JOHN CARR
Firehouse.Com Contributing Writer/Photographer

October 4, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Base Camp
Suppose you decided to throw a party for 3,000 of your closest friends. You pick a scenic but remote location away from crowds.

September 4, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Handcrews
Despite improved technologies and equipment, structural firefighters still need to advance hoselines to the seat of the fire and put the "clear stuff on the red stuff."

July 23, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Big Elk Meadow Battle
To date there have been more than 50,000 wildfires nationwide that have burned at least 3.6 million acres and more than 1000 structures.
Also See: Full Image Slide Show

July 16, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Air Operations & Command
Few will argue that to effectively extinguish a wildfire it takes firefighters working on the ground. Firefighters using hand tools, water bladders and hoselines up close and personal. This is the way it was done fifty years ago and it is probably the way it will be done fifty years from now.
Also See: Full Image Slide Show

July 16, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Air Tankers and Support
Many of the airplanes seeing action today in the war on wildfires were built for other wars. They were designed as bombers and transports for World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Known as workhorses in bygone days they are still performing above and beyond expectations.
Also See: Full Image Slide Show

July 16, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Helicopters
The use of helicopters on wildfires has become commonplace. Unlike fixed wing airtankers who paint a large area with retardant helicopters can be more selective. This allows them to work in close proximity with firefighters on the ground.
Also See: Full Image Slide Show

June 18, 2002 - On The Fireline:
California Aids in Colorado Fire Effort
With nearly 2200 firefighters battling the 103,000 acre Hayman Fire one might expect 44 firefighters from California to be lost in the mix. That has not been the case. The California Office of Emergency Services, under the direction of Assistant Chief Dan Tinnel, sent two strike teams consisting of 10 Type 1 engines, 4 strike team leaders and 40 firefighters to the fire burning near Denver.
Also See: Full Image Slide Show

June 17, 2002 - On The Fireline:
Training At The Colorado Wildfire Academy
At the turn of the century fire bosses would enter a town near where a forest fire was burning and recruit firefighters from local taverns and street corners. Training generally consisted of receiving a shovel and being ordered to put out the fire. In 1910 at least 78 firefighters were killed in one day when a raging fire overran their position.
Also See: Full Image Slide Show