Training before the fire: Where preparation meets the line
The orange cones are set, and the clock starts running. Inside the cab of a Forest Service fire engine, a firefighter from Wyoming grips the wheel and begins running the truck backward through a course called the dogleg.A one minute and 30 second time limit. Don't hit the cones.This is the Rocky Mountain Engine Academy at the City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center in Aurora, Colorado. For…
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Bulldozers of fire
At about 50,000 pounds, equipped with a 12-foot metal blade, the medium sized dozer can construct a wider fireline quickly. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, medium-sized dozers are generally the best all-around size for fireline construction as they are maneuverable and…
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Operation Sky Hammer: Fighting fire in the Rockies
When smoke begins to rise across the Rocky Mountains, a unique firefighting force lifts off—fast. Operation Sky Hammer was designed to improve success during initial attack on wildfires. The effort combines two helitankers, a helicopter coordinator, and a mobile retardant base. Together, they form a highly mobile and high‑powered response team that can be staged in areas with high fire danger.…
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Smokejumper Spotter Academy: Training leaders in the sky
Pick your favorite theme song and imagine it hits the loudspeakers. You suit up, load up and head out to the plane. After a 20-minute flight you are briefed about the jump spot and the fire behavior. A tap on the back tells you to hone your focus and remember every day of training you’ve had as you free fall into the atmosphere. Five seconds, a tug and tranquility follows the rush of adrenaline…
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Ready for wildfire
The warning signs flashed early this year. After a dismal winter snowpack across many western high elevations, forests are drying faster and by midsummer may be ripe for extreme fire conditions. Communities face mounting risk, but federal fire leaders are keeping the nation’s wildfire response system ready.“All of our predictive models point to a challenging summer,” says Deputy Chief Sarah…
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Ready for Wildfires
Wildfires are growing bigger, faster and more unpredictable. Drought conditions and years of accumulated dry vegetation continue to raise the stakes, and the U.S. Forest Service is prepared.The Forest Service coordinates the largest and most capable firefighting systems in the world. The mission: keep the public and firefighters safe, protect communities and actively manage forests.A National…