4. Crews and Equipment
The number of people needed for the fire crew varies with the size and complexity of the burn. Generally, three or four people are necessary for each fireline: one for ignition, one or two to control the line, and one to mop up. Others can help mop up or act as spotters. Often, it's crucial to have a road patrol if smoke might blow across a roadway and obscure the vision of drivers. Neighbors can work together on burns so that everyone has as much help and equipment as possible. A larger and better-equipped crew can burn faster and safer.

Crews should have a sprayer capable of 125 pounds-per-square-inch pressure and at least an output of 6 gallons of water per minute. Low-pressure, low-volume cattle or field crop sprayers with handgun nozzles can work for small burn areas that have extremely safe boundaries. If you use high-pressure pumps, ration water to keep from running out partway through the burn. Always make sure there is enough water nearby to replenish pumps and sprayers.