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Equipment

Large and small, mechanical or human, on the ground or in the air, complicated or simple, the wide array of firefighting equipment is essential for success.

Aerial Resources

Retardant drops can slow the advance of a fire, or help knock down large flames that create spot fires.<br />NPS / Dan Messaros. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, 2006.

Big Machinery

Swamp Buggies are specially designed to transport fire crews and equipment in regions where mud and water make typical transport difficult.<br />NPS / Brodeur. Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, 2003.

Engines, Trucks, ATVs

Engines vary in size, based on seating and water carrying capacity, but all serve the same basic functions: delivering water and personnel to a fire.<br />NPS / Kelly Martin. Yosemite National Park, California, 2007.

Hand Tools

Pulaskis, named for Ed Pulaski the hero of the 1910 fires, are a combination hoe and axe tool. This unusual hybrid is perfect for fire line, chopping away roots or thick grass with the axe, then scraping back leaves, sticks, and pine needles with the hoe.<br />NPS / Barb Stewart. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.

Other

Fold-a-tanks bring water to where its needed most.<br />NPS Photo. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 2001.