What does the use of runners entail in wildland firefighting?

The use of runners in wildland firefighting primarily involves the transportation of messages or critical information between different teams or units on the fire line. This practice is vital for maintaining effective communication in the chaotic environment of a wildfire, where traditional means of communication might be compromised due to smoke, terrain, or the dynamic nature of the fire. Runners are often utilized to relay instructions, updates on fire behavior, and other essential information that can help coordinate efforts and ensure the safety of the personnel involved.

In this context, runners serve as crucial links, ensuring that information flows quickly and efficiently to where it is needed most, particularly in situations where technology might fail or be insufficient. This is especially important in wildland firefighting, where timely information can significantly affect decision-making and the overall safety of firefighting operations.