Part 1 of 2 Missoula Fire and Aviation USDA Forest Service • Technology and Development Program • 5100 Fire, 5700 Aviation

Technical Services— community through their involve- ment in groups such as the Fire and Aviation National Fire Protection Associa- Management tion (NFPA), National Coordinating Group, and National Technical services provided by Fire Equipment Systems (NFES) MTDC’s Fire and Aviation committee. By maintaining a close Management Program are used to relationship with workers in the transfer information and technol- field—those folks in the yellow ogy from specialists to the field shirts—MTDC anticipates new units. MTDC personnel stay needs, enabling the Forest Service current on technologies and issues to provide a safer, more productive that affect the wildland work environment. Dick Mangan, Fire and Aviation Program Leader

Dick has been Program Leader for Fire, Aviation, and Residues at MTDC since 1989. Before coming to the center, he spent more than National 20 years working on Ranger Districts and National Forests in Oregon and Wildfire Washington, participating in the full Coordinating range of wildland fire activities. He serves on the National Wildfire Group Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Equipment and Safety and Health Working Teams and is chairperson of the National Fire Protection The National Wild- Association (NFPA) 1977 Technical fire Coordinating Committee for Wildland Fire Group (NWCG) is an Personal Protective Clothing and organization whose Equipment. Dick remains active in membership includes the field, representing MTDC on fire entrapment investigations and the National Associa- serving as Operations Section Chief tion of State Foresters, on a National Type 1 Overhead Team. National Fire Protec- tion Association, the Phone ...... (406) 329-3849 U.S. Fire Administra- IBM ...... rmangan/wo,mtdc E-mail .... rmangan/[email protected] tion, and all Federal agencies responsible for wildland fire

Dick Mangan (left) provides technical services in many management. NWCG field settings. provides national

August 1997 9751-2812-MTDC1 Part 1 of 2 coordination for training tech- niques and the latest technologies affecting fire management. Specific areas of concern are handled by working teams and subcommittees comprised of experts from across the country. MTDC fire management personnel serve as advisors to several teams, including the Fire Equipment Working Team (FEWT), the Safety and Health Working Team (SHWT), and the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) Sub- committee. Center Specialists offer expert technical advice to these groups and often work on specific projects assigned by them. Recent projects in which MTDC fire man- agement personnel have played a major part include:

• Maintenance of the national fire entrapment data base

• Review of the 100-person first aid kit stocked by the fire caches Close inspection of the fire shelter provides clues of temperature ranges experienced during an entrapment. • Leadership in the continuing study of the Health Hazards of Smoke. Fire Entrapment Vehicle Entrapment Investigations Studies

MTDC Fire Program personnel are For many years, wildland fire- often involved with onsite investi- fighters have debated what to do gations when fire entrapments when entrapped with a vehicle General Services occur. They collect tools, personal (engine, tender, pickup, sedan): is Administration protective equipment, and other it best to “ride it out” in the vehicle, personal effects. In addition, they or abandon the vehicle and get The Fire Program at MTDC coordi- record extensive photographic into a fire shelter? There have been nates with the General Services evidence. Many times these exam- lots of gut-feeling responses, and Administration to provide quality inations lead not only to improve- some real-life experience on both wildland firefighting equipment at ments in equipment, but also give sides of this question, but little a reasonable cost. The specifica- insights into the effectiveness of hard data to compare conditions tions and drawings for many items training and the actions under similar situations. MTDC are produced at MTDC, then sent take when faced with has conducted a study to quantify to GSA, where large numbers are life-threatening incidents. In 1995, what really happens—inside the procured under contract. Articles MTDC published a technical cab of a vehicle and inside a fire produced during the first produc- report on investigations, Investi- shelter—when a burnover occurs. tion run are carefully inspected gating Wildland Fire Entrapments The study was conducted in coop- by MTDC technicians before GSA (9551-2845-MTDC). eration with the Florida Division stocks contractors’ fire equipment. of Forestry, the Montana Depart-

2 Part 1 of 2

These vehicle entrapment tests in Dillon, MT, provided field comparisons of the effects of heat on fire shelters and engines. ment of Natural Resources and subjected to direct flame and were collected from selected vehicles Conservation, the Beaverhead burned over in conjunction with and fire shelters were analyzed. National Forest, and the Los prescribed burns. Data were In 1997, MTDC published a tech- Angeles County . collected from three field tests nical report documenting this around the country in several fuel project, Comparing Conditions The study measured radiated heat types. Several fire shelters and Inside Vehicles and Fire Shelters and maximum temperatures inside shelter prototypes were outfitted During Fire Entrapments (9751- a variety of vehicles. The vehicles, with instrumentation and set up 2817-MTDC).d which were no longer in use, were adjacent to the vehicles. Gases

3 Part 1 of 2 Job-Related Work updated with the latest fitness and work performance information, Capacity Tests and incorporates many of Dr. Sharkey’s other publications, In response to a need for a work giving firefighters and other capacity test that reflected the employees an easy-to-use physical demands of wildland fire- reference tool. fighting, Dr. Sharkey and MTDC began a process to replace the Step Test with something more suitable, that would be just as easy to administer throughout the nation. The result is a new job- related work capacity test, the Pack Health Hazards Brian Sharkey Test. It has received extensive of Smoke laboratory and field testing and is Brian Sharkey completed a Ph.D. in being recommended for adoption Dr. Sharkey’s role in this long- exercise physiology at the University in 1998. term study has been to coordinate of Maryland before coming west to national efforts for ongoing and join the faculty of the University of future studies on the effects of wild- Montana and begin a long associa- land fire smoke on firefighters. He tion with MTDC. His work for the conducts lab and field studies, Forest Service has included research and development on fitness tests works with regulatory and and programs, heat stress, hydra- Fitness and standard-setting organizations, and tion, nutrition, protective clothing, fosters communication among fire tools, work/rest cycles, employee Work Capacity managers, firefighters, researchers, health (wellness), and more. manufacturers, organizations, and A researcher, author of several books, Fitness and Work Capacity (9751- others with a semiannual report and past president of the American 2814-MTDC), a booklet published (Health Hazards of Smoke), visual College of Sports Medicine, Dr. by MTDC in 1977 under the presentations, displays, and per- Sharkey practices what he preaches, direction of Dr. Sharkey, was sonal communications. This effort participating regularly in running, intended to provide employees culminated in April 1997 with a mountain biking, cross-country with the information they needed symposium at Missoula, MT. All skiing, backpacking, canoeing, and other pursuits. His work has recently to maintain the level of physical the findings were presented, and been honored with a USDA Distin- fitness required by wildland a risk management plan outline guished Service Award, and a Forest workers. The publication has been was developed for field use.d Service Technology Transfer Award.

The new edition of Fitness and Work Capacity will help Forest Service workers keep fit for work.

4 Part 1 of 2 Specifications curement contracts. The GSA will not award contracts to suppliers unless their products meet the The specifications maintained at specifications maintained at the MTDC include major personal Center. This process assures that protective items used by wildland affordable, safe, and functional firefighters, such as the fire shelter, equipment specially designed for clothing, and chain saw the needs of wildland firefighters chaps. Other MTDC specifications is made available to the agencies include fireline handtools, such as that require it. Twenty or more the and the Combi tool. contracts may be ongoing at any Many other items used by fire- one time, and MTDC works fighters and other wildland closely with GSA contracting and resource workers must meet the quality assurance people around Bob Hensler specifications kept at the Center. the country to facilitate this pro- Sleeping bags, first aid kits, water- cess. In a typical fire season, Bob has worked at the Center since bags, and field packs are just a Federal and State resource agencies 1974. He served as the Center’s few items whose specifications buy more than $15 million of fire senior writer-editor until 1987. Dur- are established and monitored at items controlled by MTDC speci- ing that period he edited the Center’s fire and safety publications, and MTDC. fications. Before that equipment audiovisuals. In 1987 he became a reaches the GSA shelves, it must Project Leader working on fire and These specifications serve as the first pass a stringent physical safety topics and assumed duties technical requirements in General inspection by technicians at for Centerwide technology transfer. Services Administration (GSA) pro- MTDC. He took over the specifications d program in April 1990.

Bob Hensler maintains specifications for more than 50 items used by wildland firefighters.

5 Part 1 of 2 Past projects have included devel- oping a computerized parachute Technical Services manipulation simulator for smoke- jumper training and preparing From the broadest perspective, training videos for smokejumper little has changed in more than 50 pilots and spotters. The unceasing years of smokejumping. Fires are effort to improve the smokejumper reported, jumpships take off, and parachute’s characteristics and jumpers parachute into areas performance has culminated in where the response time or terrain development of the FS-14, a preclude any other response. A canopy with greater stability and closer look reveals a system under a slower descent. The new canopy continuous scrutiny, change, and is expected to decrease injuries improvement. Changes are driven related to landings. As it becomes Pat Wilson by the desire to reduce the risks available for operational jumps, of this unique and time-honored the canopy may be modified for Pat Wilson, Project Leader for Smoke- method of initial attack. A better additional fine-tuning, keeping jumper Technical Services, joined parachute canopy, a more protec- the process current and the tech- MTDC in 1997 after spending more tive jumpsuit, or advanced training nology cutting edge. than two decades working in fire d management. His career began in techniques are some of the areas 1974 on an engine crew for the that Smokejumper Tech Services Idaho Department of Lands. In 1978 pursues to reduce those risks. he became Assistant Crew Foreman for the Coeur d’Alene . Pat became a smokejumper at Mis- soula in 1980. He transferred to Grangeville, ID, in 1982, where he was Smokejumper Unit Manager from 1987 until joining MTDC. Pat is the leader of a group developing the Interagency Smokejumper Operations Guide, and is a member of the National Aerial Delivered Fire Fighter Study. He is a master parachute rigger and a designated parachute rigger examiner for the Federal Aviation Administration. Pat graduated from the University of Montana in 1981 with a degree in Forest Resource Management. He will work alongside Dave Pierce (Project Leader for Smokejumper Technical Services since 1980) for 6 months while training to replace Pierce when he retires.

Test jumps during development of the new FS-14 canopy.

6 Part 1 of 2 Helicopter Rappelling helicopter rappelling program’s needs. This support is intended to Technical Services increase safety and productivity in the program. Standards for The use of helicopter rappelling rappelling accessories like the for initial attack has increased over harness, helmet, spotter tether, the past several years. MTDC sup- and cargo letdown equipment are ports field operations at helicopter developed under the supervision bases across the country with of MTDC, which is responsible for technical standards, equipment providing the technology transfer specifications, and training tech- to the field. niques consistent with the

George Jackson

As an equipment specialist with a strong textiles background, George has helped develop many of the items used by the wildfire commu- nity. A former smokejumper, George remains actively involved with wildland firefighting as an Air Attack Group Supervisor. His more than 20 years of firefighting exper- ience gives him the insight required to design equipment for firefighters that is safe, functional, and durable. George is Project Leader for chain saw chaps development, and for the wildland firefighter helicopter rappelling program.

These firefighters are relying on expertise provided by the Helicopter Rappelling Tech Services project.

7 Part 1 of 2 Personal Gear Carrier Fire Shelter shelter behind. This project is testing a prototype chest-mounted Retrofit Containers for carrying system that will not inter- The red-bag personal gear carrier Heavy Equipment fere with the normal operation of has been in the system since the Operators heavy equipment. mid-1970’s. With a change in weight restrictions for organized The present container for the fire crews (maximum allowable weight shelter is intended to be worn on was increased from 35 to 45 lbs) the belt or attached to the fire- and the firefighters’ desire to fighter’s fieldpack. This container include personal tents with their is impractical for operators of Bus Seat Restraints gear, a larger carrier is needed. bulldozers, tractor plows, and Rather than completely redesign- other heavy equipment used on for Tools and ing the present bag, an accessory the fireline. In the past, when Equipment system is being developed for use dozer operators left their machine with the current personal gear because a fire was overrunning School buses are the most com- carrier. them, they often left their fire mon vehicle used to transport wildland firefighting crews. The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prohibit hauling unsecured gear inside school buses. Agencies must provide chase vehicles to carry firefighters’ personal gear and tools, at a substantial cost to the Agency.

By the end of 1997 this project will develop a cargo restraint system that will secure gear and equip- ment without blocking emergency exits. The system will be presented to the NWCG National Fire Equip- ment System Subcommittee for Firefighters’ personal gear bags, known as red packs, will be redesigned to include a strap possible inclusion in the National so firefighters can carry a tent as well as their personal belongings. Cache System.d

8 Part 1 of 2 Health and Safety situations where communications breakdowns may result in life- Code threatening events. The Tractor/ Dozer Plow Safety Project is Jerry Jeffries oversees the rewriting intended to address the problems of the Health and Safety Code inherent to heavy equipment use Handbook. This requires many up- on the fireline, adopting proce- dates and clarifications in addition dures and creating solutions that to incorporating new information. will produce a safer work environ- Jerry coordinates information sent ment. The risk to dozer operators in by many contributors involved can be greatly minimized through with health or safety concerns for education, training, and informa- Forest Service employees. The tion sharing. handbook is critical to the wild- Jerry Jeffries land firefighting community. Jerry’s strong background in fire suppres- Jerry, the Project Leader for Safety sion helps ensure complete and Health, has been involved with treatment of the subject. fire management his entire career. He served as Northern Region Safety Fireline Driving Video and Health Specialist for Fire and Aviation Management before coming The Fireline Driving video is an to MTDC. One of his primary respon- offshoot of the Mountain Driving sibilities is to oversee revision of the Forest Service’s Health and video, emphasizing the dangers Safety Code, which includes all Tractor/Dozer Plow one might expect when driving aspects of wildland and Safety on a wildfire. It is not intended health concerns. In addition, Jerry for firefighters, but for others who heads up the fireline dozer and The safe and effective use of bull- might find themselves working on tractor plow safety project and the dozers to construct fireline is of fires, such as caterers, or National wildland fire driving program. His duties also include assisting critical importance. Many times, Guard troops. Jerry is compiling wildland fire accident and fatality the operator may have very little interviews to be used in the video, investigations and developing experience working in the wildfire and is planning followup inter- firefighter training programs, environment, and may be unfa- views with many of the subjects especially in the area of chain saw miliar with the Incident Command this fire season. The video is to be safety. He serves as a member of the Forest Service’s Safety and System. This can lead to dangerous finished in Fiscal Year 1998.d Health Advisory Council.

This field test considered the effects of sprinklers inside the dozer’s cage. The sprinklers were designed to protect the operator if a fire burns over.

End of Part 1 9