![]() Rolls of bright, high-visibility flagging has several uses for wildland firefighters. In addition, you should also pack spare AA batteries in case they die. To ensure you have the visibility you need, you must pack a headlamp and a flashlight. When firefighting efforts carry into the night, low visibility can make accomplishing your essential tasks far more challenging. A GPS will help you easily navigate to where you need to go in an emergency, while a compass will provide necessary backup in case of a technical issue with the GPS. As such, a GPS and a compass are of utmost importance, and you should always keep them in your pack. Getting lost while battling a raging fire or not knowing how to get to your post can mean the difference between life and death. The first aid kit should include bandage materials, antiseptic wipes, alcohol swabs, antibiotic ointment, duct tape, and other supplies that can address any severe or minor injuries sustained in a wildland firefighting environment. First aid kitĪ first aid kit provides wildland firefighters with the essential equipment they need to tend to common injuries they may incur on the job, such as sprains, blisters, burns, and cuts. Typically, wildland firefighters should carry at least four quarts of water with them in canteens. ![]() As such, it’s important for them to carry ample amounts of water. When firefighters must battle fires for long periods of time out in the hot sun, dehydration poses a serious health risk. ![]() Ideally, gloves should have long, non-burn cuffs for enhanced protection. Fire glovesįire gloves protect the hands and wrists of wildland firefighters from burns, abrasions, and cuts when they’re handling sharp or hot objects. They are used as last resorts and have saved the lives of hundreds of firefighters. When firefighters get trapped by wildfires, fire shelters provide them with protection from indirect heat. The following gear should find its way into your fire line backpack: Fire shelterĪn essential piece of equipment in any wildland firefighter’s pack is a fire shelter. In addition to any personal items you may want to bring along, such as snacks or a book, a fire line backpack is largely composed of essential line gear. Line gearĪ properly stocked fire line backpack will generally provide all the gear a firefighter needs for the first couple days of firefighting. Below we list some of the most essential pieces of gear a wildland firefighter should pack in their bags. Because firefighters have to carry their packs throughout the day, they must also avoid overpacking-too many items can take up limited space or make their bags harder to carry due to the extra weight. Generally, a fire line backpack shouldn’t exceed 20 pounds, while a travel bag shouldn’t weigh more than 45 pounds. As such, wildland firefighters must carefully pack their bags with all the gear they may require while fighting wildfires.Ī wildland firefighter will typically carry two bags: a fire line backpack and a travel bag (also known as a red bag). Finding yourself fighting a blazing fire in the middle of a forest without a necessary piece of gear is a precarious situation, to say the least. The rewards of doing the job make the stresses and challenges worth it.The right gear is essential for the safety of wildland firefighters and the effectiveness of their firefighting efforts. They see people who have been injured or killed in fires or as the result of accidents and other incidents as part of their job duties on a regular basis.įor the people who successfully complete the rigorous application process, it’s a career like no other. They are called out to fires and other emergencies, and may need to work while sleep-deprived when circumstances warrant. Due to the nature of the work, they need to be able to rely on each other and trust each other in what may be very difficult circumstances.įirefighters work in very stressful situations. This is not your typical work environment, and in order to make it work, crew members must have a certain degree of flexibility and tolerance toward each other. ![]() A lounge or TV room is also part of the layout.Įach member of the crew is expected to participate in household chores that include cooking and cleaning. Firefighters sleep in a dormitory-style room, and the firehouse is outfitted with bathroom and shower facilities as well. The firehouse contains an area with office space for officers, as well as a kitchen and dining area. They are coworkers who behave like roommates, and ultimately like a family. Instead of working an eight-hour shift and going home, firefighters are together constantly while working. This makes firefighting a unique type of work. While on duty, the crew members live and eat together at the fire house.
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