Head Lamp

Wildland firefighters use head lamps to see in darkened conditions as well as to be seen by others. 

Head lamps free the hands so they can be used for other purposes, such as operating a handtool, reading a map, and talking on a radio.  Firefighters who wear head lamps can be seen by aircraft under a canopy of trees or through clouds and smoke.

There are numereous styles of head lamps on the market today.  Whatever style is chosen it must be able to attach to an approved hard hat without causing the hard hat to shift on the firefighters head.  It should also have a spare bulb stored somewhere within the lamp housing for easy assess.  It is also desirable that batteries last through the operational period without having to be changed in the dark.

Firefighters should carry head lamps with them during the day as well as at night.  One reason for having a head lamp during the day is that often a crew ends up walking off the fireline following the end of the operational shift.  In many cases, part of this hike invovles travelling cross-country in the dark.  Another reason for carrying a head lamp is that often firefighters are delayed until after dark from leaving the fireline. 

Since head lamps are often stored and transported in day pack, the firefighter should employee a method to prevent battery drainage.  This might include inserting batteries into the battery housing improperly or placing a paper barrier between batteries and light connections.  Firefighters should also carry extra batteries to fit their head lamps.

The prudent firefighter will check their head lamp before each operational period to assure that eveything is in working order.