r/Wildfire • u/smokejumperbro USFS • 15d ago

News (General) Video: Why Wildfire Fighters Are Getting Dangerously Sick

https://www.nytimes.com/video/health/100000010339242/why-wildfire-fighters-are-getting-dangerously-sick.html?smid=url-share
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u/PeppersPops 15d ago

She’s missing the point, Wildland bros wouldn’t wear N95’s or use SCBA even if we had the option. The logistics would be insane to replace oxygen tanks on the line and it’d make our job that much harder. It’s just a risk of the trade we all accept.

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u/noidea3211 15d ago

There have been study’s/ field testing done with shot crews and the like. The verdict was wearing a mask just won’t work in a lot of situations. Hot, grimy and the sweat was one. Can’t form a seal and just awkward trying to suck air through a respiration while running saw or hiking a dozer line… That said chilling in the hold on a night burn or mellow Rx? That works. Our crew starting rocking 95 masks on Rx or just when able. It all adds up. Don’t forget to file CA2s or SMIS reports too. Paper trail!