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The tools and technologies of fire management have come a long way since the Forest Service was first charged with protection of the land in the early 1900s. Innovative Forest Service engineers, draftsmen, foresters, and technicians, work closely with universities and private industry to create and improve products for fire management in the 21st century. From fire-resistant clothing and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the development of the fire shelter, the equipment used in fire suppression has evolved with the safety of the firefighter in mind. Improved aircraft restraint systems for cargo and smokejumpers, development of fire retardant chemical and water delivery systems, and continuing advances in infra-red technologies are developed and tested at the USDA Forest Service Technology Centers in California and Montana. Computer technology has certainly changed the face of fire management, presenting exciting new challenges and rewards for fire mangers and firefighters. High tech equipment and software provides tools for fire behavior modeling, geographic information systems for better fire mapping, satellite imagery and automated stations for up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, advances in resource orderings systems and cost tracking. Extensive use of web sites and e-mail allow for immediacy in sending and obtaining information, and asset to fire managers, firefighters and the public alike.
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Wildland Fire Chemicals:
Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) Tools & Technology Links:
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