Wildfires are one of the most destructive and deadly natural disasters, causing extensive damage to land, homes, and other property, and posing a significant risk to human life. Firefighters and other first responders use a wide range of tools and techniques to combat wildfires, from bulldozers and helicopters, to water lines and foam suppressants. However, there is one tool most don’t even think about when it comes to firefighting—a leaf blower. Yes, that common yard tool used on a daily basis can also be an effective firefighting tool when used properly. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and limitations of using a leaf blower to fight wildfires and small grass fires, as well as some best practices for using this tool safely and effectively.
Advantages of Using a Leaf Blower
One of the main advantages of using a leaf blower to fight wildfires is that it can be an effective tool for creating firebreaks. Firebreaks are cleared strips of land that are designed to prevent the spread of fire by removing fuel sources, such as vegetation, leaves, and other combustible materials. Creating a firebreak is a crucial tactic in fighting wildfires, as it can help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas.
Leaf blowers are particularly useful for creating firebreaks in areas where larger equipment, such as bulldozers, can’t be used. For example, leaf blowers can be used to clear vegetation and debris away from homes, from narrow canyons, steep slopes, and other hard-to-reach areas. By clearing away fuel sources with a leaf blower, Firefighters can create a barrier that can help slow or stop the progress of a wildfire.
Another more environmentally safe advantage of using a leaf blower is that it is less damaging to the environment than some other firefighting tools. For example, using bulldozers or other heavy equipment to clear vegetation can damage the soil and create erosion. Leaf blowers, on the other hand, are less likely to cause soil compaction or other environmental damage.
Limitations of Using a Leaf Blower
While leaf blowers can be a useful tool for fighting wildfires, they are not without their limitations. One of the main limitations is that they are only effective for small fires. For larger fires, more powerful equipment, such as bulldozers, helicopters, and water lines, are needed to contain and extinguish the flames.
Another limitation of using a leaf blower is that it can be dangerous if not used properly. Leaf blowers can generate a lot of dust and debris, which can be hazardous to Firefighters and other people in the area. The blower has a tendency to blow up a lot of duff and debris, and under winding conditions, may cause the material to be blown all around you, starting additional spot fires behind you. Firefighters should always be aware of wind conditions and directions when using a leaf blower.
Using a Leaf Blower to Fight Wildfires
To use a leaf blower safely and effectively in fighting wildfires, there are several best practices that firefighters should follow. First and foremost, it is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles (a must), a dust mask, and ear protection. This will help protect Firefighters from dust and debris, as well as from the noise generated by the leaf blower.
Know your tools limitation. This tool is not meant to be used on a large direct fire attack, but there are some instances where a leaf blower may be helpful in controlling small fires. For example, if you are conducting controlled burns, a leaf blower can be used to help control the direction and intensity of the fire.
A good example of this is deploying personnel with a leaf blower on the flanks of a spreading grass fire. Start by directing the air flow at the base of the fire and blowing the flame back into the burn. Begin with a low setting and gradually increase the power as needed. Move quickly and with intent to cover as much space as possible in the shortest amount of time without causing gaps in your progress. Since the air flow may extinguish the flames quickly, but not remove all heat, cold trailing techniques such as shoveling or even a hose line if available must be deployed right after. You may be thinking if you have a hose line why not just use that. The response to that is, you can, but the advantage of using a leaf blower instead of the hose line on the flanks is, in some cases, you can cover a lot more area a lot faster and it is easier than dragging a hose line up a hill side on the initial attack. You can also use a lot less water, saving it for the cold trailing stages after stopping the spread of flames when absolutely necessary.
If you do choose to use a leaf blower to control a small fire, it is important to make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing, including long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. It is also important to wear gloves and eye protection.
While this may seem like a quick and effective solution, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of using leaf blowers in this context.
Pros:
1. Quick Response: One of the main advantages of using leaf blowers for fighting wildfires is that they can provide a quick response. Leaf blowers can be transported quickly and easily to the site of a fire, and can be used immediately to help clear away dry leaves, twigs, and other debris that could potentially fuel the flames.
2. It is very effective on small spreading grass fires, enabling the Firefighter to cover a larger area, quicker for a quick knockdown. Remember, this must be followed up by some sort of cold trailing technique.
3. Low Cost: Another benefit of using leaf blowers is that they are relatively inexpensive when compared to other firefighting equipment. This makes them a more affordable option for smaller communities or volunteer fire departments that may not have access to larger, more expensive firefighting tools.
4. Very effective in the mop-up stage of a fire. Use to blow smoldering debris back into the black or increase intensity of flame on small object to cause it to burn out faster.
Cons:
1. Limited Effectiveness: While leaf blowers can help clear away dry debris and other flammable materials, they are not particularly effective in fighting larger fires. They cannot extinguish large flames or prevent the spread of fire in the way that other firefighting tools, such as hoses or fire retardants, can.
2. Safety Risks: Using leaf blowers in the midst of a wildfire can be dangerous. The powerful gusts of air created by the leaf blower can fan the flames and make the fire more difficult to control. Duff and debris can be disturbed causing additional spreading hazard—watch behind and below you. Additionally, the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers can increase the risk of fire due to the potential for fuel spills. Consider a larger battery-operated model.
Conclusion:
Finally, it is important to remember that leaf blowers are only effective for small fires. It is also highly recommended that members first train with the tool within a controlled condition to experience the affectedness of such before deploying such use in the field under real life conditions. Also remember, this is only a recommendation to consider the use of such tool. Please be guided by your department policies and procedures before deploying this tool in the field. As always, Firefighters should always prioritize their safety and the safety of the public they serve.
By John Hicks
SOURCE:
Oklahoma State University-John Weir, ChatGPT. YouTube: bdelder42. www.fs.usda.gov