5 minute read
Fighting Fires, Then And Now
Catherine Koele
Catherine Koele is a wildfire prevention specialist for the DNR.
After an extended drought and busy fire season, coupled with memories of widespread smoke from Canadian wildfires in 2023, fire management may be on the minds of many in Wisconsin as spring turns to summer. Let's face it — wildfires are here to stay.
The DNR has a wide variety of tools to fight these fires, with new technology, better mapping and modern equipment all contributing to the evolution of firefighting. Despite the many advances, fire suppression itself is approached much the same way it was years ago.
The primary goal of the DNR’s fire suppression program is and has been to position resources ahead of time and attack fires quickly from the ground. This helps minimize fire growth and contain the fire, protecting lives, property and natural resources.
HISTORIC TOOLS
At the turn of the 20th century, Wisconsinites viewed fire as less of a helpful instrument (such as prescribed burns) and more of an adversary. Large-scale, widespread fires burned millions of acres and ravaged towns. Organized forest fire protection and managed forestry had yet to take hold in the state.
Wildfires began innocently enough. Trains chugging down northern rail lines threw sparks and smokestack embers, igniting brush. Farmers and loggers burned slash piles, and things would get out of control. Smaller intentional fires were set to combat these fires by removing potential fuel, but often grew to larger fire events.
Fighting fires involved horse-drawn steam pumpers and simple hand tools. Telegraph wires were the primary method of communication when fires occurred. The problem? Often, the lines were charred long before anyone could call for help or learn of oncoming flames.
Fire spotters pinpointed smoke using a network of lookout towers, preventing many fires from growing into deadly infernos. Emergency fire wardens were on the front lines, issuing burning permits or serving on firefighting crews.
As fire suppression innovation progressed, backpack pumps and larger heavy-duty portable pumps mounted to trucks were used to get water into remote locations.
FAST FORWARD ON FIRES
These days, wildfire communications involve a computer-aided dispatching console that immediately alerts local fire personnel. Fire information is entered into an electronic reporting system that captures every action on the fire.
A DNR forester-ranger is likely first on the scene, driving a modified 4x4 engine outfitted to carry 150 gallons of water. It can pump, draft and apply water or firefighting foam.
If there’s potential for the fire to grow, more resources are ordered. Tractor-plows, or bulldozers, are generally next. They use a back-mounted plow to create firebreaks down to mineral soil to contain the fire and a front blade to bury burning debris and construct roads for firefighting vehicles.
Dozers don't travel fast, so they need a way to get to the fire quickly and safely. A heavy unit, or Type 4 engine, hauls the tractor-plow and carries 850 gallons of water. It can draw water from lakes, rivers or swimming pools.
Low-ground units are another tool, coming in many sizes and capable of operating on soft ground in marshes and swamps. These are outfitted with a 260-gallon water tank, pump, hose reel, winch and foam system.
Air resources also play an essential role in modern firefighting. Air detection planes fly patrol routes and assist in scouting smoke, identifying hazards and more, while single-engine air tankers, called SEATS, drop water to slow fire progression and reduce intensity. The DNR contracts out for SEATs, which are positioned according to fire severity potential.
The DNR also has access to helicopters with bucket capability to dip water and drop 150 gallons onto a fire. Larger air tankers from Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, can scoop water from lakes and drop up to 2,000 gallons.
Having such a wide variety of available resources is vital to fighting wildfires. Today’s tools also show just how far firefighting has come.
LEARN MORE
For details on fire management in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire.
