Big Iron Equipment Workshop - FPInnovations Wildfire Operations

Project Note
October 2011
Wildfire Operations Research
1176 Switzer Drive
Hinton, AB T7V 1V3
Big Iron Heavy Equipment Workshop
Jonathan Large
Roy Campbell
Introduction
In the fall of 2011, FPInnovations was invited to attend the Big Iron Heavy Equipment Boss & Live InWoods Workshop held by the University of Montana at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest in
Greenough, Montana. Over sixty personnel from federal, state and tribal firefighting agencies, as well
as private contractors, attended the event over two one-week offerings. Participant experience ranged
from squad boss to senior management, and a cadre of instructors from various government agencies
and heavy equipment companies presented and lead the workshop agenda. Two researchers from
FPInnovations attended the second session offered October 10-14. Sponsoring agencies included SW
Montana Wildland Training Center, University of Montana Lubrecht Experimental Forest, National
Interagency Fire Center, Northern Rockies Coordinating Group, Northern Rockies Training Center and
the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center.
The workshop offered aspects of the new S-236 Heavy Equipment Boss course, which is designed to
combine the S-232 Dozer Boss and S-233 Tractor Plow Boss courses. There was also a focused
approach to provide hands-on field experience, where participants viewed and worked with a variety of
heavy equipment types through a series of fireline construction and fuel modification exercises. This
approach allowed participants to gain an excellent perspective on heavy equipment use and many
participants received accreditation towards Heavy Equipment Boss certification.
Given the wide range of government agency and contractor participation, the workshop provided an
ideal forum for heavy equipment discussions between agencies and industry, including, how heavy
equipment can be used more effectively in pre-suppression, suppression, rehabilitation and fuel
modification projects. The week closed with an optional group discussion aimed at gathering feedback
on the week’s activities, including improvement to the new S-236 course template and ways to promote
heavy equipment knowledge and training.
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Objectives
1. To gain insight on heavy equipment use, both on the fireline and related projects.
2. To meet agency representatives and strengthen our relationships within the wildfire community.
3. To identify potential research needs and initiatives.
Workshop Activities
Material
A variety of material was available for the participants. The faculty is also putting a participant disc
together that will be sent out at a future date. Some of the material covered and provided to participants
during the workshop included1:
Course Material
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Mechanized Equipment for Fire and Fuels Operations c/w Contractor Directory 2009 Edition
Dozer Boss S-232 Workbook (and associated instructional handouts)
Heavy Equipment Safety (PowerPoint Presentation & Resource Information Links)
Heavy Equipment Inspection (PowerPoint’s)
Heavy Equipment Inspection Forms
Contract Forms and Equipment Time Ticket Examples and Quick Links
BC Logging Guide (PDF)
Rehabilitation Plan Template
Montana Guide to the Streamside Management Zone Law & Rules
Water Quality BMP’s For Montana Forests (Montana State University Extension Services)
USFS - Understory Biomass Reduction Methods and Equipment Catalog
USFS - Field Guide for Danger Tree Identification and Response
Questionnaire – Strategy & Tactics For Using Heavy Equipment During Wildfire Operations
Contractor Handouts
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Caterpillar Performance Handbook
John Deere Equipment Listing for Forestry Equipment
John Deere J-Series Dozer Pamphlet (Fire Suppression Tractors)
Terra Track All-Terrain Work Vehicles
SoftTrack Fire Team Demo and Specifications
Oliver Contracting – FECON FTX 140
CAT PUMPS – Ultra High Pressure Firefighting Products
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All course information and handouts referred to in this document can be requested from FPInnovations Wildfire
Operations Research.
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Classroom Sessions
Classroom sessions were kept small to maximize field time spent with the heavy equipment. Session
topics and PowerPoint presentations included:
Course Introductions and Objectives
Incident Commander’s Expectations and Workshop Safety
Preparation for Deployment as a Heavy Equipment Boss
Heavy Equipment Boss Responsibilities
Operator Information & Interviews
Equipment Inspections
Incident Management Responsibilities
Environmental concerns
Heavy Equipment Types and Capabilities
Equipment Transport and Transport Types
Tactics and Safety
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Field Sessions
As noted, there was a strong emphasis on field exercises and hands-on participation throughout the
workshop. An ICS model was implemented during the field exercises, including designation of an
Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, Task Force Leaders and Squad Bosses. Participants
were broken into squads and radio frequencies were assigned. Safety briefings were conducted and
activities around heavy equipment were controlled at all times. Field demonstrations and exercises
included:
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Incident Commander Address & Briefings
Heavy Equipment Review (types, capabilities, use, tactics & safety through equipment
Inspections and operator interviews)
Field Demonstrations and live Felling, Skidding, Log Processing and Mulching exercises using
a variety of heavy equipment types, and assigned Heavy Equipment Bosses
Line Scouting Exercise
Fireline and Shaded Fuel Break Construction with assigned Heavy Equipment Bosses
Night Time field exercise and equipment demonstrations with assigned Heavy Equipment
Bosses
Equipment Transport and Transport Types, including loading & unloading techniques
Environmental concerns & rehabilitation
Field tour of 2007 Jocko Fire - successful / unsuccessful fuel breaks and rehabilitation
operations
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Heavy Equipment
The following is a summary of the equipment used during the workshop. Equipment classification is
determined by horsepower and attachments, as per contract specifications.
Dozer (Type 1)
This Caterpillar D7 dozer (Figure 1) is equipped with a number of attachments, including a 6-way
blade and ripper. If desired, the ripper can be taken off and replaced with a winch. This unit is primarily
used for fireline construction in moderate to heavy fuels and rehabilitation work.
Figure 1. Type 1 dozer.
Dozer; Tracked Grapple Skidder; Tracked Skidgine (Type 2)
This Caterpillar D5H dozer (Figure 2) is equipped with a number of attachments which allows it to
convert between dozer, tracked skidder and tracked skidgine. The grapple attachment is the key
attachment that allows these classification adjustments. The grapple allows the dozer to be used as a
tracked skidder and with the addition of a water tank, pump and hose (shown behind the unit) the unit
can be converted again to a tracked skidgine. The grapple can also be taken off and replaced with a
ripper or winch when operating as a dozer. The water tank is also able to function independently when
positioned near a working area. This unit is capable of fireline construction, skidding, water delivery
and rehabilitation work.
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Figure 2. Type 2 dozer/tracked skidgine; tracked skidder.
Dozer ‘Pumpercat’ (Type 2)
This Caterpillar D5M dozer ‘pumpercat’ (Figure 3) is equipped with a water tank c/w pressure pump
and hose. The water tank is fixed, but can be replaced with a winch or ripper. This unit combines dozer
use with an onboard water source and is capable of fireline construction, water delivery and
rehabilitation work.
Figure 3. Type 2 dozer ‘pumpercat’.
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Carrier-Mounted Strip Mulcher (Masticator)
This strip mulcher is a FECON model FTX140-FM (140 horsepower with hammer-style teeth mounted
on a rotary drum) (Figure 4). This unit is capable of mulching standing and downed fuels and is used in
fuel modification project work and fireline construction i.e. re-arrangement of light to moderate sized
trees and surface fuels, and mulching into mineral soils.
Figure 4. Carrier-mounted strip mulcher.
Skidgine (Type 1)
This FMC CA-210 (Figure 5) is equipped with a 1250 gallon tank and delivers water via pressure
pump and rear hose reels, rear and side spray bars and a hood mounted water cannon. It also features a
two way blade on the front and is used for light fireline construction and water delivery.
Figure 5. Type 1 skidgine.
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Skidder, Rubber Tire (RTS) (Type 1) / Skidgine (Type 2)
This John Deere Model 648G rubber tired grapple skidder (Figure 6) is easily converted to a skidgine
in minutes. Attachments include a 9’ blade, swing boom grapple and detachable tank c/w with pressure
pump and hose. The tank functions independently of the machine, which allows it to also be placed
near a working area, freeing the machine to work elsewhere as a skidder if necessary. This unit is
capable of light fireline construction, skidding and water delivery.
Figure 6. Type 1 rubber tire skidder and Type 2 skidgine.
Forwarder / Skidgine (Type I )
This TD81 Ciceron 20 Ton Forwarder / Skidgine (formally known as a Super-Skidgine) (Figure 7) can
be operated as seen with a 3000 gallon tank, or the tank can be removed and the unit converted to a
forwarder with the installation of log bunks.
Figure 7. Type 1 forwarder/skidgine.
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It also has a detachable 6-way dozer blade and tire-track system, which enables it to work wetter
ground. The tank is fitted with a hopper allowing the option of helicopter re-fills. The unit is also
equipped with a trash pump (capable of a 13 minute tank re-fill), a pressure pump with hose reel,
multiple tank output ports, and water cannon mounted on the grapple boom. This unit can be used to
move high volumes of water. It is able to work slash and debris piles, or it can be converted to a log /
tree forwarder.
Feller Buncher
This Komatsu Valmet 425 EXL unit (Figure 8) with feller-buncher head and rotary saw blade (Hot
Saw) has a self-leveling cab, which allows it to operate on steep terrain. The arms on the head allow for
multiple trees to be cut, gathered and placed into a skid for removal. The primary role of this unit is to
cut and prepare standing timber for removal during fireline construction and fuel modification projects.
It can also be very useful in the removal of danger trees or snags, eliminating hand felling safety
concerns.
Figure 8. Feller-buncher.
Excavator
This Kobelco ED 150 Blade Runner Excavator (Figure 9) is equipped with an arm, bucket, thumb and
power angle-tilt blade. This picture illustrates the machine building fireline on steep slope (60%). The
machine also has a thumb attachment on the bucket, allowing it to grasp and remove small trees and
brush, as well as a blade for stripping surface fuels to bare mineral soil. The primary functions of this
unit are fireline construction, constructing stream or ephemeral crossings and fireline rehabilitation.
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Figure 9. Excavator.
Boom Mounted Mulcher
This Timbco 445-B boom mounted disc mulcher (Figure 10) is capable of grinding small and medium
sized standing trees and surface fuels. The primary use of this machine is to grind fuels during fireline
construction and fuel modification projects.
Figure 10. Boom-mounted mulcher.
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Harvester
This Timberjack 608L Harvester (Figure 11) is equipped with a leveling cab and boom mounted
processing head. The machine is able to cut single trees, de-limb and process the tree into desired
lengths. Unlike the feller buncher head, the harvesting head is not capable of holding a tree in place
after cutting, and trees are manipulated into position then processed (delimbed and cut to length). The
primary role of this unit is to cut and process standing timber ahead of a fireline construction and fuel
modification projects. It can also be very useful in the removal of danger trees or snags, eliminating
hand felling safety concerns.
Figure 11. Harvester.
Delimber
The Daewoo 220LL Delimber (Figure 12) was stationed at the landing area to process decked timber
being skidded from fireline and shaded fuel break construction. The primary use of this machine is to
process full length trees skidded into a central location. This machine should be considered timber
requires processing at a central landing location.
Figure 12. Delimber.
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Knowledge Gained
The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for training, agency interaction and discussion on
heavy equipment use. During this time there were many take home messages, knowledge gaps and
research ideas discussed.
Heavy Equipment Use
The use of heavy equipment in support of wildland fire operations and fuel modification projects is not
new. However, use is often dictated by a variety of factors, including heavy equipment availability,
agency budget, agency culture, adequate heavy equipment knowledge and training, environmental
concerns and incident geographic location. These realities all have to be balanced with the values at
risk and, public and agency expectations. For all firefighting agencies, staying current and
knowledgeable about heavy equipment is critical to both balancing these realities and ensuring
effective and efficient heavy equipment use.
Most agencies would agree that heavy equipment has a role in wildland fire suppression. This role is
influenced as noted above, and in some cases it may not be realistic. However, assessment and debate
on its use, as well as how it should fit into an organization’s structure is a worthwhile exercise. Heavy
equipment is a resource which requires coordination with all other firefighting resources. Heavy
equipment selection requires situational awareness and a sound understanding of equipment type,
capabilities, production and cost. These attributes can only be gained through training and use.
Most of today’s fuel modification projects are completed using modern heavy equipment, of which
there is an abundance of types available. Depending on project objectives, careful equipment selection
can often increase production and decrease project costs.
Water delivery often plays a key role in suppression success. Where water supply is limited, water
transport vehicles can play a critical role in crew support and success. Consideration to access, ground
conditions, environmental concerns and turn-around times are required in the selection of the right
vehicles.
Heavy equipment use has become more prevalent in prescribed fire activities. Many prescribed burns
can be large and complex, and the use of heavy equipment to secure boundaries is often both obvious
and necessary. Often these projects involve removal of fuels which is only possible with heavy
equipment. Other applications may also provide an opportunity to alter fuel arrangement where lower
intensity burning conditions are required.
In most instances the use of night-time firefighting strategies raises immediate safety concerns.
Although these concerns are well-founded, resources can often be employed and activities carried out
in a safe and productive manner. This is especially true in the use of heavy equipment, where most
types are already being employed in night operations and operators are well-versed in safe operation
(e.g. logging activities). Modified night-time operations are also an option such as starting or finishing
just prior to daylight hours. The key to night-time operations is the development of sound go-no go
criteria, proper training, clear assignment understanding, communications and eliminating conflicts
with ground personnel.
There are a variety of terms used to describe equipment types. These often vary from agency to agency,
or even within individual agencies. These differences make communications, ordering and inter-agency
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cooperation challenging. A consistent approach to terminology and equipment description can alleviate
much of this confusion. Heavy equipment catalogues, or other forms of documentation that provides
for equipment descriptions and a basic understanding of fireline use, can be very useful to agencies
tasked with ordering heavy equipment. The Mechanized Equipment for Fire and Fuels Operations
(2009), with contractor directory, created for Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington is an excellent
example of this type of documentation. The manual provides for heavy equipment descriptions, use,
safety and contractor listings. Within the contractor listing, equipment type, description, attachments
and contact information is listed. This information could also be expanded to include equipment
production rates, slope limitations, tree size limitations, etc., which would provide an excellent
reference guide to both use and ordering. There was talk of digitizing this format and creating a
smartphone application.
Training
In the US, the term ‘dozer boss’ has been replaced by the term ‘heavy equipment boss’. This reflects
the move to provide supervision to all heavy equipment types being utilized on wildland fire incidents.
Also included in this transition, is the amalgamation of the S-232 Dozer Boss and the S-233 Tractor
Boss courses into the new S-236 Heavy Equipment Boss course.
All agencies talk of an aging workforce and the challenges related to staff turn-over. Because of this,
training and knowledge transfer is becoming a priority for most agencies. This is also a concern in
heavy equipment use. Training can provide essential knowledge, but real learning comes with hands-on
experience. Training with heavy equipment is needed to show equipment capabilities and to help
educate personnel on what can, or can’t be done. Previous courses have focused on classroom sessions
with minimal field time and exposure to heavy equipment. A workshop such as this allows for a great
deal of field time and hands-on opportunities, but it also presents a challenge in terms of cost and
logistics (i.e. finding suitable sites to run live field exercises). Forming partnerships and coordinating
training opportunities with actual projects is a way to offset these challenges. Project work often
provides the perfect opportunity to evaluate and assess equipment. These opportunities should be
documented to provide quantitative information for planning, future operational use and training.
Many people have only worked with dozers on the fireline, and visualize a dozer guard when heavy
equipment is being discussed. In reality, there is a wide variety of equipment available capable of a
variety of tasks, from large cleared dozer lines to smaller scratched firelines, and heavy equipment does
not necessarily equate to heavy impact.
Science-Based Research
The connection established between FPInnovations and the USFS has been in place for a number of
years. Attendance at this workshop both re-enforced that relationship and provided opportunities to
make new connections with federal, state and tribal agencies. In an age of growing public and agency
concern, practitioners and decision makers are being challenged to provide science-based research to
support and justify their decisions. The documentation of the tools and the processes we use, as well as
the results we achieve have become extremely important.
Many experienced field staff rely on unwritten rules of thumb and past experience with particular
equipment to determine what its capabilities are, applications where it is best suited and expected
production and cost. This information is difficult to teach to new field staff tasked with filling heavy
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equipment supervisory positions on fires or projects, and field experience opportunities are absolutely
critical to this training.
Production rates exist for heavy equipment used in logging operations, and while there are similarities
that translate to fireline activities, it is not just individual equipment production rates that are important;
but also important are production rates for task forces that include multiple and different pieces of
equipment. In addition, gathering and evaluating this type of information can help reduce fire costs
through a better understanding of comparative economics i.e. Ground based water delivery versus
aerial supplied water delivery methods.
Acknowledgements
FPInnovations wishes to thank the United States Forest Service, the National Wildfire Coordinating
Group, the Southwest Montana Wildland Fire Training center, the Northern Rockies Training Center,
the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and the Lubrecht facility staff along with all participants,
contractors and operators for their hospitality and insight.
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