Fuel Bottles

Fire crews have to carry fuel to remote locations to operate mechanized equipment and build firelines. Most fuel bottles are aluminum because it is lightweight and strong. Firefighters carry fuel bottles in their packs along with other sharp metallic equipment. Fuel bottles that are made out of aluminum are more resistant to

puncturing and spilling on the firefighter. Firefighters can carry about 33 ounces of fuel in lightweight aluminum bottles (about 6 ounces). Each firefighter can carry a couple of bottles in their packs and a whole crew can carry approximately ten gallons all together.

Two common uses of the fuel are to power chain saws and for bar oil. Another benefit to carrying fuel is the control the crew can exercise over the fuel mix. The gasoline and the 2-cycle engine oil that are used to power chain saws are usually carried separately and mixed on the spot. Sawyers can better control the ratio of gas to oil and avoid using an incorrect ratio that could damage their chain saws.