Go to "Outfitting Wildland Firefighters" Flash required Outfitting Wildland Firefighters by Lexi Krock Wildland firefighter gear is designed to strike a series of delicate, life-or-death balances. It must be heavy-duty enough to protect its wearer from the searing heat of 1000°F flames, yet it must also be breathable, cool, and lightweight enough to allow firefighters to dig, chop, shovel, and lug heavy equipment without feeling overly encumbered. Likewise, a wildland firefighter's gear must be all-inclusive, with every possible tool at the ready that he or she could need while working in remote areas, yet all of this must be 100 percent portable by its wearer -- you can only use what you can carry. With this in mind, explore a wildland firefighter's workaday wardrobe and assorted tools. Outfitting Wildland Firefighters (160K) Requires Flash Outfitting Wildland Firefighters (non-Flash version) Flash is a plug-in that allows for increased interactivity. If you can see the animated boxes at left, the plugin is already installed. If you do not see the boxes, you can install the Flash plugin, or select this feature's non-Flash version. Lexi Krock is editorial assistant of NOVA Online. Printer-Friendly Format   Feedback The Producer's Story | The World on Fire | Outfitting Wildland Firefighters How Plants Use Fire | Glossary of Fire Terms | Wildfire Simulator | On Fire Resources | Transcript | Site Map | Fire Wars Home Search | Site Map | Previously Featured | Schedule | Feedback | Teachers | Shop Join Us/E-Mail | About NOVA | Editor's Picks | Watch NOVAs Online | To Print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated June 2002