Council Fire Swatter Flap
Fire swatters are useful for working in light fuels when flame lengths are less than 2 feet high. Fire swatters are most effective for extinguishing small embers that have been blown across a fireline into an unburned area. Quick slaps with the fire swatter deprive the fire of oxygen and can quickly extinguish small fires.
A swatter is a nice addition to the firefighters tool box. However, in areas where there are accessible green conifer tree boughs they are used just as effectively as a swatter. In may cases, hand crews are already carrying 40 or 50 lbs of equipment per person along the fireline and the 5 lb swatter is often not carried.
The swatter is typically made of fabric-reinforced rubber. The wooden handle should be kept smooth and replaced if there are slivers, cracks, and excessive warp or twist. The swatter should be tightly fastened to the handle.
Encyclopedia ID: p335
