Introduction

Participation on a prescribed burn crew is not a job to be taken lightly. Prescribed burning is strenuous work and personal safety must receive the highest priority. You must be physically fit and free of medical conditions that might compromise your ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions on the fireline. If you require aid or rescue, it will remove additional crew members from their duties to assist.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Although the burn boss is responsible for overall safety measures on a prescribed burn, each crew member is expected to identify and communicate safety issues to other crew members and their supervisor. You must be aware of changing fire behavior and weather and maintain your situational awareness.