The Gear

Two-Way Radios & Replacement Batteries

Communication between fire fighting teams is essential during a wildland fire emergency. A reliable, two-way radio and replacement batteries could mean the difference between life and death, between containing a fire or having it sweep over you.

You know, better than anyone else, the kind of abuse a radio is subject to out on the front lines of a fire. Therefore, you’ll want one that is guaranteed to withstand heat, moisture and shock. Radios that have passed US Military Specifications and testing are almost certain to be among the most durable. Check to see if the radio you’re going to buy is made with a die cast chassis. Look for one with a coated, cushioned housing and weather-resistant seals that protect external controls.

Mike Benefield, 24 year wildland fire fighter veteran with USFS and BLM, currently Burns Interagency North Zone Fire Operations Specialist in southeast Oregon, counsels wildland fire fighters to opt for: “Radios with clearly illuminated readouts for frequencies, dials and buttons.”

In a hazy, smoke-filled environment being able to see how to operate the radio is vital. He adds: “A radio with good ergonomics is also important.” Good advice, especially if you’re spending a lot of time holding that radio so you can communicate with your team or base.

Make certain your radio has instructions on how the batteries should be charged, preferably somewhere on the radio itself or in the battery compartment. That way you’ll always know what’s required and won’t end up being unable to communicate electronically. And you should be carrying a set of replacement batteries.

Protect your head from flying embers, crashing tree limbs, and a host of other hazards encountered during a fire, with the right helmet.

According to Brian Ballou, editor of Wildland Firefighter Magazine and former US Forest Service Fire Fighter, many wildland fire fighters still prefer cap-style helmets, even though full, broad-brim styles offer better protection from sun and debris. He points out: “One flaming dollop of pine resin down the collar is usually enough to effect a change of style from cap to full brim.”

One advantage of the full brim style is the protection it affords from harmful UV ray exposure. Anyone who works outdoors on a consistent basis needs to be concerned about the sun’s harmful effects.

When choosing a helmet look for a style that offers an inner suspension system for comfortable adjustment, clips for goggle attachment and clearly visible reflective strips on sides and back.

“Shrouds.....are a worthwhile addition to a helmet,” according to Ballou. “They afford protection against radiant heat, UV exposure, debris showers and flame contact.”

Benefield concurs, “Shrouds are a great piece of safety gear that I always have on my helmet.”

Boots

Your feet need the support and protection of a good pair of wildland fire boots during long hours spent on the fire line.

Benefield recommends leather from a durability and safety standpoint. He points out: “I am not aware of any synthetic boots that could successfully withstand the rigors of the fireline while adhering to OSHA standards……The thought of stepping into a white-hot stump hole is terrifying — the thought of synthetic boots melting to my foot in the process is a nightmare.”

Ballou agrees that durability and protection are paramount. “Wildland fire fighting boots must have a thick sole. And a 12-inch high boot offers better protection than a shorter one. Finally, make certain to break in new boots well before the season starts.”

Begin breaking in boots at least 4-6 weeks before you first stand on the fire line. After you get them, start wearing them for 30 minutes a day around the house. Walk around in them to hasten the process of having the boot mold itself to the shape of your foot. Increase the wearing time by 30 minutes every day for a week.

For tips and techniques on how to choose, use and maintain footwear, click here to enroll in Galls University/How to Choose & Use Footwear.

Summer temperatures and heat generated by a wildfire are a lethal combination. To fight effectively you need the right jacket, shirt and pants.

Doug Campbell, a 40 year veteran of fighting wildland fires, Fire Behavior Analyst and author of The Campbell Prediction System, stresses that, “Nomex® is the material of choice for wildland fire fighting apparel.”

Benefield agrees, especially about wearing fire-resistant material. However he adds: “Most people think wearing a warm jacket and pants while fighting summer wildfires is ridiculous. Not so. It gets cold on the fire line at night, even during the summer. And especially above 3000 feet.”

Night time operations are frequent, according to Benefield, and generally include “holding the line and mopping up what has been contained during the day.“ It’s not unheard of for work to continue around the clock.

However, when daytime temps climb into the 90s, discomfort can reach alarming levels. Your best bet is to wear a cotton or synthetic shirt that wicks moisture away from the skin, beneath a lightweight Nomex® shirt or jacket.

Ballou notes, “Rely on the Nomex® shirt to protect you from incidental flame contact and the cotton shirt beneath from radiant heat. Both will breathe, allowing your body to cool. Many materials used in T-shirts are not flame-resistant, and don’t breathe as well as cotton.”

Many authorities believe that wildland fire fighters should wear only Nomex®, Kevlar®, cottons and their associated blends.

Benefield cautions, however, that “Nomex® is notorious for trapping heat. In the Arizona desert, with the temperatures above 120 degrees, this could be fatal. The best way to deal with it is physical conditioning and the proper intake of fluids.”

Your pants should be made of Nomex® as well. Choose a style that is full cut around the pelvis and through the thighs.

Features to look for in jackets, shirts and pants are lots of pockets overall — especially cargo pockets and pass through pockets — plenty of hook & loop closures and attachments, and wide bands of reflective trim.

Safeguard your hands and wrists from scratches, cuts, scorches and burns with a pair of fire fighting gloves.

For the most part, lightweight, snug-fitting gloves work best. They fit your hands, helping to prevent blisters, and are less likely to slip off accidentally.

Lightweight leathers provide the wearer with far more dexterity than heavy duty leathers. Look for a pair with Nomex® wristlets for added protection. Choose light-colored gloves, they are easier to locate in the dark should you drop them or forget where you laid them down when you took a dinner break. Ballou notes, "Dark-colored gloves blend into ash and burned ground very easily, so they frequently get lost.”