Introduction
This webpage was developed by a graduate student in the Environmental Studies Department of University of North Carolina Wilmington to provide students in the Wildfire Management course with basic information regarding equipment used in the managing of wildfires. The site is divided into five sections: engines, water tenders, bulldozers, aircraft, and hand tools.
Engines
Wildland fire engines are vehicles that are designed specifically for the purpose of fighting wildland fires. Wildland fire engines are used to transport firefighters and all necessary firefighting equipment to the scene of the fire. In addition to carrying equipment used in wildland firefighting, another primary purpose of engines is to transport water to the scene of the fire. The water can be used for fire suppression.
Types of Engines
The National Wildlife Coordination Group has classified engines into different "types" based on criteria including the amount of water an engine can hold (in gallons) and the rate at which water can be pumped from the engine (in gallons per minute [GPM]). Wildland fire engines include Types 3-7, with Types and 1 and 2 being engine types used in fighting structural fires. The majority of wildland fire engines are four wheel drive, allowing them to travel off-road. Class A foam capability is a minimum requirement on all wildland fire engines.
Types of Engines
The National Wildlife Coordination Group has classified engines into different "types" based on criteria including the amount of water an engine can hold (in gallons) and the rate at which water can be pumped from the engine (in gallons per minute [GPM]). Wildland fire engines include Types 3-7, with Types and 1 and 2 being engine types used in fighting structural fires. The majority of wildland fire engines are four wheel drive, allowing them to travel off-road. Class A foam capability is a minimum requirement on all wildland fire engines.
Type 3 Engine
General Characteristics:
Type 3 engines have high pressure and high volume pumps and typically have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 20,000 pounds.
Minimum Requirements:
General Characteristics:
Type 3 engines have high pressure and high volume pumps and typically have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 20,000 pounds.
Minimum Requirements:
- Tank capacity (gallons): 500+
- Pump minimum flow (GPM): 150
- At rated pressure (psi): 250
- 1.5 inch hose (feet): 1,000
- 1 inch hose (feet): 500
- Pump and roll ability: Yes
- Personnel to man: 3
Type 4 Engine
General Characteristics
Type 4 engines are typically larger than Type 3 engines with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds. Although they are larger than Type 3 engines and have greater tank capacity, Type 4 engines possess less pumping capacity and carry less hose.
Minimum Requirements
General Characteristics
Type 4 engines are typically larger than Type 3 engines with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds. Although they are larger than Type 3 engines and have greater tank capacity, Type 4 engines possess less pumping capacity and carry less hose.
Minimum Requirements
- Tank capacity (gallons): 750+
- Pump minimum flow (GPM): 50
- At rate pressure (psi): 100
- 1.5 inch hose (feet): 300
- 1 inch hose (feet): 300
- Pump and roll ability: Yes
- Personnel to man: 2
Type 5 Engine
General Characteristics
Type 5 engines are typically used for initial attack on the fire. Type 5 engines are typically assembled on a medium duty chassis, or framework of the vehicle, and can have a maximum GVWR of 26,000 pounds. Tank capacity, however, is less than both Type 4 and 5 engines.
Minimum Requirements
General Characteristics
Type 5 engines are typically used for initial attack on the fire. Type 5 engines are typically assembled on a medium duty chassis, or framework of the vehicle, and can have a maximum GVWR of 26,000 pounds. Tank capacity, however, is less than both Type 4 and 5 engines.
Minimum Requirements
- Tank capacity (gallons): 400
- Pump minimum flow (GPM): 50
- At rate pressure (psi): 100
- 1.5 inch hose (feet): 300
- 1 inch hose (feet): 300
- Pump and roll ability: Yes
- Personnel to man: 2
Type 6 Engine
General Characteristics
Like Type 5 engines, Type 6 engines are used for initial attack and utilize a medium duty chassis. Type 6 engines, however, are built on the frame of a pickup truck and are consequently smaller. Their maximum GVWR cannot exceed 19,500 pounds.
Minimum Requirements
General Characteristics
Like Type 5 engines, Type 6 engines are used for initial attack and utilize a medium duty chassis. Type 6 engines, however, are built on the frame of a pickup truck and are consequently smaller. Their maximum GVWR cannot exceed 19,500 pounds.
Minimum Requirements
- Tank capacity (gallons): 150
- Pump minimum flow (GPM): 50
- At rate pressure (psi): 100
- 1.5 inch hose (feet): 300
- 1 inch hose (feet): 300
- Pump and roll ability: Yes
- Personnel to man: 2
Type 7 Engine
General Characteristics
Type 7 engines are the smallest engine type and have a maximum GVWR of 14,000 pounds. Due to their small tank capacity and lighter pump flow, Type 7 engines are typically used for patrol duties, but can be used in mop-up and initial attack. Oftentimes, Type 7 engines are modified pickup trucks.
Minimum Requirements
General Characteristics
Type 7 engines are the smallest engine type and have a maximum GVWR of 14,000 pounds. Due to their small tank capacity and lighter pump flow, Type 7 engines are typically used for patrol duties, but can be used in mop-up and initial attack. Oftentimes, Type 7 engines are modified pickup trucks.
Minimum Requirements
- Tank capacity (gallons): 50
- Pump minimum flow (GPM): 10
- At rate pressure (psi): 100
- 1 inch hose (feet): 200
- Pump and roll ability: Yes
- Personnel to man: 2
Water Tenders
Wildland water tenders are specialized vehicles that are designed to transport large quantities of water to wildfire locations. While similar to wildland fire engines, water tenders are usually two-wheel drive and not designed to use off road.
Types of Water Tenders
Wildland fire water tenders are broken into categories: support and tactical. The National Wildlife Coordination Group has set minimum specifications for each type of water tender summarized in the table below:
Types of Water Tenders
Wildland fire water tenders are broken into categories: support and tactical. The National Wildlife Coordination Group has set minimum specifications for each type of water tender summarized in the table below:
Bulldozers
The heavy-duty moving capacity of bulldozers make them excellent for constructing fireline and clearing debris from areas. Dozers often have different attachments used for clearing duties, with different attachments being used in different areas of the country. Out West, where the terrain is usually hilly and rocky, a typical dozer blade or brush rake (see picture) is often used for fire line construction. However, in areas like coastal North Carolina, where the terrain is flat, tractor plows (see picture) are often used. A tractor plow is attached to the back of a bulldozer to easily cut large ditches through the softer terrain.
|
Aircraft
The ability to fight wildfires has greatly improved since the addition of aircraft to the firefighting arsenal. While ground equipment (engines, tenders, dozers, and crews) are effective in managing wildfires, the addition of an aerial component added significant ability in both the fighting and detection of wildfires. The uses of aircraft in wildfire fighting are as many as the types of aircraft used to fight them. Aircraft are used to detect wildfires, to suppress wildfire through the dropping of fire retardant, foam, and water, transport firefighters to remote locations, as well as to rescue firefighters in distress. The two main types of aircraft that will be covered are air tankers and helicopters.
Air Tankers
Air tankers are a type of fixed-wing aircraft commonly used in initial attack as well as in support operations in wildfire management. The main function of air tankers is to drop fire suppression materials (fire retardant and foam) on spreading fires. In initial attack, tankers are used to limit the spread of emerging fires by dropping fire suppression materials. Limiting the spread of the fire allows time for ground crews to arrive and further control the situation. Air tankers are also used in support functions of wildfire fighting. They can be used to drop suppression materials to support ground control lines. As in initial attack, tankers can be used to help further slow the spread of wildfires as well as cool hotspots. While many tankers are used to drop suppression materials, some tankers, such as the CL-215/Bombardier 415 "Superscooper" may scoop water from nearby bodies of water and transfer it to be dumped on the fire.
Similar to engines, tenders, and dozers, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group has also grouped tankers by their minimum specifications. Specifically, tankers are typed by their minimum capacity to hold fire retardant/foam (in gallons). While the National Wildfire Coordinating Group has typed air tankers in this manner, typing may vary by agency. It is important to note that Type IV Air Tankers are often referred to as SEATs (Single-Engine Air Tankers).
Similar to engines, tenders, and dozers, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group has also grouped tankers by their minimum specifications. Specifically, tankers are typed by their minimum capacity to hold fire retardant/foam (in gallons). While the National Wildfire Coordinating Group has typed air tankers in this manner, typing may vary by agency. It is important to note that Type IV Air Tankers are often referred to as SEATs (Single-Engine Air Tankers).
Type I Air Tankers
Type III Air Tankers
|
Type II Air Tankers
Type IV Air Tankers
|
Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFs)
Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems are portable systems used to deliver fire retardants. They can be inserted into Military C-130 H and J model aircraft to turn them into air tankers when demand is high.The ability of MAFFs to discharge their entire 3,000 gallons of retardant in under five seconds make them an important firefighting aircraft. Furthermore, MAFFs can recharge their entire 3,000 gallon load in under twelve minutes. While MAFFs have impressive firefighting capabilities, they are typically only utilized when when other firefighting aircraft are unavailable.
Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems are portable systems used to deliver fire retardants. They can be inserted into Military C-130 H and J model aircraft to turn them into air tankers when demand is high.The ability of MAFFs to discharge their entire 3,000 gallons of retardant in under five seconds make them an important firefighting aircraft. Furthermore, MAFFs can recharge their entire 3,000 gallon load in under twelve minutes. While MAFFs have impressive firefighting capabilities, they are typically only utilized when when other firefighting aircraft are unavailable.
Helicopters
Helicopters serve many purposes in the fighting of wildfires. Helicopters are often used for the transport of helitack crews to remote locations. Like tankers, helicopters can also be used for the transport and application of fire retardant, foam, and water to wildfires. Helicopters, however, typically are able to hold less fire suppression material. Additionally, due to helicopters maneuverability and ability to land in precise locations, helicopters are often used in rescue missions.
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group has also developed a typing system for helicopters. The table below summarizes the minimum requirements for each Type. |
Hand Tools
Hand tools are usually carried by individual firefighters and play an important role in the managing and prevention of wildfires. There are many different types of wildfire hand tools, each designed to perform certain wildfire tasks. While many tools can be used in various ways, some tools are better suited to perform certain tasks. In this section, hand tools will be divided into three categories based on the function they best serve: cutting tools, scraping tools, and fire swatters.
Cutting Tools
Axes
Axes are important cutting tools in wildfire fighting. There are two main types of axes used:
Axes are used in mop-up operations to:
|
Pulaskis
The Pulaski was invented by Edward Pulaski, a famous wildland firefigher in the early 20th century. Used in mop-up operations and cutting firelines, the tool features two different bits mounted on a wooden handle. The cutting edge, which is similar to that of axe, is used for chopping logs and stumps. The other end of the Pulaski, known as the grubbing edge, is used to unearth roots, and dig trenches. It's dual heads make it a very versatile tool, and it is a standard firefighting tool for firefighters of the U.S. Forestry Service.
The Pulaski was invented by Edward Pulaski, a famous wildland firefigher in the early 20th century. Used in mop-up operations and cutting firelines, the tool features two different bits mounted on a wooden handle. The cutting edge, which is similar to that of axe, is used for chopping logs and stumps. The other end of the Pulaski, known as the grubbing edge, is used to unearth roots, and dig trenches. It's dual heads make it a very versatile tool, and it is a standard firefighting tool for firefighters of the U.S. Forestry Service.
Brush hooks
Brush hooks, or brush axes, are similar to axes as they include a blade attached to a long wooden handle. Unlike axes, however, brush hooks have a long J-shaped blade. The unique shape of this blade makes the brush hook well-suited to cut down:
Brush hooks, or brush axes, are similar to axes as they include a blade attached to a long wooden handle. Unlike axes, however, brush hooks have a long J-shaped blade. The unique shape of this blade makes the brush hook well-suited to cut down:
- Small shrubs
- Small trees
- Tall grasses
Sandviks
Sandviks (also called Swedish brush axes), are tools used for cutting small to medium sized saplings and brush. Sandviks are unique cutting tools as they have replaceable Swedish steel cutting blades. These blades are lightweight, making the Sandvik weigh approximately half as much as a flathead axe.
Sandviks (also called Swedish brush axes), are tools used for cutting small to medium sized saplings and brush. Sandviks are unique cutting tools as they have replaceable Swedish steel cutting blades. These blades are lightweight, making the Sandvik weigh approximately half as much as a flathead axe.
Scraping Tools
Shovels
Shovels are very common in wildfire fighting due to their simplicity and versatility. They can be used for functions ranging from attacking to mopping up.
Common uses of shovels include:
Shovels are very common in wildfire fighting due to their simplicity and versatility. They can be used for functions ranging from attacking to mopping up.
Common uses of shovels include:
- Digging
- Scraping
- Throwing dirt
- Smothering
- Beating (tamping)
- Cutting light fuels
Hoes
In wildfire management, hoes are used particularly as a grubbing tool. They're heavy-duty nature allows them to grub through rocky soil and deep duff. The Hazel or Adz hoe is a popular tool with a large grubbing edge. Some hoes, in addition to the grubbing edge, may also have two to three tines on the opposite side of the tool.
In wildfire management, hoes are used particularly as a grubbing tool. They're heavy-duty nature allows them to grub through rocky soil and deep duff. The Hazel or Adz hoe is a popular tool with a large grubbing edge. Some hoes, in addition to the grubbing edge, may also have two to three tines on the opposite side of the tool.
Fire Rakes
Though similar to garden rakes, fire rakes (sometimes referred to as council tools) typically have larger, triangular tines. Fire rakes are useful in the construction of firelines (particularly in deciduous leaves) as well as in burnout and mop-up operations.
Though similar to garden rakes, fire rakes (sometimes referred to as council tools) typically have larger, triangular tines. Fire rakes are useful in the construction of firelines (particularly in deciduous leaves) as well as in burnout and mop-up operations.
McLeod
The McLeod is a versatile tool that combines a hoe blade on one side with tines on the other. Invented by U.S. Forest service ranger Malcolm McLeod in 1905, the McLeod is commonly used in mop-up operations and fireline construction. The hoe blade of the tool is used for the cutting of grass, deep brush, and litter as well as for grubbing and trenching functions. The tine side of the tool is used for raking duff, leaf mold, and pine needles. The tines can also be used for digging in to burning logs.
The McLeod is a versatile tool that combines a hoe blade on one side with tines on the other. Invented by U.S. Forest service ranger Malcolm McLeod in 1905, the McLeod is commonly used in mop-up operations and fireline construction. The hoe blade of the tool is used for the cutting of grass, deep brush, and litter as well as for grubbing and trenching functions. The tine side of the tool is used for raking duff, leaf mold, and pine needles. The tines can also be used for digging in to burning logs.
Combination Tools
The combination (combi) tools is a tool with two parts that can be adjusted via the release of a locking tool to multiple positions. The adjusting of these parts allows the combi tool to be used as a shovel, pick, and hoe. While the combi tool is very versatile, because it combines several tool heads, it is often not as sturdy and effective as individual versions of each tool. Some firefighters prefer to use the sturdy individual tools while others prefer the lightweight versatility of the combi tool.
The combination (combi) tools is a tool with two parts that can be adjusted via the release of a locking tool to multiple positions. The adjusting of these parts allows the combi tool to be used as a shovel, pick, and hoe. While the combi tool is very versatile, because it combines several tool heads, it is often not as sturdy and effective as individual versions of each tool. Some firefighters prefer to use the sturdy individual tools while others prefer the lightweight versatility of the combi tool.
Wire Brooms
Wire brooms are effective in sweeping light fuels such as leaf litter, grass, moss, and grain to create fireline. Wire brooms vary in type, with some being similar to push brooms while others are more similar to straw brooms with wire bristles.
Wire brooms are effective in sweeping light fuels such as leaf litter, grass, moss, and grain to create fireline. Wire brooms vary in type, with some being similar to push brooms while others are more similar to straw brooms with wire bristles.
Fire Swatters
Fire Swatters
Being neither cutting or scraping tools, fire swatters are in a tool class of their own. Fire swatters are large rubber or neoprene squares attached to a long, wooden handle. Fires swatters are dragged along the fire's edge to smother fires in light fuels such as:
Being neither cutting or scraping tools, fire swatters are in a tool class of their own. Fire swatters are large rubber or neoprene squares attached to a long, wooden handle. Fires swatters are dragged along the fire's edge to smother fires in light fuels such as:
- Pine-needle litter
- Light hardwood litter
- Pasture grasses