You may picture firefighters holding a hose (水管) outside of a burning building,but the Golden Eagles Hotshots don't fight fires quite that way.When they go into action,you may not even see a fire truck.
The Hotshots are firefighters who battle fires in wilderness areas.But don't think you'll only find them in California.Wherever there is a national wildfire emergency,the Golden Eagles Hotshots could be there.
But these firefighters don't work the same way as those in big cities.They work where there are large numbers of trees,bushes,and grass.They climb up and down steep hills to clear brush and burnable debris (残骸).They sometimes use water,but often fight fire with fire!
They do that by lighting what are called “backfires” ---- small,controlled fires that burn up fuel in the path of larger wildfires.That way, when the wildfire gets there, it has nothing to burn and nowhere to go,because all the burnable fuel has already gone up in smoke.
The Hotshots also clear away fuel using old-fashioned hard work.For example,they use a saw to cut away trees and heavy brush that could catch fire.
Of course there are times when the Golden Eagles Hotshots do have trucks to supply water to the fires.But the water is limited,and these guys have to rely on hard work more than anything.Physical fitness is very important.They have to be strong to handle steep hills while carrying a 60pound pack.
Thanks to their efforts,many lives have been saved,many houses not burned,and countless trees still standing.
According to the passage,why do the firefighters light “backfires”?
A.To signal for help. | B.To remove obstacles. |
C.To protect trees and bushes. | D.To prevent the fire from spreading. |
What can we learn about the Golden Eagles Hotshots?
A.They are firefighters working in big cities. |
B.Their work requires physical strength. |
C.They are working for free. |
D.They usually hold a hose to put out the fires. |
All of the following can reflect that the Golden Eagles Hotshots are special EXCEPT their working .
A.areas | B.ways | C.achievements | D.tools |
What is the author's attitude towards the Golden Eagles Hotshots?
A.Appreciative. | B.Doubtful. | C.Worried. | D.Critical. |