Wildland Firefighter

Duties Help Performs assignments to develop knowledge of fuels management and fire suppression techniques and practices such as fireline construction, use of pumps and engines, hose lays, foam and retardant. Performs assignments to develop knowledge of working around aircraft, safety rules, and fire and fuels terminology. Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump, etc. Moves dirt, chops brush, or fells trees to build fireline using various hand tools such as axe, shovel, Pulaski, McLeod and power saws to control spreading wildland fire and to prepare lines prior to prescribed burning. Chops, carries and piles logging slash. Patrols the fireline to locate and extinguish sparks, flareups, and hot spot fires that may threaten developed firelines. Cleans, reconditions and stores fire tools and equipment. May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression or fuels management duties. USDA