Wildland Firefighting Line Gear: A Complete Guide
Wildland firefighters would never survive without the gear they carry. So many unknown challenges, mishaps, and dangers can occur on the line. You can’t stop them, but you can prepare for any possibility.
Every firefighter is responsible for ensuring their line gear has all the essentials, plus whatever else they want. It’s tough to figure out exactly what to carry. You want to bring everything for every possible scenario you can think of, but also don’t want your line gear to be too heavy. It’s a tricky task that requires trial and error.
These are the essential items everybody in this profession should carry:
Extra gloves: You’ll be wearing a pair of gloves, but it’s good to have another pair in case your first pair gets ravaged.
Batteries: So many things need batteries. A handful of AA and AAA stored in a Ziploc bag will do.
Clam shells for the radio: Radios run out of juice pretty quick. It’s good to have one or two clam shells locked and loaded with batteries so you don’t miss out on any communications.
Fire shelter: These tin-foil protectors are your last defense against a burnover. It’s easy to think, “Eh, I don’t need it. It’s just extra weight.” But trust me, if you’re caught in a firestorm, you will be thanking God you have it.
Headlamp: Night comes quick when you’re out on the line. You sure will feel goofy if you’re the only firefighter on night operations without a headlamp.
Eye protection: Nothing is worse than eye injuries. Sunglasses work for the daytime, but bring some clear protective eyewear for the night and sawing.
Personal first aid kit: Make sure it's got Band-Aids, moleskin, Tylenol (or Advil — you do you), gauze, antiseptic wipes, instant cold compresses, eye drops, and aloe vera — feel free to add whatever else you need.
Compass: Modern technology is great, but there is something so badass about knowing you can whip out your compass and shoot an azimuth.
MRE: Meals, Ready to Eat. By no means five-star cuisine, but it sure is better than not having any calories.
Incident Response Pocket Guide: The bible of the profession. This guide will tell you all you need to know in almost every wildfire situation.
Notebook and pen: Write down weather reports, missions set forth by your division supervisor, and anything else you need to know. Don’t assume you will just remember things.
Duct tape: Is duct tape ever not useful?
P-cord: Paracord is as useful as you imagine it can be. It can be used for field repairs, impromptu tourniquets, and to hang clothing, to name a few.
Flagging: You might have to mark the best route into a fire or other areas that future you needs to remember the location of.
Pocket knife: It’s always good being able to cut things.
Signal mirror: If you’re lost, a signal mirror can help you flag down people far away. If you’re directing bucket drops for a helicopter, it will also help the pilot see where you are.
Lighter: Yes, you’re there to put out a fire, but sometimes you need to start one — like with drip torches.
Lots and lots of water: You will quickly be dehydrated in the blistering sun and by the burning blaze. Bring lots of water and drink damn near all of it before the day is up. Refill it whenever you get a chance.
Here are some extra things I had stored away for a rainy day (or in this case, a fiery one):
Toilet paper: I trust I don’t need to explain.
Extra socks: During my first big fire, I ran out of clean socks in a few days. The amount of athlete’s foot and ringworm scourging my toes was disgusting and painful.
Bandana: You can dip it in some water and wrap it around your head to keep cool, or tie it around your face like an old Western outlaw to reduce the amount of smoke you breath in.
Beanie: It can get surprisingly cold at night on wildfires, especially in the late season.
An assortment of snacks: Nuts, dried food, energy bars, canned tuna — whatever you want. Just make sure it’s got a fairly long shelf life. Woe be unto those who bring egg salad sandwiches to fire camp.
Extra electrolytes: I would use electrolyte tablets and plop them in my water. You can bring gel, powder, or Gatorade.
Space blanket: They don’t take up a lot of space and keep you warm if you end up getting lost.
A book: I’ve always been a big reader. It’s good to have something to pass the time.
Sunscreen: You will be spending a lot of time under the sun. Wear lots of sunscreen unless you want to look like a wrinkly pair of leather gloves by forty.
Bug repellent: Keeps the mosquitoes away.
Zip ties: Good for a quick fix if something breaks.
A small trash bag: For storing trash, dirty clothes, etc.
Whistle: The best way to be spotted if you’re lost or you’re trying to scare wildlife away.
Never forget the five P’s: Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
You are responsible for keeping your line gear stocked. If you don’t have a headlamp at night, it’s your fault. If you’re about to pass out from dehydration, the blame is yours. In the early season, take some time to go through your line gear and figure out what you need — and what you want. In a profession like this, that level of preparedness could be the difference between life and death.