Hand tools

Important hand tools include bow rakes, broom rakes, fire swatters, backpack sprayers or garden sprayers. A drip torch, which drips a flaming mixture of diesel and gasoline, allows the crew to string uniform lines of fire. This may be important to obtain the desired effects under prescribed conditions.

Another critical tool is a pair of pliers or bolt cutters for cutting fences or locked gates in the event of an escape. Chain saws, used with hardhats, goggles, hearing protection and saw chaps, may be needed to clear trees fallen across the firebreak or to fell burning snags.

After determining what is needed, list what is available and where it is located. Arrange to get the items that are missing. Check all equipment to see that it is clean, in good repair and in working order. There is no time on the fireline to deal with broken tools or equipment. Some Soil and Water Conservation Districts and National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever chapters have the more expensive and difficult-to-obtain equipment available for rent to cooperating landowners.