Maryland Wildfire
The Maryland Wildfire Community Bulletin Board
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last updated 10/2/2007 8:51 Eastern
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10/2/2007 |
Wayne & Ryan, I got my Sportiva Glaciers a while back. They felt very different than my White's. It felt like I was wearing ski boots. The uppers are thickly padded and did not have a lot of "give" to them. So I sent them back. I'll be having my Whites rebuilt this winter. Brian |
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9/13/2007
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Wayne & Ryan, I just ordered a pair of Glacier EVOs (gray/black) myself. I wanted to test them out and see how long they hold up. I probably won't be wearing them for everyday use, however since the crew only goes out 3-4 times a year, I think they would hold up for our uses. The soles are rebuildable (cost unknown), but the upper aren't. When MDS#3 was in Missoula we went to a local mountaineering shop and asked about them. The sales rep said that the Forest Service was reccomending them because they were easier on the feet than Whites/Nicks/Drews, etc. However, he also said that they were not designed as fire boots and thus you can't stand in a bed of hot coals like you can with regular fire boots. My boots should be arriving tomorrow. I couldn't find a local shop that had them in stock, so I had to order them online. It might take a few returns to get the right size. FYI, there are a few models available from La Sportiva. The Makalu, the Glacier and the Glacier EVO. They can be viewed at www.sportiva.com. I'll keep you posted. Brian |
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9/2/2007
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Wayne Everything I have heard and read is that they are fireline approved with the exception of some of the smaller sizes commonly worn by woman (they don't meet the 8 inch height requirement). Here is a link to a BLM memo that has a section that addresses the La Sportiva boots http://www.fire.blm.gov/ihc/doc/2003SuptsNotes.pdf The U.S. Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11) Section 25.12 specifies the requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be worn by personnel engaged in wildland firefighting. Here's the requirement it sets for the boots firefighters must provide: "Boots. Wear heavy-duty, leather, laced boots with nonskid soles and tops at least 8 inches (204 mm) high. Steel-toed (metal cup) footwear is not recommended for fire suppression." The La Sportiva Glaciers seem to meet these requirements. The only drawback I've heard is that they might not hold up quite as well as traditional boots, but that is just what I've heard and read. Nothing from my own experience. They also aren't NFPA approved, but many of the boots that meet the standard above aren't NFPA approved, so I don't think that is significant. Hope this helps. Ryan |
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8/31/2007
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Are the La Sportiva Glacier boots approved fire boots? Saw several folks wearing them in Montana, contract guys and Montana DNRC folks. Wayne |
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5/12/2007
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Howdy boys and girls, just wanted to tell everyone that I am headin on down the line. I caught on as a crew member with the Buffalo National River Fire Use Module Crew (FUM). The same guys we met in Minnesota last year. Just wanted to tell everyone I ever worked with on the Maryland Crew that you guys are the best and I am going to miss going out on fires with the crew. I’ll keep an eye out for you guys in the future and maybe we’ll see each other again some day down the fire line. Keep kickin ass and have a safe fire season. Cody Jack |