Fire is used as a tool to manage vegetation, but it always carries with it the risk of running out of control. Good planning and adequate equipment are essential to cope with these risks. Ian Murgatroyed of the Forest Research arm of the Forestry Commission has recently prepared a report reviewing the equipment and techniques availiable for suppressing fires. This work included a series of field trials at fires in upland heather, Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea and forest brash in winter and spring.