Episode 326: Embrace the Suck a Little Less: Purpose-Built Wildland Tools with Scott Reimann of Vallfirest

Wildland fires are bigger and faster than they were 20 years ago. Much of the gear on the line has not kept up. A broken shovel. A pack that does not fit. Standard issue equipment that looks 50 years old because it basically is…

Hello Smart Firefighting Community!

Welcome to another episode of covering real world innovations via interviews with fire service and technology industry experts that empower YOU to develop your very own Smart Firefighting strategy.

Scott Reimann handles technical sales for Vallfirest, the Spanish manufacturer now working across North America with partners like Darley.

The company started when founder Javier, a summer hire on fire crews near Barcelona, decided firefighters deserved better and began inventing his own tools. 20 years later the line spans the Gorgui multi-tool, a backpack pump built around real body mechanics, inflatable ground tanks up to 18,000 gallons, and the Dronester remote control masticator.

The philosophy has not changed: hand the prototype to a crew, let them beat it into oblivion, and listen to everything they say.

Topics covered:

The Vallgorguina origin story and how Vallfirest got its name
Founder Javier's first inventions: the mini drip torch and the Gorgui tool
Solutions versus widgets in wildland equipment design
Prototyping with real crews and building from end user feedback
How the Gorgui multi-tool covers two thirds of hand crew line work
The stages of cutting fire line, from breaking ground to mineral soil
Backpack pump ergonomics and the dual action wand
Inflatable ground tanks from 800 to 18,000 gallons
Remote water supply for red flag days and helicopter operations
Drones, the Waterhog bucket, and RC equipment in the next three to five years

So take a listen to hear what he has to share.

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