LOGISTICS/DISPATCH

A Hand Crew, consisting of 18 to 20 men and women, work side by side, performing strenuous physical activities to construct "fire lines" with hand tools, "burn out" areas using drip torches, and "mop up" hotspots to stop the fire spread. The crew's day may start at sunrise, hiking to the fireline while carrying 25-pound backpacks and hand tools. They may spend 12 hours or more working along the fire perimeter. The Southwest plays host to IHC,Type 1,Type 2 IA and Type 2 crews.