While controlled burns can take place year-round, winter provides the ideal conditions—cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and reduced wildfire risks. But tackling winter burns comes with challenges, from cold-weather hazards to gear performance. Preparation is key: inspecting tools, layering clothing for warmth and mobility, and ensuring equipment is in top shape are all critical steps to staying safe and effective in the field.
PREPARATION
Preparation for controlled burns is crucial to ensure you, your gear, and your crew are ready to perform when the temperatures drop. Start by inspecting your tools, equipment, and PPE to confirm everything is in working condition. Make sure your clothing fits properly and is layered for warmth without sacrificing mobility. Hand tools should be sharpened to maintain peak performance in tough conditions, and handles should be checked for cracks or splinters. For drip torches, clean fuel tanks, check seals for wear, test ignition systems, and order any necessary repair parts to ensure everything functions properly when it's time to burn.
DRIP TORCH PARTS DRIP TORCH INSTRUCTIONS
GEAR ESSENTIALS
When preparing for controlled burns, having the right gear is essential for safety and effectiveness. Hand tools, such as shovels, axes, and rakes, are vital for creating firebreaks and managing the burn. Flame-resistant (FR) clothing, including jackets, pants, and cold-weather gear, provides critical protection against both heat and harsh winter conditions. PPE, such as helmets, gloves, and face and eye protection, ensures wildland firefighters stay safe from flying debris, intense heat, and smoke exposure. Drip torches and backfire fusee torches are essential for starting controlled burns and managing the direction and spread of flames. All of these tools and protective gear ensure wildland firefighters are fully prepared to handle the challenges of winter burns safely and effectively.
Need high-quality tools or flame-resistant gear? NFFC has the essentials to keep your crew ready—no matter the conditions.
HAND TOOLS CLOTHING PPE DRIP TORCH
LAYERED PROTECTION
From moisture-wicking shirts that keep you dry to FR fleece jackets that keep you warm and comfortable, every layer plays a crucial role in protecting against both cold stress and the heat of the fire. Proper layering allows wildland firefighters to adapt to fluctuating temperatures while maintaining mobility and safety in challenging conditions. Without proper layers, moisture buildup or cold stress can quickly lead to fatigue and cold-related injuries, reducing effectiveness and increasing risks on the line.
FR-CLOTHING
TRANSPORTING/STORING GEAR
Properly transporting and storing gear for controlled burns is essential year-round to ensure its readiness and longevity. This includes ensuring tools are stored clean and dry after use to prevent rust and wear, especially in damp winter conditions. NFFC offers gear bags for all your equipment, from essential hand tools to fuel bottles and backfire fusees, ensuring safe, organized transport and storage in any season.
PACKS & BAGS
READY FOR WINTER BURNS
By properly inspecting, maintaining, and organizing tools, gear, and PPE, wildland firefighters can minimize the risks associated with both fire and cold-weather hazards. From layering protection to ensuring the proper storage and transport of equipment, every step of preparation plays a critical role in keeping crews safe and prepared. With the right tools and gear, wildland firefighters are equipped to tackle the challenges of controlled burns, even in the harsh winter season.
GEAR UP WITH NFFC
SHOP CLOTHING, PPE, COLD-WEATHER GEAR, AND MORE HERE!
Whether you’re gearing up for winter-controlled burns or preparing early for next wildfire season, National Fire Fighter Corp. has you covered. Our high-quality gear is designed to keep wildland firefighters safe, protected, and prepared for every challenge—even in cold, harsh conditions. From durable clothing and PPE to specialized cold-weather gear, NFFC ensures that crews are equipped to handle whatever the season brings. With innovative designs and high-quality, durable materials, NFFC gear helps keep the brave men and women fighting fires safe when things get hot.