Which tool used by the wildland fire fighter is designed to fell small trees to build a fire line?

The tool specifically designed to fell small trees and help build a fire line is known as the McLeod. This hand tool features a broad blade on one side for cutting and a rake-like side on the other for raking away debris. Its design allows wildland firefighters to efficiently clear vegetation, create fire breaks, and control the spread of fire.

While a chainsaw can also be used to fell trees, it is more geared towards larger trees and may require additional training and fuel, making it less practical for smaller jobs typically handled by a McLeod in wildland firefighting scenarios. The Pulaski, while versatile and valuable for both chopping and digging, is primarily intended for creating the fire line and not specifically for tree felling. A shovel, on the other hand, is used mainly for digging and does not possess the cutting capabilities needed to fell trees.

Thus, the McLeod stands out as the most suitable tool for felling small trees as part of building effective fire lines in wildland firefighting.