Preparing for the Increasing Demands of Wildfire Season

As wildfire seasons extend and grow more severe, it's imperative for wildland firefighters to be equipped with dependable wildland fire gear. This year has seen alarming increases in wildfire activity globally, with Oregon experiencing a record-breaking 1,784,627 acres burned by September 9th. According to Cal Fire’s update on July 30th, “This year’s wildfire activity is 2,816% higher than last year, encompassing 29 times the acreage burned.” In Texas, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has devastated over a million acres, marking it the largest fire in the state’s history. In Alberta, the Jasper Park Fire has scorched more than 79,000 acres, the largest wildfire the town has faced in a century.

This rise in wildfire activity highlights the necessity for wildland firefighters to be thoroughly prepared, not only for the remainder of this season but for future firefighting challenges as well.

EVALUATING CURRENT WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER GEAR FOR THE ONGOING SEASON

TThe rigors of wildfire season demand effective wildland firefighting equipment to ensure safety and success. Firefighters rely on their gear to withstand extreme temperatures, unpredictable environments, and long hours in challenging terrain. Is your equipment living up to those expectations? Whether you're actively fighting fires or preparing for the next season, conducting a thorough evaluation of your wildland fire gear is crucial. Regular assessments help confirm that everything from flame-resistant Brush Shirt to specialized Nomex Brush Pants is performing well in the field.

Don't risk being fireline-ready with inadequate gear. Take the time to review your equipment, considering any challenges you've encountered. Identifying which tools and gear worked well and where improvements are necessary will help ensure you and your team are fully prepared for both the current and upcoming seasons. WD Fire Supply offers a wide range of gear—from personal protective equipment (PPE) to essential tools and accessories—ensuring you have reliable, field-tested products when it matters most.

PREPARING FOR THE "OFF-SEASON"

While wildfire season may continue into the fall, the off-season is a crucial time for preparation. This period allows many wildland firefighters to focus on rest, recovery, and strategic planning, ensuring they are ready for the upcoming season.

In addition to evaluating your existing gear, consider what additional wildland firefighter supplies may be needed during the off-season for those still active on the fireline. This might include cold-weather gear for staying warm and specialized tools like drip torches for prescribed burns and fuel management. Properly addressing these needs will ensure crews are equipped to handle colder conditions.

GEAR UP FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES

Wildland firefighting requires ongoing preparation and adaptability. As the current wildfire season continues, it's essential to evaluate and upgrade your wildland firefighting tools to maintain effectiveness and safety on the line. The off-season is an ideal time for rest, recovery, and planning, but it’s also an opportunity to prepare for challenges that arise outside of peak fire weather. By investing in high-quality gear and addressing any equipment needs, including cold-weather clothing and specialized tools, you'll be well-equipped for whatever lies ahead. WD Fire Supply is dedicated to providing the essential wildland fire equipment and support needed to keep your crews ready all year round.

PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE SEASON WITH WDFS

SHOP WILDLAND FIRE CLOTHING, PPE, FIRE EQUIPMENT, FIREFIGHTING TOOLS, WILDFIRE GEAR AND MORE HERE!

WD Fire Supply (WDFS) is committed to equipping wildland firefighters with the products they need to safeguard themselves, their communities, and their property from the devastating effects of fire. As a trusted source for high-quality, reliable wildfire gear, WDFS helps firefighters extinguish fires effectively while minimizing the risk of injury. With innovative designs and durable materials, WD Fire Supply’s wildland firefighting equipment ensures that the brave men and women on the front lines remain safe when conditions heat up.