miss. It is very much worthwhile to carry your own water bottle or two, or canteen(s) so that you have a drink when you want or need it. And a pocket full of whatever yummies you enjoy can be appreciated, but watch out for high salt and/or high sugar goodies. These can make you really thirsty. Granola bars, an apple sliced up, anything that satisfies, takes little space and won’t squish or spoil.
Anyone working outside of the base or command post must have a working portable radio with them at all times. Winds shift and things can happen, so everyone has to be “reachable” at all times. Likewise a flashlight should be carried by everyone. Darkness falls very quickly in the woods, and walking in the woods in the dark is a really good way to get hurt and/or lost.
What else to bring is mostly personal choice. I would offer the following as suggestions and guidelines only:
a tough knife
a signal device eg whistle (3 blasts is universal signal for distress)
bug repellant, depending on season and your tolerance to little critters chewing on you
rain protection
pain meds (aspirin, tylenol, advil) if susceptible to headaches, muscle pains, etc
PeptoBismal if bothered by upset stomach aches
artificial tears or wetting drops
pencil and notebook
emergency (space)blanket, just in case you need to spend the night
a couple of band-aids, antibiotic ointment for dings, burns, blisters
Most, if not all of this, will fit in your pockets and/or a fanny pack. Either way, try to keep it with you at all times.
The New York State DEC has a list of equipment to carry anytime entering the woods for searches, which list will be attached to this note. All of this need not be carried, but review it and think about what you want with you if all the doo doo hits at once.
Be Safe
Doc
Suggested personal gear from NYS DEC for Search and Rescue Missions
first aid kit
map and compass
whistle
matches in waterproof case/BIC lighter
candle
canteen
flashlight with extra bulb and batteries or backup flashlight
complete rain suit/poncho
snacks
extra socks
duct tape
flagging
pen, pencil, marker, paper
knife
emergency blanket
watch
toilet paper
bug dope
For prolonged Missions
extra clothing appropriate for weather
eye protection
cooking pot, tea , coffee
foam pad
extra canteen