In a job that demands gear that shows up for every shift, these five wildland fire tools continue to hold their ground—on the line and in the hands of wildland firefighting crews across the country. Whether it’s initial attack, mop-up, or burn operations, these tools show up day after day because they work. When conditions shift and things move fast, this is the gear crews still trust to get it done.
PULASKI TOOL
The Pulaski Axe, developed in the early 1900s by Edward Pulaski, combines an axe blade on one end with a mattock blade on the other, making it a versatile tool designed for digging firelines, chopping through roots, and clearing brush. This combination allows firefighters to handle multiple digging and cutting tasks without switching tools, saving time and effort on the line. It’s often the first tool wildland firefighters reach for, thanks to its reliability and efficiency in removing fuels when every second counts.
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MCLEOD TOOL
After the Pulaski handles the heavy chopping and digging, the McLeod is used to clean up and finish the fireline. A durable combination of rake and hoe, it’s designed to break up soil, pull away loose debris, and smooth the fireline into a clean, defensible edge. While the Pualski kicks off the hard work, the McLeod helps crews refine it. It’s a go-to for wildland firefighters when building solid defense lines and finishing the fireline.
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FIRE RAKE
Primarily used for creating firelines, fire rakes play an important role during prescribed burns and active wildfires by clearing vegetation and forming a barrier to slow or stop the spread of fire. This simple but powerful hand tool is designed to cut through light fuels like grass, pine needles, and small brush. Its sturdy, curved tines allow wildland firefighters to quickly scrape away burning material and clear a line, making it especially effective for mop-up and initial attack.
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BACKPACK PUMPS
Reliable, portable, and always ready, backpack pumps are a key tool in wildland firefighting, especially when water access is limited. Whether it’s mop-up, hot spots, or quick knockdown in remote areas, these packs allow crews to get water where engines and hose can’t reach.
Available in a range of capacities and materials, including stainless steel and durable poly, backpack pumps provide reliable water delivery when and where it’s needed.
With comfortable harness systems and replaceable pump components, they remain one of the most effective and adaptable tools on the fireline.
They’re also a valuable resource for homeowners in high-risk wildfire areas. A backpack pump can help protect structures by knocking down spot fires, wetting down defensible space, or controlling ember buildup before it spreads. Whether you're on a crew or preparing your property, this tool is built to respond when it matters most.
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DRIP TORCH
When fire is used as a tool, the drip torch provides a safe, controlled way for crews to carry out backfires, burnouts, and prescribed burns. Drip torches help reduce excess fuels, support fireline operations, and manage fire behavior under specific conditions.
Built for safety and functionality, National Fire Fighter drip torches feature a fuel trap and check valve to prevent flashback, a reversible burner for easy storage, oilproof gaskets to avoid spills, and a durable aluminum body. The double-bottom design adds extra strength, ensuring resilience in tough conditions.
While drip torches are typically used by trained fire personnel, they can also be used by landowners or homeowners with the proper permits and guidance, depending on local regulations. In wildfire-prone areas, controlled burning, when done safely and under the right conditions, can help protect property by reducing excess vegetation and improving defensible space.
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TOOLS TRUSTED ON THE LINE
When everything around you is unpredictable, these are the wildland tools crews still count on to get the job done. At National Fire Fighter, we're committed to supplying the gear that wildland firefighters rely on day in and day out. We understand the demands of the fireline and the importance of having tools that perform consistently, no matter the conditions.
We’re proud to supply the dependable equipment that firefighters trust every day—tools designed to perform consistently, withstand harsh environments, and make the hard work of fighting wildfires a little more manageable. When crews step onto the fireline, they need to feel prepared, confident, and safe—and having the right tools at their side is a big part of that.
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PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE SEASON WITH NFFC
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National Fire Fighter provides wildland firefighters and homeowners with the gear they need to stay protected and prepared. From fire equipment and tools to PPE, skid units, and more, NFFC is a trusted source for reliable gear built to perform when it matters most.