09/09/2026
And rounding out the hand crew are the firefighters who help bring the crew’s hard work together, the scrapers. At the back of the hand crew, scrapers follow the saw teams and the Ps, refining and strengthening the fireline behind them. Using various tools, they remove remaining fuels and help turn a rough line into a clean, finished containment line that is down to bare mineral soil.
It’s a very demanding job, and there’s a lot more to it than simply following behind the rest of the crew. Working through challenging terrain, heat and fatigue, scrapers stay focused on the work in front of them while also keeping an eye out for the firefighters around them. Like every position on a hand crew, communication, teamwork and looking out for one another are a big part of the job.
We’re grateful for the scrapers who take on this important role and help put the finishing touches on the crew’s hard work. Their contribution is a big part of the team effort, whether they’re working on fuels reduction projects or responding to wildfires. Thank you Scrapes!
