Wildland Firefighter: history and fun facts
Everything a curious kid might want to know about this job.
Did you know?
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Some forest plants need fire to help their seeds open up and grow new little trees!
Through history
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Long ago
People who cared for forests learned that digging bare strips of dirt could slow down a fire. This idea is still used today!
Tools of the trade
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Pulaski
A special tool with an axe on one side and a little digging blade on the other. It helps clear plants and dig dirt.
A day in the job
- Morning HikeThe crew puts on their backpacks, grabs their tools, and hikes into the trees together to find where the fire is.
Words to know
- Radio
- A small device the crew uses to talk to each other. It helps everyone stay together and know what to do next.
Quiz time
Wildland firefighters always drive big fire trucks right up to the fire in the forest.
Helicopters can sometimes drop water on forest fires from above.
Wildland firefighters help keep forests a safe home for animals like deer and birds.
Wildland firefighters only work in cities, putting out fires in buildings.