What does a wildland firefighter do?

What is a Wildland Firefighter?

A wildland firefighter is an extensively trained individual who specializes in combating and suppressing wildfires that occur in forests, grasslands, and other wilderness areas. These firefighters work as part of a team, employing various techniques and tools to contain and extinguish fires, while operating in remote locations with limited access to resources and infrastructure. Their responsibilities include constructing fire lines, setting backfires, utilizing hand tools and specialized equipment, and coordinating efforts with other firefighters and emergency responders.

With a focus on fire behavior, safety protocols, and physical fitness, wildland firefighters play a crucial role in protecting lives, property, natural resources, and environmental ecosystems from the destructive impact of wildfires. Theirs is a dynamic and hazardous profession.

What does a Wildland Firefighter do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Wildland firefighters are responsible for various tasks related to combating and managing wildfires in wilderness areas. Their duties typically include:

• Fire Suppression – Wildland firefighters work to suppress and control wildfires by constructing fire lines or containment lines. They remove vegetation and create barriers to halt the spread of the fire, using hand tools, chainsaws, and heavy machinery as necessary. They may also use water delivery systems or air support to extinguish flames.
• Fire Behavior Analysis – Wildland firefighters are trained to assess and predict fire behavior. They study factors such as weather conditions, topography, fuel types, and fire patterns to determine the direction and intensity of the fire. This information helps them make strategic decisions and allocate firefighting resources effectively.
• Equipment Operation – Wildland firefighters are skilled in operating specialized firefighting equipment. They may use chainsaws, pulaskis (special hand tools used in wildland firefighting, which combine an axe and an adze in one head), shovels, and other hand tools to clear vegetation, create fire breaks, or dig fire lines. They may also operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers or fire engines to remove obstacles or create fire control measures.
• Fire Prevention and Education – Wildland firefighters participate in fire prevention efforts by educating the public about fire safety, promoting responsible fire practices, and conducting patrols to identify potential fire hazards. They may also assist in conducting prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads and prevent future wildfires.
• Teamwork and Communication – Wildland firefighters work as part of a coordinated team. They communicate effectively with fellow firefighters and incident management personnel to ensure efficient response and safe operations. They follow established protocols and maintain situational awareness to adapt to changing fire conditions.
• Safety and Emergency Response – Wildland firefighters prioritize their safety and that of their team members. They undergo rigorous training in fire behavior, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, first aid, and emergency response protocols. They are responsible for identifying and mitigating risks associated with firefighting operations.
• Incident Management Support – During larger wildfires, wildland firefighters may be part of an incident management team. In this role, they assist in logistical support, resource coordination, and communication management to ensure efficient incident response and effective allocation of firefighting resources.

The specific duties and responsibilities of a wildland firefighter may vary based on their experience, rank, and the nature of the incident to which they are responding. It's also important to note that wildland firefighting operations can be unpredictable, and circumstances can change rapidly. Firefighters must be flexible, adaptable, and ready to respond to evolving situations as they work towards the ultimate goal of suppressing and managing wildfires while prioritizing safety.

Types of Wildland Firefighters
There are various types of wildland firefighters who play different roles in combating wildfires. Here are some common types:

• Firefighters: Firefighters are the backbone of wildland firefighting efforts. They are typically part of crews that work on the ground to suppress wildfires. These firefighters are trained in fire behavior, safety protocols, and the use of firefighting tools and equipment. They work together to construct firelines, control the spread of fires, and conduct mop-up operations.
• Fire Engine Operators: Fire engine operators, also known as engine bosses or engine operators, are responsible for driving and operating fire engines equipped with water tanks and firefighting tools. They work alongside crews on the ground and use the engine's resources to deliver water or suppress fires directly. They ensure the proper functioning of the engine and may coordinate the positioning of the engine for strategic fire suppression.
• Helicopter Crew Members: Helicopter crews consist of professionals who work with helicopters to provide aerial support in firefighting operations. They include helicopter pilots, helitack crew members, and helispot managers. These individuals may perform tasks such as water bucket drops, transportation of firefighters and supplies, conducting reconnaissance flights, and coordinating helicopter operations in the field.
• Smokejumpers: Smokejumpers are highly skilled firefighters who parachute from airplanes into remote and inaccessible areas to quickly respond to wildfires. They are self-sufficient and can establish initial attack lines, build firelines, and conduct firefighting operations in rugged terrains. Smokejumpers often work in small teams and are trained to be highly adaptable and resourceful.
• Hotshot Crew Members: Hotshot crews are highly trained and specialized teams that tackle some of the most challenging and demanding wildfire incidents. They are skilled in constructing firelines, felling trees, and working in complex fire environments. Hotshot crews often work on the frontlines of large and critical fires, utilizing their expertise to suppress and control the spread of wildfires.
• Wildland Fire Investigators: Wildland fire investigators, also known as fire investigators or fire inspectors, specialize in determining the cause and origin of wildfires. They investigate fire scenes, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze data to determine whether a fire was accidental, natural, or caused by human activity. Their findings are crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding a wildfire and potentially identifying preventive measures.

What is the workplace of a Wildland Firefighter like?

Wildland firefighters can be employed by various organizations, including:

• Government Agencies – The primary employers of wildland firefighters are government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. In the United States, the major federal agencies that employ wildland firefighters include the United States Forest Service (USFS), the National Park Service (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). State and local agencies, such as state forestry departments, also employ wildland firefighters.
• Fire Management Contractors – Some private companies specialize in providing fire management services, including wildland firefighting. These contractors may be hired by government agencies or private entities to assist with fire suppression efforts.
• Non-profit Organizations – Certain nonprofit organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy or local conservation groups, may employ wildland firefighters as part of their efforts to manage and restore natural habitats.
• Military – In some countries, including the United States, the military may employ wildland firefighters. The US military has specialized firefighting units, such as the US Army's 20th Engineer Brigade's 54th Engineer Battalion (Wildland Fire Support), which can be deployed to assist with wildland fire suppression.
• Tribal Organizations – In areas with indigenous communities, tribal organizations may employ wildland firefighters to protect tribal lands and resources from wildfires.

Finally, here’s a snapshot of some aspects / conditions of the wildland firefighter’s workplace:

• Remote and Outdoor Environments – Wildland firefighters spend a significant amount of time working in remote and often rugged outdoor environments. They may work in forests, grasslands, mountains, or other wildland areas. These environments can be physically demanding and may involve long hikes or challenging terrain.
• Fire Camps – During a wildfire incident, firefighters are typically based in temporary fire camps that are set up near the fire zone. These camps serve as a base of operations and provide facilities for eating, sleeping, and personal hygiene. Fire camps can range from basic setups with tents and portable facilities to more established camps with modular buildings and support services.
• Fire Lines and Fire Zones – Wildland firefighters spend much of their time on or near the fire lines. Fire lines are created by removing vegetation and other combustible materials to create a barrier that prevents the fire from spreading further.
• Exposure to Smoke and Hazardous Conditions – Wildland firefighters work in close proximity to wildfires and are exposed to smoke, heat, and other hazardous conditions. They must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as fire-resistant clothing, helmets, gloves, and boots to minimize the risks associated with fire and smoke exposure.
• Team Environment – Wildland firefighting is typically a team effort, and firefighters work closely with their crew members to suppress fires. They receive assignments, follow instructions, and coordinate their efforts to achieve their objectives. Clear communication and teamwork are crucial for their safety and the successful management of the fire.
• Shift Work and Extended Assignments – During active fire seasons, wildland firefighters often work long and irregular hours. They may work in shifts that can extend for several days or even weeks, depending on the fire's duration and the needs of the incident. This can involve physically demanding and mentally challenging work for extended periods.
• Travel and Deployment – Wildland firefighters may need to travel extensively to respond to fires and work in different regions or even different countries during international deployments. They can be assigned to different locations based on where wildfires are occurring and where their services are needed the most.