|  | Public Health Safety | Emergency Preparedness

Wildland Firefighter Gifts

As a mother of a wildland firefighter, I received firsthand advice in choosing gifts a firefighter will appreciate. Wildland firefighters are on call to quell fires in our nation's most rugged and sometimes inaccessible areas. A wildland firefighter's tour of duty as an engine crew member can last for a few days or weeks in and around forest and grassland areas with few creature comforts of home. A wildland firefighter is required to undergo basic wildland firefighting and suppression training and obtain a "Red Card" certification and pass a FEMA examination, according to Wildland Firefighter Magazine.

  1. Background

    • As a member of an engine crew, the wildland firefighter works in shifts on the fire line. Rest periods are provided if possible in tents in base camps, and food is provided. In extreme conditions, the firefighter relies on portable shelter, food rations and water. Wildland firefighters endure harsh conditions and extreme temperatures while on duty in remote regions of the world.

    Downtime Gifts

    • According to my son, a wildland firefighter needs time to unwind after a rigorous and strenuous shift on the fire line. He suggests a small portable iPod with a feather light 78-gram Solio Classic Hybrid Solar charger. "A Great Day to Fight Fire: Mann Gulch Fire, 1949" by Mark Matthews is a favorite book of wildland firefighters, according to Wildlandfire.com. A lightweight Performance Series Firefighter Headlamp with LED lights offered by Fire Safety U.S.A. is a useful dual-purpose gift that can be used on duty or during breaks to catch up on some reading.

    Fire Line Gifts

    • Staying hydrated on the fire line is essential. A wildland firefighter can lose up to 8 liters of water while performing high-energy firefighting duties, according to Dr. Brent Ruby, director of the University of Montana Human Performance Laboratory. The Omega Water Beast by Camelbak is a water delivery system that fits in a firefighter's backpack with a trademarked HydroGuard apparatus that makes hydrating easy while patrolling the fire line. The Omega Water Beasts come in various sizes, from 1.5-liter to about 3-liter water reservoirs.

    Memorabilia

    • The Wildland Firefighter Association offers unique memorabilia gifts for wildland firefighters. The association features monogrammed license plate frames, 12-ounce stainless steel coffee tumblers and luggage tags. A specially designed ring of fire pin, Operation Fire Angel Packet, ribbon auto magnets and wildland firefighter calendars provide financing for the association's outreach efforts.

Emergency Preparedness - Related Articles