Fire Danger Descriptions
LOW Fires are not easily started. Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands, although, a more intense ignition source, such as lightning, may start many fires in duff or punky wood. Fires in open cured grassland may burn freely a few hours after rain, bur fires burning in forested areas spread slowly by creeping or smoldering and burn in irregular fingers. There is also a danger of spotting.
MODERATE Fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate. Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires is some areas, the number of start is generally low. Fires in open-cured grassland will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Woods fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious, and control is relatively easy.
HIGH Fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes, or in concentrations of fine fuel. Fire may become serious and difficult to control unless they are hit hard and fast while small.
VERY HIGH Fires start very easily and spread at a very fast rate. Fires start easily from all causes, spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in heavy fuels may quickly develop high-intensity characteristics, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds. Direct attack at the head of such fires is rarely possible after they have been burning more than a few minutes.
EXTREME The fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires under extreme conditions start quickly, spread quickly, and burn intensely. All fires are a threat and potentially serious. Development in high-intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from small fires than in the "very high" danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible, and may be dangerous, except immediately after ignition. Fires burning in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions, the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or until there is a decrease in the fuel supply.
The Teton Interagency Helitack vision is as diverse as the people that comprise the crew. Its common threads include crew integrity, cohesion and professionalism. We offer the opportunity for mental, physical and professional development to our firefighters through experience and training which, in turn, provides a safe and efficient service to the communities we protect and the resources we manage. We strive to ensure a positive and supportive working atmosphere for everyone.
utilized which include helicopter delivery of firefighters for wildland fire management, short haul and rescuer insertion for high altitude search/rescue and fire operations, and aerial ignition operations for prescribed burning. The Helitack crew conducted rappel operations for thirteen years until 2011 when the program moved exclusively to medium helicopters.
parts of the job is packing your equipment from the site of your fire to the nearest pick up point.Equipment can be in excess of 80lbs per Firefighter. Often times the nearest road may be many miles away. Applicants should be confident in their ability to meet these physical demands. Taking and passing the Work Capacity Test (WCT) at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment. The Arduous fitness (Pack) test requires completing a 3 mile hike within 45 minutes while carrying a 45 pound pack.