Forest Firefighters

Rescue fire victims, and administer emergency medical aid.

Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered.

Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew.

Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires.

Establish water supplies, connect hoses, and direct water onto fires.

Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences.

Test and maintain tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes to ensure readiness for fire suppression activities.

Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute.

Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.

Train new employees to control and suppress forest fires.

Maintain fire equipment and firehouse living quarters.

Participate in physical training to maintain high levels of physical fitness.

Fell trees, cut and clear brush, and dig trenches to create firelines, using axes, chainsaws, or shovels.

Transport personnel and cargo to and from fire areas.

Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill.

Inform and educate the public about fire prevention.

Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps.

Drop weighted paper streamers from aircraft to determine the speed and direction of the wind at fire sites.

Participate in fire prevention and inspection programs.

Organize fire caches, positioning equipment for the most effective response.

Serve as fully trained lead helicopter crewmember and as helispot manager.

Perform forest maintenance and improvement tasks, such as cutting brush, planting trees, building trails, and marking timber.

Observe forest areas from fire lookout towers to spot potential problems.