A new video from California fire officials shows how a fast dozer response can stop a wildfire before it turns into a much larger emergency, with several bulldozers quickly cutting containment lines in the opening moments.
In the case of the Gann Fire, that rapid response helped control the blaze, as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (@cal_fire) shared in a post.
Here's what to know
Cal Fire posted footage of dozer crews responding to the Gann Fire in the early phase firefighters call "initial attack."
@cal_fire 🚜 DOZERS ON THE FIRELINE. Every resource works efficiently in the first moments of a fire to keep it small. That's initial attack, and it's a key part of our mission to keep 95% of wildfires to 10 acres or less. #GannFire ♬ original sound - CAL FIRE
"Every resource works efficiently in the first moments of a fire to keep it small," the agency wrote in the caption. "That's initial attack, and it's a key part of our mission to keep 95% of wildfires to 10 acres or less."
Alongside scenes from the fireline, the clip includes radio traffic and commentary from a dozer operator explaining why the effort worked so well. At one point, the operator reveals that "6 dozers I think got at scene about the same time and we were able to put a hurt on this fire."
The operator also explained that the machines have advantages that others don't.
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"We can cut lines we can go on some places that that crews can't," the operator suggested.
More background
Initial attack is one of the most important phases in firefighting because a small blaze can often be contained before wind, heat, and dry vegetation turn it into a much larger emergency.
When a fire is held to 10 acres rather than allowed to grow unchecked, it can mean less smoke for residents, fewer evacuation orders, lower suppression costs, reduced damage to homes and infrastructure, and less harm to wildlife habitat.
Wildfire response is not only about aircraft drops and engine crews. Bulldozers play a highly specialized role by scraping away vegetation and exposing dirt to create firebreaks that can slow or stop advancing flames.
The operator also described dozer work as "the best job in Cal Fire" and emphasized that these crews are often doing essential work even when they are not the most visible responders on scene.
What's being done?
Cal Fire's post points to a broader strategy of keeping resources close enough to respond immediately, then hit a new fire with everything needed to contain it quickly.
"We're pretty lucky to have a lot of dozers close because of this incident," the operator commented, in reference to the Gann Fire.
In extreme heat and on ground that can be difficult for crews to cross, dozers can keep moving and help create safer access for engines and hose lines following behind them.
Signing up for local emergency alerts, maintaining defensible space, and following evacuation guidance can all help reduce risk when a fire starts nearby. Fortunately, firefighters have the right tools to make an immediate dent.
"Our dozers don't get tired we can go all day all night we can put a good line down in a short amount of time," the operator said in the video.
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