Blowers

Backpack blowers are extremely useful tools for firebreak preparation and for extinguishing fires. They produce a 180-mph blast of air that will remove loose fuel down to bare ground. They may be used weeks or days ahead of the planned burn date, as well as during the burn, to clean out firebreaks. They are effective at blowing out backing and flanking fires when the relative humidity is above 30 percent but tend to spread fire when relative humidity is lower. They are especially effective for constructing firelines in loose litter for woodland or savanna restoration burns.