$afety $aves – by Jason Todhunter

We recently had a fire start on a logging job in Montana.  The actual cause was not 100% determined but it is likely it was started by logging activity.  The contractor did everything right and immediately called 911 and started suppression activities.  The other thing they did right was they followed the rules for forest fire season in Montana.   The forest fire season in Montana is May 1^st to September 30^th and within that time frame we have forest fire rules and regulations for logging operations.  Below are some highlights of those rules; here is the link to the full rules https://dnrc.mt.gov/_docs/forestry/Wildfire/agreements-plans-guides/DNRC-Manuals/500-Wild-Fire-Investigation-Manual/AppendixC.pdf

RULE IV-EQUIPMENT; This rule is specific to Spark Arrestors.  It states that all internal combustion engines must be equipped with an approved and effective spark arresting system.  But there are exemptions for the following vehicles.  Automobiles and light trucks of less than 23,000 GVW when all exhaust gasses pass through a properly installed and maintained exhaust system baffle type muffler and tailpipe.  Vehicles with glass pack mufflers do not qualify for the exemption.  Heavy duty trucks of 23,000 GVW or greater, with a muffler and vertical stack exhaust system extending above the cab.  Vehicles with other spark arresting systems providing equal or increased effectiveness.  Such vehicles must be inspected and have written authorization from the recognized fire protection agency.  Equipment used for commercial, ranching, or industrial activities must meet the fire extinguisher and tool requirements listed in

RULE VIII-FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIREFIGHTING TOOLS;   Chainsaw operators shall carry a fully charged and operable fire extinguisher, minimum capacity of 8-ounce liquid or 1 pound dry chemical, with a 4BC or higher rating.  Vehicles and equipment, mobile or stationary, with a combustion engine/motor used for commercial, ranching, or industrial activities must have one operable, dry chemical fire extinguisher with a minimum 2 ½ pound capacity and 4BC or high rating.  Chainsaw operators shall maintain one usable shovel at chainsaw fueling sites.  All commercial, ranching, or industrial activities must have: One usable shovel or Pulaski with each vehicle and equipment with an internal combustion engine/motor, mobile or stationary.  One backpack pump with each vehicle and with any equipment used off road, mobile or stationary, with an internal combustion engine/motor, that cannot be used to build firelines and is being operated on combustible material.   A backpack pump is 5-gallon minimum container with attached handpump and full of water at all times.

Other agencies and or landowner may require additional equipment and water handling so always read and follow that section of the Contract!

Please remember if you do start a fire on your logging job you need to notify the fire protection agency no matter what size.  When calling in the fire have the following information available; location (latitude/longitude or section, township range), landmarks (mountain, drainage, road, river, lake), ownership, fire size (approximate acreage), spread of fire and direction, values at risk (timber, powerlines, structures), fuels, wind, topography and weather conditions.  Also think about resources both in manpower and equipment/water that will be needed to suppress the fire.  If you can initial attack the fire; do so but don’t get in over your head.   If you do start suppression tactics remember back to our fire training and LCES; LOOKOUTS, COMMUNICATION ESCAPE ROUTES and SAFETY ZONES.  Also remember to start your suppression tactics from an anchor point such as a road or clearing.

Lastly make sure your tools and equipment are in good working condition.  Fire Extinguishers should be serviced yearly and checked monthly.  They are not good for much other than a club if they are not charged!  Also check condition of handles on your fire tools and make sure they are serviceable if you have a fire start on or near your job.  Be safe this season as it looks like we could be in for a tough fire season!  With the fire I talked about at the start of this article the contractor is not being charged with the fire as there was no negligence.  This is why you want to follow the rules and protocol during fire season! Stay safe!  Please also see attached High Speed Disc Saw (Hot Saw) BMPs  $afety $aves.