For wildland firefighters, the job isn’t just about fighting fires—it’s about navigating and surviving in harsh environments where larger equipment can’t reach. In these rugged terrains, wildland hand tools are essential for both fighting wildfires and safety. They allow firefighters to cut firelines, clear debris, cut through vegetation, and make quick decisions in areas where every second counts.
Understanding the role of each of these hand tools helps highlight how they contribute to successfully managing wildfires and keeping firefighters safe in challenging conditions.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS & THEIR USES
In remote areas where wildfires burn across steep or inaccessible terrain, hand tools are essential for wildland firefighters. Without relying on machinery, tools like fire axes, fire swatters, hoes, and shovels allow crews to clear brush, cut firelines, and perform critical tasks. Their portability and versatility make them a vital tool for firefighters making quick decisions in demanding conditions.
- Pulaski Fire Axe: The Pulaski is a versatile tool, featuring an axe blade on one end and a mattock blade on the other. Widely used by the Forest Service and wildland hand crews, it plays a crucial role in digging firelines and cutting through both soil and vegetation.
- McLeod Tool: The McLeod is a heavy-duty combination rake and hoe used to create firelines, clear brush, and break up soil. It’s a key tool for building defensive lines and controlling wildfires.
- Hoe: Hoes are an essential tool in wildland firefighting, used for chopping and scraping to help provide better control over fire containment.
- Shovel: Lightweight and perfect for digging, scraping, or chopping small limbs and light brush, shovels are crucial tools for wildland firefighters.
- Fire Rake: Primarily used for creating firelines, fire rakes are useful during prescribed burns or active wildfires, helping to clear vegetation and create a barrier to prevent fire spread.
- Fire Swatter: Fire swatters are used to control or direct flames during controlled burns and are vital in mop-up operations after fires, helping to smother remaining flames.
TYPES OF TOOL HANDLES
Finding the right tool handle is essential for efficiency and safety in wildland firefighting. These are the tools you’ll carry for miles, use for days on end, and rely on in critical situations, so choosing one that meets your specific needs is crucial. The type of handle on a tool can affect grip, durability, comfort, and overall performance in the field. Here’s a breakdown of common tool handle types and their benefits.
- Hickory: Known for its strength and shock resistance, hickory is a popular choice for tools that require durability. It absorbs vibrations well, reducing strain on the hands and arms during long hours of use.
- Ash: While not as durable as hickory, ash handles provide a strong yet lightweight option, making them easier to carry for extended periods. Their flexibility combined with strength provides effective shock absorption during use.
- Eucalyptus Wood: Eucalyptus Wood is a hard, durable wood that is resistant to wear and tear. It’s lightweight but strong, making it a great option for tools used in challenging environments. The natural oils in the wood also protect against rot, enhancing its lifespan.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass handles are lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather and wear. Often designed with a non-slip grip, they provide better control and reduce the chances of hand fatigue. Unlike wood handles, fiberglass is not affected by the elements, making it a more reliable choice in harsh conditions.
EQUIPPED FOR THE FIRELINE
Wildland hand tools are not just equipment, but a vital tool for a wildland firefighter’s skill set, enabling them to navigate through challenging terrain, protect themselves, and control the spread of wildfires. Whether it’s digging firelines with a Pulaski, clearing brush with a McLeod, or controlling flames with a fire swatter, each hand tool plays a specific role in managing wildfires.
National Fire Fighter is here to help you select the best hand tools for your needs, ensuring you’re equipped for any challenge that comes your way on the fireline.
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National Fire Fighter helps provide wildland firefighters with the products they need to protect themselves, their communities, and their property from the devastating effects of fire. NFFC is a trusted source for quality, reliable firefighting gear to help effectively extinguish fires, stay protected, and minimize injury. With innovative designs, and high-quality, durable materials, NFFC wildland fire equipment and products help keep the brave men and women fighting fires safe when things get hot.