technology & development program cnh forest fire council spring meeting

Technology & Technology & Development ProgramDevelopment Program

CNH Forest Fire Council CNH Forest Fire Council Spring MeetingSpring Meeting

SDTDC-CNH Spring 08SDTDC-CNH Spring 08

Presentation FormatPresentation Format

Who we are.Who we are.– HistoryHistory– ProceduresProcedures

What we do.What we do.– Short list of projectsShort list of projects


What we DO – Mission What we DO – Mission StatementStatement

To To systematically apply scientific systematically apply scientific knowledge and advance technologyknowledge and advance technology to to create new or substantially improved create new or substantially improved equipment, system, materials, process, equipment, system, materials, process, techniques, and procedures to meet the techniques, and procedures to meet the challenges and objectives of sustainable challenges and objectives of sustainable forest ecosystem management practicesforest ecosystem management practices


HistoryHistory

Present Location: San

Dimas, CA since 1965


HistoryHistorySDTDC began in 1945 in

Southern California for the sole purpose of developing

wildland fire equipment.


What we Do – Program AreasWhat we Do – Program Areas Fire & Aviation ManagementFire & Aviation Management

– Fire prevention and suppressionFire prevention and suppression– Fuels and residuesFuels and residues

RecreationRecreation EngineeringEngineering

– Roads & facilitiesRoads & facilities Forest ManagementForest Management Inventory & MonitoringInventory & Monitoring


OrganizationOrganization


What we DO – Program of WorkWhat we DO – Program of Work

How DO we get our workHow DO we get our work– Steering committeesSteering committees– Assigned by someone higher upAssigned by someone higher up


What we DO NOT DOWhat we DO NOT DO

We do not develop We do not develop policypolicy– Provide information to make policyProvide information to make policy

We do not decide what to work onWe do not decide what to work on


Products & ServicesProducts & Services Equipment

Development Publications

– Tech Tips– Project reports

Specifications Informational videos Product evaluation Training Technical consultants


CustomersCustomers Interagency field personnelInteragency field personnel

– US Forest ServiceUS Forest Service– Bureau of Land ManagementBureau of Land Management– National Park ServiceNational Park Service– Bureau of Indian AffairsBureau of Indian Affairs– Fish & Wildlife ServiceFish & Wildlife Service– National Association of State ForestersNational Association of State Foresters


T&D ProcessT&D Process Proposals Submitted from the Field Steering Committee Rates Proposals

o Committee comprised of 1 Rep from each Region, WO and cooperating

partners, FWS, BLM TD works on Priority Projects Product is Delivered to the Field


Relies on:Relies on:

Ideas Problems Constructive Feedback


Product LifecycleProduct Lifecycle


Technology & Development ProgramTechnology & Development Program

MythsMyths We DO NOT We DO NOT selectselect our own our own projectsprojects We DO NOT make We DO NOT make rulesrules or or policypolicy

Fireline Construction Fireline Construction Production Rates Production Rates

StudyStudy

Validate crew line Validate crew line construction production construction production

rates.rates.


Fireline Construction Production Fireline Construction Production Rates StudyRates Study

Benefits:Benefits: Assist to establish Assist to establish

rates for rates for contractscontracts

Assist in planning Assist in planning & resource & resource allocations.allocations.


MethodologyMethodology

• Shadow crew

• Gather the following data:• Fuel model• Terrain• Weather• Crew assignment • No. of crew cutting line• Line type, length

•Evaluate data•Statistical validity•Missing data on FM


Observation SummaryObservation Summary

20062006 20072007

FiresFires11 1313 1515

IHCIHC 1616 1313

Type IIType II 88 1717

Total daysTotal days 2727 303022

Total Shift HoursTotal Shift Hours 389389 308308

Notes:

1. Number of fires where data was collected.

2. Unable to collect data on 7 fires

Ralph Gonzales

In 2007, 199 hrs was non-line construction and 109 hrs constructing line.


Future ActionsFuture Actions Determine data needed to achieve Determine data needed to achieve

statistically validity.statistically validity.

Import corrected GPS data & photos to Import corrected GPS data & photos to Google Earth.Google Earth.

Production rates for dozers will be collected Production rates for dozers will be collected in FM 2 & 3.in FM 2 & 3.

Collect crew data on FM 2& 3 when Collect crew data on FM 2& 3 when available.available.

Fuel Standardization Fuel Standardization StudyStudy

Provide a central document Provide a central document for wildland fuels collection for wildland fuels collection

and measurement and measurement procedures.procedures.


Fuel Standardization StudyFuel Standardization Study

Collection MethodsCollection Methods ContainersContainers Oven studyOven study Site selectionSite selection


Fuel Standardization StudyFuel Standardization Study

2 Tech Tips complete2 Tech Tips complete– Chainsaw vs. handsawChainsaw vs. handsaw– ContainersContainers

Oven study completed Oven study completed (Neo-systems, (Neo-systems,

Computrak, & convection).Computrak, & convection).

A first draft of the Fuels Guide A first draft of the Fuels Guide Compendium is complete. Compendium is complete.

Fuel Dike / Spill Fuel Dike / Spill ContainmentContainment

Improve existing fuel berm Improve existing fuel berm dike and spill containment dike and spill containment

system.system.


Fuel Dike/Spill ContainmentFuel Dike/Spill Containment

Prototype was developed and field Prototype was developed and field tested. tested.

Initial test indicates that the unit Initial test indicates that the unit worked well. worked well.

Laboratory testing is being Laboratory testing is being conducted. conducted.


Fuel Dike/Spill Containment Study

New tarps were being worn out from constant pump vibration.

Evaluation of foam tubing on the Zaca Fire, showed no constant wear and an added bonus of better stability of operating pump and generators.

Foam tubing attached to outside frame

Compressed Air Foam Compressed Air Foam Systems StudySystems Study

Compare various CAFS Compare various CAFS units, determine if it can units, determine if it can be used on prevention be used on prevention

vehicles.vehicles.


CAFS StudyCAFS Study

3 Units installed on patrol vehicles 3 Units installed on patrol vehicles for field evaluationfor field evaluation– Tri-max Super 60Tri-max Super 60– Fire Solutions Dual RR 30Fire Solutions Dual RR 30– Air QuickAir Quick


Tri-Max Super 60 skidTri-Max Super 60 skid


CAFS EvaluationCAFS Evaluation

Vehicle Stability ProjectVehicle Stability Project

Develop field procedures Develop field procedures to verify, vehicle stabilityto verify, vehicle stability

Gather data on agency Gather data on agency vehicles vehicles


Vehicle Stability TestVehicle Stability Test

• Water tenders• Crew carriers• Type 3 engines• Type 6 engines


Vehicle StabilityVehicle Stability

Crawler Protection Crawler Protection StudyStudy

Evaluate different Evaluate different products for operator products for operator

protectionprotection


Crawler Production RatesCrawler Production Rates

Validate crawler protection Validate crawler protection equipmentequipment– Fire curtainsFire curtains– Environmental cabsEnvironmental cabs– Hose protectionHose protection


Crawler Protection StudyCrawler Protection Study

Finalizing indoor test plan. Finalizing indoor test plan. Looking for outdoor test site. Looking for outdoor test site. Looked at dozer burn-over in Looked at dozer burn-over in

California. California. Four dozers available for testing. Four dozers available for testing.


Dozer Committee Research utilizing actual events to better provide operator protection


Protective door covering helped to protect window molding from extreme heat

Unprotected Molding

Protective molding


Glass laminate material showed melting in between glass, suggesting lower ignition

temperatures.


Crawler ProtectionCrawler Protection

Laboratory TestingLaboratory Testing– In-houseIn-house– NISTNIST– CSIROCSIRO


Conclusions from CSIRO Study Conclusions from CSIRO Study

Untenable conditions due to toxic gas Untenable conditions due to toxic gas exposure was reached before untenable exposure was reached before untenable thermal limitsthermal limits in all cases for regions below in all cases for regions below the window level. the window level.

Respirable particle were the main reason for Respirable particle were the main reason for exceeding tenability criteriaexceeding tenability criteria..

The physical integrity of the cabin envelope The physical integrity of the cabin envelope must be maintained in order for the vehicle must be maintained in order for the vehicle to provide a safe refuge during a burnover to provide a safe refuge during a burnover event.event.


… … from CSIRO Studyfrom CSIRO Study

Use of fire curtains compromises the Use of fire curtains compromises the integrity of the glass because it integrity of the glass because it reflect radiant heat onto the inside of reflect radiant heat onto the inside of the glass. Heating both sides.the glass. Heating both sides.

Invasive Species Invasive Species Vehicle Wash ProjectVehicle Wash Project

Develop a minimum Develop a minimum specification for vehicle specification for vehicle

washer used to minimize washer used to minimize the spread on the spread on

non-native/invasive non-native/invasive speciesspecies


Types of VehiclesTypes of Vehicles

5 different washer types evaluated5 different washer types evaluated Large wheeled vehiclesLarge wheeled vehicles

– Type 3 fire enginesType 3 fire engines Civilian patterned vehiclesCivilian patterned vehicles

– Pick-up truckPick-up truck– SUVSUV

TrackedTracked– Fire dozerFire dozer


Invasive Species Vehicle WashInvasive Species Vehicle Wash


Test Site – CDF Facility Ione, Test Site – CDF Facility Ione, CACA


Contactor Wash SystemContactor Wash System


Secondary Hand WashersSecondary Hand Washers


From the collection tank to this settling tank.

FLOW

FLOW

Filtration

Hydration StudyHydration StudyInvestigate other hydration Investigate other hydration system to replace canteen.system to replace canteen.


Hydration StudyHydration Study

Hydration system studyHydration system study– Not limited to bladder typesNot limited to bladder types– Initial selection & procurement of Initial selection & procurement of

products selected.products selected.– ““Camelback” bottle systems given to Camelback” bottle systems given to

lead users for evaluation this fire seasonlead users for evaluation this fire season


Hydration StudyHydration Study


ModelModel CapacityCapacity(fl. oz)(fl. oz)

InsulatedInsulated DryDryWeightWeight

GSA GSA ScheduleSchedule

CostCost BladdeBladder Onlyr Only

CamelbakCamelbak

UnbottleUnbottle 7070 YesYes 12 oz.12 oz. NoNo

UnbottleUnbottle 100100 YesYes 13 oz.13 oz. NoNo

HotshotHotshot 7272 YesYes $25-$33$25-$33

HotshotHotshot 102102 YesYes 18 oz.18 oz. $29-$37$29-$37

BottleBottle 2525 NoNo 6 oz.6 oz. $47/pack of 6$47/pack of 6

BottleBottle 3232 NoNo 7.4 oz7.4 oz NoNo $14$14

PlatypusPlatypus

Platy BottlePlaty Bottle 3434 NoNo 0.8 oz0.8 oz $4$4

Platy BottlePlaty Bottle 8080 NoNo 1 oz1 oz $5$5

Big ZipBig Zip 3434 NoNo 3.5 oz3.5 oz $12$12

Big ZipBig Zip 6060 NoNo 4 oz4 oz $13$13

Big ZipBig Zip 7070 NoNo 4 oz4 oz $13$13

Big ZipBig Zip 100100 NoNo 4.5 oz4.5 oz $14$14

HoserHoser 6060 NoNo 3.5 oz3.5 oz $10$10

HoserHoser 7070 NoNo 3.5 oz3.5 oz $10$10

HoserHoser 100100 NoNo 4 oz4 oz $11$11

Hiker HydratorHiker Hydrator 6060 NoNo 10 oz10 oz $15$15





CostCost BladdeBladder Onlyr Only

Mountain Safety ResearchMountain Safety Research

HydromedaryHydromedary 7070 NoNo 6.5 oz6.5 oz $19$19 YesYes

HydromedaryHydromedary NoNo 6.7 oz6.7 oz $20$20 YesYes

HydromedaryHydromedary 100100 NoNo 7.1 oz7.1 oz $21$21 YesYes

The Pack ShackThe Pack Shack

Water BagWater Bag NoNo 13.7 oz13.7 oz NoNo

ThielsenThielsen

Hydro_CoolHydro_Cool YesYes 18.4 oz18.4 oz NoNo $30$30 $18$18

NalgeneNalgene

Big Bore TankerBig Bore Tanker 4848 NoNo NoNo

Big Bore TankerBig Bore Tanker 6464 OptionalOptional NoNo

Big Bore TankerBig Bore Tanker 9696 OptionalOptional NoNo

HDPE Loop Top BottleHDPE Loop Top Bottle 3232 NoNo 3.8 oz3.8 oz YesYes $4$4

Wide-Mouth Loop Top BottleWide-Mouth Loop Top Bottle 3232 NoNo 5.3 oz5.3 oz YesYes $6$6

Wide-Mouth Loop Top BottleWide-Mouth Loop Top Bottle 4848 NoNo 6.9 oz6.9 oz NoNo $10$10

Multi-Layer Film CanteenMulti-Layer Film Canteen 1616 NoNo 1.9 oz1.9 oz YesYes $6$6




Canteen TubingCanteen Tubing N/AN/A N/AN/A 3.5 oz3.5 oz NoNo $12$12





CostCost Bladder Bladder OnlyOnly

DeuterDeuter

Streamer 2.0Streamer 2.0 OptionalOptional 6 oz6 oz NoNo

Streamer 3.0Streamer 3.0 OptionalOptional 7 oz7 oz NoNo

MPACKMPACK

AquaFlo 2 LiterAquaFlo 2 Liter 7070 NoNo 3.2 oz3.2 oz NoNo $20/5 bags$20/5 bags

AquaFlo 3 LiterAquaFlo 3 Liter NoNo 3.8 oz3.8 oz NoNo N/AN/A

Ultimate DirectionUltimate Direction

32 oz Reservoir32 oz Reservoir 3232 NoNo 5 oz5 oz NoNo $28$28


96 oz Reservoir96 oz Reservoir 9696 NoNo 6.5 oz6.5 oz NoNo $32$32


Skillcraft (Hydramax)Skillcraft (Hydramax)

ReflectorReflector 100100 YesYes 21.6 oz21.6 oz NoNo $52$52

MustangMustang 120120 YesYes 30 oz30 oz NoNo $68$68

StingerStinger 100100 YesYes 18 oz18 oz NoNo $52$52

Alpha ReflectorAlpha Reflector 120120 YesYes 28.1 oz28.1 oz NoNo $47$47


Hydration Study - TestingHydration Study - Testing

The drinking systems are tested for following The drinking systems are tested for following characteristics:characteristics:

Effectiveness in providing cool water for Effectiveness in providing cool water for extended periods in warm environments extended periods in warm environments

Efficiency durability, and ease of use in the Efficiency durability, and ease of use in the fireline environment fireline environment

Compatibility with PPE and other fireline Compatibility with PPE and other fireline equipment equipment

Cost effectiveness Cost effectiveness Maintainability (meeting hygiene and health Maintainability (meeting hygiene and health

requirements). requirements).

Weather KitWeather Kit

Evaluate content of Evaluate content of current kitcurrent kit

Feasibility of electronic Feasibility of electronic weather instrumentsweather instruments


Weather Observation KitWeather Observation KitGSA Wildland Fire Equipment Catalog, GSA Wildland Fire Equipment Catalog,

Weather Observation KitWeather Observation Kit$83.91$83.91

PsychrometerPsychrometer$22.57$22.57

Wind Speed IndicatorWind Speed Indicator$18.14$18.14

Smoke Chaser’s Smoke Chaser’s CompassCompass $10.64$10.64

Weather Kit CaseWeather Kit Case$14.87$14.87


Belt Weather Kit - Belt Weather Kit - RecommendationRecommendation

Replace mercury thermometers with Replace mercury thermometers with non-mercury thermometersnon-mercury thermometers

Remove notebook and writing boardRemove notebook and writing board


Current PsychrometerCurrent Psychrometer

Current Current Psychrometer Psychrometer

2 mercury 2 mercury thermometers on a thermometers on a metal mounting plate metal mounting plate allowing for dry- and allowing for dry- and wet-bulb readings. wet-bulb readings.

Thermometer range is Thermometer range is 30 to 11030 to 110oo F. F.


Recommended Sling Recommended Sling PsychrometerPsychrometer

Weksler Glass Pocket Weksler Glass Pocket Sling PsychrometerSling Psychrometer

Two 5 ½” red liquid Two 5 ½” red liquid filled lens front filled lens front thermometers attached thermometers attached to metal back with to metal back with handle for whirling.handle for whirling.

Thermometer range is Thermometer range is 20 to 11020 to 110o o F. F.

$65 with case$65 with case


Why Phase Out Mercury Why Phase Out Mercury ThermometersThermometers

Executive Order 13423 (Strengthening Federal Executive Order 13423 (Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management.Management.

Mercury on the list of 31Priority Chemical list Mercury on the list of 31Priority Chemical list established by the US EPA National Waste established by the US EPA National Waste Minimization Program.Minimization Program.

The clean up can be very costly, averaging $1000 The clean up can be very costly, averaging $1000 for one broken thermometer.for one broken thermometer.


Belt Weather KitBelt Weather KitMercuryMercury Red-LiquidRed-Liquid

Temperature RangeTemperature Range 30 to 11030 to 110oo F F 20 to 11020 to 110o o F. F.

ReplacementReplacement11 ~~ $13.50 each$13.50 each

PsychrometerPsychrometer11 $22.57$22.57 $42.95$42.95

Belt Weather KitBelt Weather Kit11 $83.91$83.91 $121.50$121.5022

Electronic Weather KitElectronic Weather Kit $129.00 (Kestrel 3000)$129.00 (Kestrel 3000)33

Notes:Notes:

1.1. Commercial single unit price (Forestry Suppliers)Commercial single unit price (Forestry Suppliers)

2.2. Commercial 10 or more price (Forestry Suppliers)Commercial 10 or more price (Forestry Suppliers)

3.3. No accessoriesNo accessories


Weather Kit – DisposalWeather Kit – Disposal

Disposal: ~$500Disposal: ~$500 Hazardous waste contractor transportation: ~$200Hazardous waste contractor transportation: ~$200

Assumptions:Assumptions:– As long as thermometers are in tact, disposal As long as thermometers are in tact, disposal

cost is much less because it’s not considered a cost is much less because it’s not considered a hazardous wastehazardous waste

– Thermometers on stock estimated to fit in two 5 Thermometers on stock estimated to fit in two 5 gallon containersgallon containers

– Cost of shipping to a central location is not Cost of shipping to a central location is not included.included.


Belt Weather Kit - RefurbishmentBelt Weather Kit - Refurbishment

Alternatives for refurbishmentAlternatives for refurbishment– Each cache refurbish existing stock & dispose Each cache refurbish existing stock & dispose

of thermometersof thermometers– Each cache refurbish existing stock & send to a Each cache refurbish existing stock & send to a

central disposal locationcentral disposal location– Centralized location for refurbishment & Centralized location for refurbishment &

disposaldisposal CacheCache Contractor, e.g. Lighthouse for the BlindContractor, e.g. Lighthouse for the Blind

– Do not refurbish, exhaust current stock.Do not refurbish, exhaust current stock.


Alternatives for New PurchasesAlternatives for New Purchases

1.1. Do nothingDo nothing

2.2. Replace thermometer in the IPD. Modify IPD to Replace thermometer in the IPD. Modify IPD to replace “mercury indicator” to “non mercury, replace “mercury indicator” to “non mercury, red liquid indicator”. red liquid indicator”.

3.3. Replace psychrometer in the weather kit with, Replace psychrometer in the weather kit with, COTS psychrometer.COTS psychrometer.

4.4. Replace psychrometer with an electronic Replace psychrometer with an electronic weather kit.weather kit.


Electronic Weather KitsElectronic Weather Kits


Electronic Weather KitElectronic Weather Kit

Not accurate for low RHNot accurate for low RH– MFG claims 5% errorMFG claims 5% error– Actual measurement 10% errorActual measurement 10% error

CostlyCostly– Units with wind direction capabilities are Units with wind direction capabilities are

3 time as much as the current weather 3 time as much as the current weather kitkit

Wildland RespiratorWildland Respirator

Provide information to fire Provide information to fire fighters & managers on fighters & managers on

respirators usagerespirators usage



A Tech Tip titled A Tech Tip titled Respirator Usage by Wildland FirefighRespirator Usage by Wildland Firefightersters was published in March 2007. was published in March 2007.

Estimated completion of NFPA Estimated completion of NFPA Standard: Fall 2010Standard: Fall 2010



A typical NIOSH-approved dust mask

Samples of non NIOSH-approved mask products

Fish Strainer for Fish Strainer for HelicoptersHelicopters


Fish Strainer for HelicoptersFish Strainer for Helicopters•Fish strainer prevents fishes & fish eggs from getting into helicopter bucket.

•Prevents harming sensitive species

•Prevents transferring invasive species.

Specification & Specification & StandardsStandards

Maintain FS standardsMaintain FS standards Assure that items procured Assure that items procured

meets standardsmeets standards


First Articles - WorkmanshipFirst Articles - Workmanship

Thread inspection


First Article - ReducerFirst Article - Reducer

First Article Testing

• Assures that mfg is capable of making a product that meets specification

• Communicates FS requirements


First Article – Double Female First Article – Double Female CouplingCoupling


First Article – Garden Hose WyeFirst Article – Garden Hose Wye


First Article – Nozzle TestFirst Article – Nozzle Test


First Article – Hose ClampFirst Article – Hose Clamp


FireWatchFireWatch

Project Goal: Evaluate systemProject Goal: Evaluate system

Looks at smoke particle behaviorLooks at smoke particle behavior System used in several European System used in several European

countriescountries On loan from the manufacturerOn loan from the manufacturer Install in Strawberry Peak Lookout in the Install in Strawberry Peak Lookout in the

San BernardinoSan Bernardino


FirewatchFirewatch


Remote Control DozerRemote Control Dozer

Assist in line constructions in steep Assist in line constructions in steep terrain in tandem with handcrewsterrain in tandem with handcrews

Able to position in in accessible Able to position in in accessible location using helicopterlocation using helicopter

EERA – initial evaluation on 2 firesEERA – initial evaluation on 2 fires

Spin off – the use of small dozers & Spin off – the use of small dozers & excavators. excavators.


Remote

Control guy

Swamper


Aerial Delivery Systems & Aerial Delivery Systems & RheologyRheology


For More InformationFor More Information

Contact:Contact:

Ralph GonzalesRalph Gonzales

Fire Program LeaderFire Program Leader

(909) 599-1267 x 212(909) 599-1267 x 212

[email protected]@fs.fed.us

Webpage: Webpage: http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/fihttp://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/fire/index.shtmlre/index.shtml

technology & development program cnh forest fire council spring meeting

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