Firefighting is hard, dirty work. Using chainsaws, shovels, and axes, firefighters work shifts of 12 to 24-plus hours constructing breaks in the fuel, or "fireline". They also slow the spread of fires using portable pumps, helicopters, air tankers, and other tools.

In the U.S., firefighters work on one of four types of crews.

Engine crews are responsible for initial attack of fires in their immediate area. They use small trucks equipped with water, pumps, hose, and tools to slow the spread of the fire.

Hand crews construct fuel breaks using chainsaws, shovels, and axes. They also "mop up" (put the fire out piece by piece after it has been contained). There are two kinds of hand crews in the U.S.: Type I crews, or Hotshot crews; and Type II crews. The Hotshot crews are made up of more experienced firefighters; they also have much higher physical fitness standards.

Heli-rappellers and smokejumpers perform initial attack on small, remote fires. The rappellers rappel from the helicopter to the ground; the smokejumpers parachute to the ground from airplanes.