A wildfire can burn almost anywhere on the landscape. It can move quickly through open grassy meadows and creep up steep, rocky mountains. Wind can drive fire many different directions and dramatically affect wildfire behavior. A wildfire is capable of jumping rivers and roads and can cross any boundary; natural or manmade. It can cross state lines, agency boundaries and even burn from one country to another. 

Due to the nature of wildfire and the need to manage it, we use a variety of different resources. Some work better in certain fuel types and terrain. Others are best utilized in certain parts of the country. All of these resources can work together in different combinations to assist managing wildfires. 

The wildland firefighting resources used today include a variety of aircraft, crews, engines, equipment, and overhead. Each resource is unique and plays a key role in wildland fire management.