"Because Structural Firefighters need heroes, too"? Okay. As a former structural firefighter, who fought more than a few grass, field and brush fires, I suppose that it is fair to say I have always held the Wildland Firefighter is a different - though, totally awesome - animal. But, it really is apples and oranges. Fighting fires in skyscrapers or doing ARFF is something different, too. But, let's face it, Firefighters really exist to give LEO's inferiority complexes.
as a structural firefighter, we think you wildland firefighters are crazy!! but we are a bit jealous when we get brush fires and have to walk a mile in our structural firefighting boots :P
+Benjamin Towhey that reminds me of responding to a mutual aid call for a fairly local wildland fire in my full bunker gear and seeing the wildlife folks walking around in coveralls...i was so jealous!!
+Darryl Johnston xD I we keep both structure gear and wild land gear on our racks for those types of situations, I've yet to get a call for a wild land fire, I always seem to be away when they come in, plus I'm on a rescue anyway so I probably wouldn't get sent out anyway, but hey, yah never know.
I like my full brim helmet for extra protection from falling embers. I bought my own to use on Wildland Ops and for professional fireworks as I do them also! Great video Sir.
More,More,More on the History of these brave men and woman so they don't become forgotten as the Korean and Vietnam Nam veterans were. . GREAT JOB ! Keep it up and keep it coming.Thank You for your service to this Nation. Wayne Harrison Viet Nam Vet. 1968-1969
I can tell it's new gear. We are a firefighter family. My husband, myself, and son in law are all volunteer firefighters. My husband and I have been firefighters for 20 years. Where we live volunteer firefighters fight both structure and wildland fires. We also do search and rescue. My son is a wildland firefighter for USFS. Yes, he works for Smokey Bear. He has been doing that for 5 years after serving 10 years in the military.
Just started watching your videos a couple weeks ago. I've been thinking about getting into wildland for a few years now and it's great to have your knowledge to learn from! Thanks! My name is Cody as well by the way!
Ah, didn't see that coming. I was so involved with watching the video I didn't notice we had already gotten up to 11 minutes. I will be looking for part 2 as soon as its available. Great review so far! over 6000 thumbs up got us this review guys, we should have AT LEAST 6000 thumbs up for the review too!
the headlamp may not be the latest and greatest, but the LED's don't do well in smokey/dusty areas due to their wavelength and the blush tinge. (our fire dept training Lt explained it to our advanced CERT class) it bounces back the light on particulate. The xenon, halogen or incandescent bulbs can cut through the smoke. So that's why there are both bulbed and LED lights on most gear. (if that makes any sense). I know my G2 pierces the smoke house easily, while everyone else's LED lights just don't penetrate.
Those ESS goggles look the same as the ones I was issued with to go to Iraq and Afghanistan (Australian Army). Didn't like them much as they felt uncomfortable wearing them with my CVC helmet (Armoured Crewman Vehicle Communication helmet) but they where better than the Wileys. Ballistic rated protection, blast rated and fire rated. Only had one digger lose his eye sight wearing these but he was right next to the blast when it went off. If he hadn't been wearing them he wouldn't be here. Another Vehicle Commander had a car bomb go off next to him. The goggles saved him. He only has a few scars on his checks but previously he'd been wearing the Wileys and if he hadn't have changed over he wouldn't be here either cause the ESS had a splinter stuck in the lens below the bottom of where the Wileys stopped. Good equipment. So glad they take your safety seriously. I think our volunteer Bushfire Brigade blokes get Bolle ski goggles.
I love this stuff Ive been fighting them since I was 18 (im 22 now) Sadly I havent been to the fires of your guys statures of the western fires. Here in Ky the largest fire Ive been on was roughly 10 thousand acres.But regardless I want to get out west and fight some of the fires you guys have. You sir and your family are honestly an inspiration.Thanks for the awesome videos Cody.
8 years too late, but if I’m working on smoke or fog, halogen is better because it’s wavelength doesn’t bounce as much light back off the smoke or fog and cuts through better. That’s the reason for it. While the leds in this instance are for a flood where smoke isn’t an issue and you just need to see in the dark, and preserve battery life. That incandescent is for the heavy lifting. I’m a flashlight “enthusiast” you might say, and have a massive collection, and depending on the job I’m doing or conditions, it will dictate which light source I use. Ie. Halogen/xenon or led.
So because of the long collar and shroud of the helmet you do not have to wear a traditional nomex hood? I hate mine every time I come out of a fire its soaking wet. Can't wait for part 2. Will be praying for your safety . its not a easy job
Maybe you know something I don't know, but I was always told the reason Firefighters are still issued halogen lights is because the beam cuts through smoke better then an LED beam can.
Hi Mr. Wranglerstar, I'm curious about your custom Adam's boots; it almost looks as if on the sole the heel has had the screws removed. Can you explain?
Excellent video! Very interesting to see the ins and outs of the kit. Regarding the head lamp - I hear incandescent bulbs penetrate smoke a little better, would you say there's any truth to that?
Is there a reason you don't use Nomex socks? They are commonly used along with fire suits in motorsports. Then again, we're usually sitting, so maybe I'm missing an issue with comfort or wear.
Just curious if silk socks would work as well, I have some for skiing which are very comfortable. Another very interesting videos, I laughed at your line "Because structural firefighters need heroes too!" funny, love to see that interservice rivalry. Cheers!
I'm not a wildland fire fighter, but I am a biologist. Silk would work fine, it's what we use for lab coats around fire. It burns, not melts, just like cotton and wool.
That's one old Pelican headlamp. I can assure you that the headlamps Pelican produces today are much higher quality and all LED with adjustable lenses. www.pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2760
I’ve been a volunteer firefighter in Texas for 2 years. I want to join wildland firefighting or Forestry Service. I am currently building a tiny house on a trailer. I do both wildland/brush fires and structural fires.
Are you still with your volunteer crew or have you switched over to a full time outfit? Stay safe, it looks likes it fixing to be a hot one here in the cascades.
Wouldn't be nice to have some nomex tape too in case something gets ripped while in the wilds? " Because structural fire fighters need heroes too..." LOL!! Oh my, I see some pranks in your future...
wranglerstar What advice would you give to an aspiring Volunteer Fireman? I'm 25 and looking to get more involved in my community and give back while using my abilities and skills. I've talked to the necessary individuals and will be going through the application/interviewing process shortly. However, what practical advice and wisdom could you offer?
You said you live near Bend is that Bend, Oregon I live in Malheur county in a small town called Brogan, OR. I have bin to Sisters, Oregon which is near there. I was also born in Bend.
Very very interesting, what kind of training do you under go to become a wildland fire fighter. I'm only 15 so i could potentially become a wildland firefighter so what goes into becoming one? Thanks :)
Good Job on the Nicks Boots feature, Not sure if you are up to date on Whites being bought out by Japanese company ABC-Mart Inc? The wildland community is quite dissatisfied with this, i would be willing to bet Nicks Boots sales have increased substantially since the news last spring. But if ever you pass through Tennessee and care to see one of the top Hotshot facilities in the country, drop in, if were not on assignment. Cherokee Hotshots-Unicoi, TN.
Wranglerstar I'm currently a structural firefighter and want to make the Jump over to Wildland how do I go about doing this ? I've fought a few small wildland fires in my state and found out that's where I want to go with my career , any advice would be greatly appreciated
Hey Cody, I just noticed something. I think your last two videos were exactly 11:11. Is that coincidental or intentional? Just curious. Love the video, clicked "thumbs up" already. Keep up the great work!
***** is that supported by empirical evidence or is that simply a "belief" Numerologists feel? I think I'm going to have to do some research. This is an interesting topic I've stumbled across :)
+Wranglerstar I'm going to be staying with wildland firefighting this year. I'm wondering if you had any boot recommendations for someone just starting out. Money is tight and I can upgrade later, so do you have any ideas for a decent boot that's $300 or less? I'm having trouble finding something without a steel shank.
