There is one overall rule for covering wildland fire stories: SAFETY FIRST!

As a common sense rule, nothing will be allowed to jeopardize the safety of the news media or those involved with suppression activities. The Fire Information Officer will explain to you the rationale for any specific access restrictions. If you want to go out to the fire line, you will be advised of the danger. You will be discouraged from going off by yourself. In some locations, the Fire Information Officer or other responsible official will escort you to the line. Usually, there are always areas you can safely go and see the action.

Although no physical test is required, the Incident Commander may deny access to any individual who appears to be at risk if exposed to hazardous conditions on the fire line, or who may be a risk to others involved in managing the fire. Denial of access is usually the exception, though, and not the rule.

Here are some other things to consider before going out to the fire line:

1. Location. Access to wildland fires in Eastern Idaho can be easy or difficult, depending on the location and availability of access roads. In some remote locations, access by non-emergency personnel may be limited to foot travel or four-wheel drive. Some wilderness locations do not allow motorized access at all. The key to finding the fire is by getting in contact with the Information Officer before you start chasing smoke columns.

2. Personal Protective Equipment. All fire fighters are required to wear personal protective equipment while out on the line. You are no different. Most of today's synthetic clothes are not fire retardant, and some may actually be harmful to you if a fire got too close to you. Likewise, some hair sprays and makeup may be flammable if you got in close proximity to a fire.

Again, SAFETY FIRST!

Today's personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by fire fighters is designed to ensure safety, and must be worn by all persons at or near the fire line. Sometimes personal protective gear will be available for your use at the scene. This will include:

A hard hat
Nomex fire resistant pants and shirt
Gloves
An emergency fire shelter and instructions on how to use it, and
An escort to the fire line when needed.
If you don't have these at your place of work, EIIFC can issue you the clothing on a temporary basis. You will need to provide your own leather boots (no sneakers, hightops, dress shoes allowed), and cotton undergarments (synthetics are more combustible or tend to melt to skin when exposed to high temperatures).