The Forest Service, and Cal Fire are experimenting with them in some California locations where the environmental risks are high. They are worried about the spills, and they both have several instances of burns from fuel geysering during refills every season. The batteries are thought to eliminate both issues.
The initial is that they get about half the inches of cut per unit weight, when comparing the battery saw, and three batteries, vs. the gas saw and fuel can. The kit out for the two saws and spare whichever drives it, both weigh about the same, and take about the same pack volume.
They make the most sense for engine crews, who get there by truck, than they do for Hot Shots, Heli-Rappelers, and Smoke Jumpers all of which can have extensive hikes to get to the fire, from their last point of vehicle transport.
