Wildland Firefighters Battle Blazes Without Water

Ed Murray, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Firefighters say it's the most difficult job on the fire ground--fighting wildfires without water.

A special unit of 20 firefighters from Elk City who specialize in battling blazes without benefit of water fought the wildfires in northeast Oklahoma City.

News 9 photojournalist Kasi Kennedy followed the Black Kettle Wildland fire crew and found out if you don't use water, you better have the right tools.

The wildfire crew members use mainly hand tools to bury embers, clear fire breaks, and slow the advance of the fire.  They rely on their feet to carry them to areas inaccessible to vehicles.