Wildland Firefighting is one of the most critical parts of fire management in the US. We shouldn't underestimate how dangerous wildland firefighting has been in recent years. The National Wildland Fire Protection Association estimates that over two million people are killed by fire incidents every year. This is why wildland firefighters should be commended for their essential role in the community.
What Are the Risks Involved With Wildland Firefighting?
Wildland firefighters help the people and their properties out of harm's way. They are contributing to something that makes the world a better place to live in.
So, how dangerous is wildland firefighting?
Well, it depends on who is in the area and how severe the fire is. When you are in an urban area, the risks are very different than when you are in a rural area.
The most significant danger that firefighters face is getting into situations where they meet a potentially volatile situation that could quickly get out of hand. If a wildfire were to go unchecked, the risk of spreading the fire to other areas is enormous - not only would it spread to the homes of nearby residents, but nearby properties and the site might become uninhabitable for a while.
Even though wildland firefighters are trained for these types of emergencies, unexpected circumstances might still arise.
What Equipment Do Wildland Firefighters Use?
Wildland Apparel
Wildland firefighters are required to wear PPE designed to prevent the risk of exposure to flames, carbon monoxide, and other chemical hazards. The NFPA consists of regulations for the standard full-body firefighting suit with a non-combustible helmet, boots, gloves, pants, shirt, and innerwear.
NFPA created a scope specifically for personnel constantly exposed to work hazards, which puts firefighters one of the top priorities. Their goal is to overcome the risk of fire accidents, and it helps to ensure that the workers are protected against all kinds of hazards. They recommend this guideline for protecting employees of the fire department or other health and safety agencies.
Wildland firefighters wear a protective uniform designed to provide the best protection for the workers. This type of clothing is available in various designs with fire-retardant or heat and flame-resistant fabrics.
Are you looking for high-quality wildland PPE and station wear uniforms? Check out our selection of Nomex and Tecasafe products that are compliant with NFPA regulations. Shop here!
Wildland Tools
In the past, many people would think that wildland firefighters use the same equipment for wildfire emergencies as those they would use for structural fires. However, the situations firefighters face in wildland fires are significantly different from the common occurrence in the city. Their equipment includes unique hand tools, such as pikes, pulaskis, hoes, shovels, axes, etc.
When a wildland firefighting team is put together, their equipment includes tools designed to cut trees and clear out debris in the field. Aside from trying to stop the fire, they also need to find access to certain areas that the fire has already affected. This is the equipment that they most commonly need to reach places quickly and efficiently.
In Summary
Wildland firefighters face dangerous situations whenever they're out in the field. We may not begin to imagine their sacrifice and bravery, which is why it is our goal to provide NFPA compliant PPE for all fire personnel. With our latest technology, it should help equip them and help them prepare for wildland fire emergencies.
