Home » Wildland Fire
The U.S. Forest Service has been managing wildland
fire for more than 100 years. As the world’s premiere
firefighting agency, we provide critically needed
resources and expertise to protect at-risk communities.
From ‘boots on the ground’ to airtanker drops overhead,
Forest Service personnel are answering the call.
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During
Before
Smokejumpers must be capable of carrying 110
pounds of cargo on their backs when they
are packing out from a fire
Lightning strikes the earth over 100,000 times a day.
Ten to 20 percent of these lightning strikes can cause fire.
More than 40 percent of the continental United States
is in a moderate or severe stage of drought
Nationwide, more than 75,000 wildfires are reported
each year. About four out of every five of them are
caused by people.
Wildfires move at speeds of up to 14 miles per hour.
Very large wildland fires can generate hurricane force
winds of up to 120 miles per hour.
A 'bambi bucket' is a collapsible bucket slung
below a helicopter, used to dip water for
fire suppression.
