Joseph Castro

Firefighting:

• Conduct initial and indirect wildland firefighting on Type 1 wildland handcrew
• Cut direct and indirect fire line using various tools such as shovel, axe, McLeod, Pulaski, chainsaw and back pump
• Use firing devices, such as drip torches and fusees during firing operations
• Mop-up and patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart
• Inspect, clean and repair fire hose and equipment, also sharpen fire tools
• Perform arduous and physically demanding work in all weather conditions including extreme heat
• Employ M.I.S.T. (minimal impact suppression tactics) in environmentally sensitive areas
• Conduct suppression repair and rehab tactics
• Practice and utilize the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders
• Assist incidents using the 18 Watch Out Situations
• Cut hand line and clear out defensible space to protect structures during wildfire

Fuel Load Reduction and Modification:

• Safely and efficiently cut, remove, and chip vegetative fuel using a wood chipper
• Pile and ignite vegetative material, during grade projects
• Conduct burn operations
• Create fuel breaks throughout the forest

Hand and Power Tools:

• Maintain equipment and tools daily to maintain peak condition (sharpen, rehandle, ect)
• Safely and efficiently use drip torch, power mower, weed trimmer, chainsaw, brush saw, weed wrench, Pulaski, Hazel hoe, shovel, lopper, hand pruner, bow saw, crosscut saw
• Familiar with seven safety features of chainsaw (Throttle control, On/Off switch, chain break, inertia break, spark arrestor, chain catcher, handguard)