A catline is a firebreak built entirely by a bulldozer, also known as a cat, pushing aside all combustible vegetation and organic matter to expose bare mineral soil. These lines are much wider and faster to establish than handlines, making them critical for stopping the advance of large, fast-moving wildland fires. The heavy blade work leaves a distinct, continuous berm of dirt and crushed brush along the outside edge of the line.
Heard on the job
The fire is crowning on the ridge, so we need a dozer to punch a catline from the road up to the rock bluff.
Insider tip
Never stand directly downhill from a dozer cutting a catline, as rocks and heavy debris frequently roll loose during the operation.
Also heard as
- dozer line