A specialized member of a wildland fire crew who operates a drip torch or flare to ignite unburned fuel. They are responsible for setting backfires to consume fuel ahead of an advancing wildfire, or conducting prescribed burns. The role requires a deep understanding of fire behavior, wind patterns, and fuel moisture to ensure the ignited fire moves exactly as intended.
Heard on the job
Tell the torchman to start laying fire along the ridge line before the wind shifts.
Also heard as
- firer
- ignition specialist