The most direct answers to Improving the safety of both structural and wildland fire fighters is cross-training of all fire fighters and improved equipment.

Wildland/urban interface fires don't lend themselves to textbook control methods. This is partly due to the fact that interface fires are common on days with high-to-extreme burning conditions, which means larger, faster burning fires that are more difficult to control.

Also the presence of structures limits wildland fire control options and presents additional concerns, such as how to safely burn out the area between the fireline and the fire.

The biggest danger is usually at the head or along the hot flank of a running fire. Be aware of these hazardous circumstances and be ready to move to a safer position fast. Otherwise, crews may wind up at the fire head without anchor points or adequate escape routes and zones.

Structure fires in the urban interface pose their own unexpected hazards-such as toxic or highly combustible fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides contained in garages and out buildings.

Watch out for flammable liquids in above ground gasoline and diesel tanks-and small gas cans for lawn and garden equipment-as well as propane gas.

And be on the lookout for explosives-which aren't uncommon on isolated ranches.

Both wildland and structure fire fighters should watch out for equipment traps in interface environments-such as septic tanks which can cave in, bridge load limits, road grades too steep to allow egress, and cul-de-sacs and turnarounds with inadequate turning radii for vehicles.

You should also be aware of the limitations of all types of engines and equipment. Structural fire apparatus, for example, cannot always get into rougher terrain because they carry such heavy loads.

Wildland engines, on the other hand, may not have enough extinguishing capability for all situations, especially structure fires which usually require large amounts of water. Pump operators must always remember to save a small reserve of water for their own protection.

When parking vehicles at the scene of a fire, be careful not to park under electrical wires, which can catch fire and fall. Heavy smoke blowing across power lines may cause them to arc. Be sure to park facing out, with the structure between you and the fire. Check for ground fuels beneath your engine. Grasses, brush and other ground cover could bring the fire to you.