Handcrew

Handcrews are diverse teams of career and temporary wildland firefighters.

These crews have the responsibilities of constructing firelines – strips of land cleared of flammable materials and dug down to mineral soil.

Depending on their qualifications and skill levels, crews may be divided into squads (4 or 5 firefighters each).

This person generally has a few years of experience and is placed at a location where they can see a large portion of the fire.

Other handcrews may spend time clearing brush, prescription burning, or doing other chores while waiting for fire assignments.