Battling Wildfires

Fighting brush fires requires a coordinated effort on land and in the air, using everything from axes to cut firebreaks to infrared technology to locate hot spots that might flare up after the fire is out. Attack strategies vary, depending on the fire’s intensity, the topography, the presence of structures and the weather. Two principles prevail: Deny the flames new fuel and douse the flames already raging.

Protecting life and property is the primary concern. This involves suppressing the fire by hosing it and removing the fuel along its edges, pinching it out from the point of origin toward its head. The indirect method involves setting backfires.

Bulldozers: Used for indirect attack, cutting lines up a ridge and clearing safety zones every 300 to 400 feet.

Helicopters: Used for water drops over the fire and for letting off fly crew members, who cut lines where the fire is burning.

Engine companies: First trucks in defend homes from approaching fire.

Wind: Strong upslope winds are common in canyons. Winds are drawn in from the bottom, especially on warm days, further heating and drying the brush.

Hand Crews

The strongest member of each crew is the first to go into battle against the flames. 1. First-in crew: Cuts 18-inch path, or “scratch line,” along windward edge of fire, so firefighters can pass. 2. Second-in crew: Cuts scratch line along opposite side of fire. 3. Third-in crew: Follows first crew and widens scratch lines to 3-4 feet, called a cold trail. 4. Fourth-in crew: Widens scratch lines.

* Trenches 18 inches wide are dug on slope below fire to catch burning material.

* Main hose can extend as far as 3,000 feet. Other lines tap into main line, controlling spot fires or flare-ups. In one minute an engine can pump 360 gallons of water into the helicopter tank.

* Fires usually start at the bottom of the hill and move up in a wedge shape. The point of the wedge is where the most rapid spread occurs.

Tools of the Trade

The first crew members in use chain saws to clear the way through tough chapparal for the rest of the crew, who use simple but effective tools.

Pulaski: Cuts with ax end and digs roots out with hoe or grub end.

McLeod: Combination rake and hoe, used to remove brush from fire’s path.

Shovel: For throwing dirt or scraping a trail.

Gearing Up

Firefighters wear gear over their regular clothes. Layers of clothing reduce the risk of burns.

Helmet

Goggles

Jacket of fire-resistant Nomex material

Fire resistant shroud

Insulated leather gloves

Belt holds two canteens of water

Leather chaps are worn by crew members using chain saws

Backback holds gear, personal items and flares to light backfires

Pack with emergency fire shelter tent

Fire-resistant pants

Work boots

Sources: Chief Robert MacMillan, Los Angeles City Fire Department; Capt. John P. Harris, Los Angeles County Fire Department; wildland firefighting researched by JULIE SHEER / Los Angeles Times.