An Axe - Seriously?
- Thread starter htek
- Start date
Yuman Desert Rat
Expedition Leader
I've seen recommendations for similar kits in different NWR's etc.
quickfarms
Adventurer
I carry a max axe
eggman918
Adventurer
That is a requirement for a USFS camp fire permit,as well as just common sense when having/controlling a fire in the wilderness.
Jerry Ward
Adventurer
I used to work for the USFS as a Wildland Fire Initial Attack Module Leader in SE Utah; Moab/Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-LaSal NF. In my years there, I never heard of any regulation requiring folks to carry fire suppression tools with them nor any LEO citing people for not having them onboard. That was for the entire Moab Interagency Fire Center; USFS, BLM, NPS, and Utah State. We did stumble upon a few old 60's-70's vintage posters in the shop recommending a shovel, bucket, and axe to visitors though. Never hung them up on the forest and they were just kinda nostalgic.
I'd strongly advise not carrying any tool, especially one as dangerous as an axe, unless you are proficient with it. Improper use can be a serious safety hazard and I've worked several incidents where the novice with an axe stuck it in his/her leg or foot. Wicked nasty wounds!! Remember the old saying- just owning a hammer doesn't make you a carpenter...
I'd strongly advise not carrying any tool, especially one as dangerous as an axe, unless you are proficient with it. Improper use can be a serious safety hazard and I've worked several incidents where the novice with an axe stuck it in his/her leg or foot. Wicked nasty wounds!! Remember the old saying- just owning a hammer doesn't make you a carpenter...
OR DOF Regs:
http://www.oregon.gov/odf/pages/fire/publicuse.aspx
I do agree, that you should know how to use the tool, but in some cases they are required. If someone doesn't know how to use an axe, perhaps they shouldn't be out in the woods during fire season anyways.
I still don't know what I am supposed to do with an axe in the case of a fire. Anyone help me out?
Robert Bills
Explorer
From http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/tools/articles/1356960-6-elements-of-ax-maintenance
"Fire services axes used to come in two basic models: the flat head and its partner the pick head. In addition to those two, today's selection now includes five other options.
"A pry ax is a hybrid tool that merges the cutting and hammering functions of an ax (using the head) along with the prying and ramming functions of a pry bar or Halligan bar at the opposite end of the handle.
"The combination ax is the Swiss Army Knife of the firefighting ax world. In addition to the normal cutting, prying and striking functions normally associated with flat-head and pick-head axes, combination axes provide a firefighter with capabilities that would otherwise require getting another tool from the apparatus.
"One manufacturer says its combination ax includes 14 tools in one: ax, hammer, spanner wrench, windshield cutter, rappelling ring, gas shut-off, water shut-off, battery disconnect, dry wall cutter, forcible entry, hinge remover, pry bar, Stortz latch opener and hood remover.
"A truckie ax is a traditional-style pick-head ax, but with a slightly smaller head and shorter handle — usually 28 inches as opposed to the more standard 32-inch handle found on most axes — that's designed to be carried on a truckie's belt.
"The Pulaski ax is a favorite of the wildland firefighter community. This ax consists of a smaller-profile cutting blade on one side of the head (for chopping) and a mattock on the other (for digging and clearing soil). It is very useful for clearing and maintaining fire lines in wildland fire situations.
"The rescue ax is a high-tech camp ax or hatchet. This smaller cousin to the ax has gained popularity because of its utility in rescue situations involving tight spots with limited operating room, such as auto extrications or trench rescues."
craig333
Expedition Leader
My CA campfire permits calls for a shovel and water nearby. I have seen some individual forests call for carrying an axe. I'm not sure why. Its one thing to extinguish your fire but build a fire line too? Not that an axe is very useful for building a fire line. When I was with CDF we used a pulaski a lot but the axes stayed on the engine. Shovel makes more sense for a civilian. Myself I prefer a McLeod.
As far as my comment goes, my point was that anyone out in the wilderness should be competent enough with hand tools to be able to swing an axe without chopping off a limb.
With respect to use during a fire, Robert is correct, a multi-function axe with a pick in the hands of a firefighter is primarily useful in maintaining a fire line but can simply save time and weight by doubling as another tool.
As far as a simple single bit axe in the hands of a private person is concerned. During a fire limbs or trees can fall on you, a friend, a vehicle, or simply across your path. Having an axe gives you a means of clearing that away. If the limb is on fire, I think I'd prefer the axe to a saw; firstly, you don't have to be right up on the burning limb to cut it, secondly an axe is much less likely to bind up and become permanently stuck leaving you with no tool at all. An axe can also cut into a vehicle if someone is trapped, not something you can do with a bow saw.
In a very rudimentary sense, a non-firefighter could make a small fire line in which case the axe would be used for clearing downed wood and branches off of trees which extend across the fire line.
rayra
Expedition Leader
To the original question - a bow saw has size limitations re what you can cut with it and how you can cut with. A full-sized axe pretty much doesn't. An axe is a more versatile and durable tool. And if single-edges, you can drive stakes or a splitting wedge with it. Where's your bow saw now?
eta - and I'd like to see you re-sharpen a bow saw in the field with a bastard file.
eta - and I'd like to see you re-sharpen a bow saw in the field with a bastard file.
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