N.C. Forest Service - Tools and Equipment

Bulldozers/Tractor Plows

Specially equipped bulldozers are a vital part of the agency's wildfire suppression efforts. Several models of these machines are strategically stationed around the state. The terrain in any given area determines the size and model of the machines. Smaller dozers, some equipped with six-way blades for working on slopes, are generally stationed in the upper Piedmont and Mountains. Larger dozers, some with pressure-reducing wide tracks for wet areas, are generally located in the lower Piedmont and coastal counties. While plowing firebreaks is the dozer's primary duty, they are also utilized to clear debris during times of natural disaster. In the Mountains, they have also been used to remove snow and even to tow stranded vehicles from impassable roads. A forest fire equipment operator is assigned to each bulldozer. These operators tow their dozers to needed locations on "low-boy" tractor-trailers. The operators are trained for the unique challenges of fire suppression and are able to work in difficult, often dangerous conditions.

Type 6 and 7 Engines

Probably the pieces of equipment most frequently seen by the public, the Type 6 and 7 engines are much more than four-wheel drive pickups. In addition to a two-way radio for communication with state and local agencies, each unit is equipped with a tank of fire suppressant averaging about 200 gallons in capacity. Most units are also able to fill their own tanks from an available water source. Units are also supplied with a hose and reel to apply the suppressant. In addition, each truck serves as a storage container for an assortment of wildland fire hand tools and safety equipment. Usually the first units on the scene of a fire and the last units to leave, the agency would find fire suppression a much more difficult task without these important vehicles.

Full-Tracks

These former military vehicles perform a variety of tasks. Usually equipped with both fire-suppressant applicators and a specially built flamethrower, the surprisingly light, all aluminum full-track can cover rough terrain that would defeat other modes of transportation. Rubber pads allow it to travel safely on paved roads without causing damage, while not affecting its tremendous off-road capabilities. The full-track can even float with the aid of an available kit, and even without, can run comfortably through up to four feet of water. The air-powered flamethrower mounted on most of the vehicles allow them to rapidly set backfires in situations too hazardous for hand crews while the 400-gallon capacity of its fire suppressant tank is equaled only by the agency's aircraft.

Flex-Tract/Go-Tract 2000

Most of these Canadian made multipurpose high flotation two-tracked vehicles are stationed for use in the far eastern parts of the state where there are poorly drained soils and rough terrain. These units are capable of traversing a wide variety of adverse landscapes, including sand, mud, muskeg, swamp and snow. They are commonly equipped with auxiliary equipment such as suppressant tanks, hose, pumps and an air-powered flamethrower.

Types of Aircraft:

Observation and support aircraft help detect wildfires and provide firefighters with advanced visual support. The agency has transitioned from older military aircraft to more modern Cessna 182 and Cessna 185 airplanes.

Fast and agile lead planes are used to guide air tankers and other aircraft when dropping water or suppressant on wildfires.

For many years, the mainstay of the agency's wildfire suppression aircraft had been the Ayres/Thrush Snow and Melex M-18 Dromader Single Engine Airtanker (SEATs). However, the older piston powered Dromader aircraft were retired in late 2017 to make way for newer aircraft. In the fall of 2016, the agency began transitioning to the AirTractor AT-802-F turbine-powered tankers capable of dropping 800 gallons of water or fire suppressant. The N.C. Forest Service currently operates two of the new AT-802-F tankers.

The five helicopters in the agency are used across the state for transporting initial attack crews in the Mountains and dropping water or fire suppressant on fires with 200 to 300-gallon dip buckets. The helicopters also perform an important role in hazard reduction and site preparation prescribed burning. The agency currently operates three former military Bell UH1Hs and two Airbus Eurocopter Astar 350B3s.

In wildland fire situations, N.C. Forest Service personnel wear specialized personal protective equipment, commonly known as "PPE." Using this safety equipment and adhering to wildland fire safety guidelines is a critical factor in keeping personnel safe when working in what are often extremely hazardous environments. Wildland fire PPE includes:

• Eight inch high leather lace-up boots with fire resistant lug soles
• Leather gloves
• Fire Shelter
• Fire shirt and pants made of flame resistant material
• Hard hat with shroud
• Earplugs
• Goggles or Safety Glasses
• Portable communication device
• Headlamp

The Fire Shelter

The fire shelter is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment available to wildland firefighters. Designed to be used only when all escape options from a blaze have been exhausted, the shelter is a proven lifesaver. When deployed, the shelter assumes the shape of a single-person pup tent. It's special aluminum skin can deflect up to 95% of radiant heat. Over the past twenty years, approximately 250 lives have been saved by these shelters.