US Department of Agriculture - Forest Service International Programs Technical Assistance Trip to the Republic of Ghana In Support of the Forestry Commission of Ghana

Wildfire Management Project in the Forest Transitional Zone: Identification of Fire Engines, Hand Tools and Fire Lookout Towers

REVISED FINAL REPORT February 6, 2006 Mission Dates: October 2-15, 2005

Sections of the report were compiled and edited as follows:

Introduction, Summary Fire Lookout Tower Wildfire Suppression and Conclusions Assessment Tools and Engine Blessing Etim Asuquo Christopher Shields Clay Fowler Africa Program Specialist Structural Engineer Fire Operations Supervisor US Forest Service US Forest Service Bureau of Land Management 1099 14th Street N.W 1323 Club Drive 2815 H. Road Washington, DC 20005 Vallejo, CA 94592 Grand Junction, CO 81506 (202) 501-2581 (707) 562-8863 (970) 244-3108 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Acronyms……………………………………………………………………...….3

Introduction………………………………………………………………………..……..4

Summary……………..……………………………………………………………..…….4

I. Fire Lookout Towers – Tasks and Conclusions………………………………...... 6

II. Wildfire Suppression Tools and Engines - Findings and Recommendations...... 11

Conclusions...... ………………………………………………………………………….14

Appendices Appendix 1: Scope of Work………………………………………….….….…..15 Appendix 2: USFS Team Agenda………………………………………………18

Fire Lookout Tower Example Drawings Appendix 1: Standard Steel Lookout Tower…………….…………….Attachment Appendix 2: Standard Treated Timber Lookout tower…………….….Attachment Appendix 3: Standard 14’ x 14’ Lookout House…………..……….…Attachment Appendix 4: Standard 7’ x 7’ Lookout House…………………...……Attachment Appendix 5: Lightning Protection System…………………………….Attachment Appendix 6: Lookout House Utilities……………………...………….Attachment

Tools and Engines Example Photos Appendix 1: Fire fighting hand tools……...…………………………..Attachment Appendix 2: 668 Wildland Ultra XT “Heavy”…….…………………..Attachment Appendix 3: 662 Light Engine on Hummer H1 “Light”………...….....Attachment

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………….20

2 LIST OF ACRONYMS

BLM Bureau of Land Management (US) CFO Community Fire Organization DIFO District Interagency Forest Organization FGC Forestry Commission of Ghana GDP Gross Domestic Product GPS Global Positioning System GNFS Ghana National Fire Service KNUST Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology MLFM Ministry of Lands Forests and Mines NADMO National Disaster Management Organization RMSC Resource Management and Support Center USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFS United States Forest Service USFS/IP United States Forest Service International Programs

3 INTRODUCTION

A three-member team of USDA Forest Service (USFS) arrived in Ghana at the request of the Ghana Forestry Commission to assist in the implementation of the second phase of the Wildfire Management Project in the Forest Transitional Zone. This mission was the first in a series of missions which the USFS will conduct until 2008 when this phase of the project and the agreement between the US Forest Service and the Ministry of Lands, Forest and Mines (MLFM) will expire.

The MLFM in response to increasing threat of wildfire to Ghana’s forest reserves and surrounding farmlands has embarked on a strategy to reduce wildfire occurrences through community education, forestry staff training, replanting in degraded areas, and acquisition of proper fire fighting equipment. The project is concentrating on the Forest Transitional Zone of Ghana where fire-prone, northern savannah is expanding and encroaching on the southern high forests. The southern high forest is where Ghana’s valuable timber concessions are found, accounting for 6% of Ghana’s annual GDP.

The USFS promotes sustainable forest management internationally and maintains a unique wildland fire management program that integrates technology with social practices and needs. In the assessment phase of the Wildfire Management Project, USFS findings and recommendations were integrated in the Manual of Procedure which currently serves as the guiding principles for this phase, implementation. The USFS role in the implementation phase is focusing on equipment procurement and training in fire suppression for technical and volunteer staff.

SUMMARY

The objective of the first mission was to assess the status of the Wildfire suppression project through meetings, published documents, field visits and dialogue with community fire volunteers as they relate to the need for fire look-out towers, fire fighting gear, hand tools and suitable fire engines. Sites visits were made to the following reserves: • Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary (Bobiri District, Ashante Region) • Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve (Offinso District, Ashante Region) • Mpameso Forest Reserve (Bachem District, Sunyani Region) • Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary (Kumawu District, Ashante Region) • Worobong South Forest Reserve (Begoro Region)

Key to the success of the mission was the collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Ghana Wildlife Division. At the request of the Forestry Commission, the mission received national media coverage to inform the public of the project’s on-going activities.

All data collected in the field were analyzed in collaboration with RMSC technicians to arrive at the following recommendations. • RMSC should procure a mix of light and heavy fire engines, all of which should have extreme terrain capability

4 • Community Fire Organization (CFO) volunteer should be equipped with proper fire-fighting tools and personal protective equipment to prevent the loss of lives • Develop standard drawings for both steel and timber fire lookout towers • Priority should be given to domestic engineering firms for fire tower designs and construction, as their offices would be easily accessible to the project managers for consultations. • Develop MOU with a government engineering branch to act as the engineering agent for the Forestry Commission.

5 I. Wildfire Management Project of Ghana USDA/IP First Mission, October 1, 2005 to 16 October, 2005 Activity: Fire Lookout Tower Assessment

Background As defined by the First Mission Scope of Work, the Forestry Commission of Ghana has tasked the USFS International Program to:

• Task 1: Review the procedures for the selection of sites for the construction of fire observation towers. • Task 2: Design appropriate tower for design in fire risk forest reserves. • Task 3: Assist in evaluating applications on the construction of fire observation towers.

Report

Task 1: The USFS Team reviewed the following two RMSC documents on 5 October, 2005:

Document 1: “Wildfire Management Project in the Transition Zone”, 29 August 2002 (Ref. 1). This document identified 17 tower sites, interspersed within seven reserves, with each reserve initially receiving one tower. Accessibility, fauna, availability of water sources, and required tower height were also listed for each site. The site selection criteria included:

• Locations with wide field of view. • Near areas with high fire frequency and short fire-return intervals. • Areas close to volunteer settlements. • Accessible by road or footpath. • Significant resource value.

Document 2: “Implementation of the Wildfire Management Project in the Transition Zone, Achievement for the Period March, 2002 – Dec, 2003”, September, 2005 (Ref. 2). This document, in paragraph 2.1.5, Output 5, identified the need for forty lookout towers within 19 forest and wildlife reserves.

Task 1 Conclusion: The selection criteria used in Reference 1 are valid. During the review, RMSC also expressed the desire to place communication antenna on the lookout towers. This will require the lookout towers to be placed at high points that provide a line-of-sight between antennas. This may not be compatible with the other selection criteria used to site the lookouts. A team of USFS/IP communications specialists are scheduled to travel to Ghana in the near future for the second mission. This team will provide antenna location criteria, which may require additional communication towers, in addition to those on the lookout towers.

6 Task 2: On 6 October through 9 October, representatives of the Forestry Commission guided the USFS Team to three forest reserves, and one wildlife reserve. The purpose for the site visits was to inspect one of the proposed tower sites identified in Reference 1, for each of the reserves listed. The sites were selected by RMSC for this initial investigation, and were considered representative of other sites within that same reserve. The following lists the sites visited, and observations made that were in addition to those listed in Reference 1.

• Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve, Hill #2. This site is located within a green buffer zone on top of a shallow hill. Excellent field of view. Reference 1 estimated the required tower height to be 5m. The USFS Team concurs with this recommendation. However, if the surrounding hillside is planted with plantation trees in the future, the tower height should be adjusted to rise above the estimated canopy.

• Mpameso Forest Reserve, Hill #2. This site is also located within a green buffer zone, but the surrounding terrain is gradual, and the forest canopy is approximately 30m high. Reference 1 estimated the required tower height to be 20m. For the tower to be effective for observing wildfires, the USFS Team recommends a 35m tower to reach above the canopy. This may be an excessive tower height. An alternate site was visible on the topographic map that was approximately 30m higher in elevation, but was outside the reserve. Due to time constraints, this site was not visited. The USFS Team recommends investigating the feasibility of locating the tower at this alternate location. The required tower height may be substantially reduced.

• Mpameso Forest Reserve, Hill #1. The site is located near the crest of Bosomkese Mountain, and requires a one hour hike from the local volunteer community. No tower height was listed in Reference 1, but the tree canopy height was approximately 40m. This would require a lookout tower height of

7 45m, which is excessive. It was suggested by a representative of RMSC, that a portion of forest be cleared on the slope below the tower site, enabling the use of a 30m tower. It is recommended that this option be evaluated for impact to the forest, and if the field of view generated would be sufficient. On the hike out, a possible alternate site was observed approximately 130m east of the proposed site. It appeared to have a wide field of view in the direction of historical wildfires, a would require a shorter tower. It also would require canopy clearing, but with perhaps less impact on the forest.

• Bomfobiri Wildlife Preserve, Hill #1. This site provides excellent visibility in all directions, with no trees to restrict the field of view. Reference 1 proposed a tower height of 5m. The USFS Team concurs with this recommendation. Note that sedimentary bedrock was exposed at the site, which will require the tower to be rock bolted on the surface, versus using spread footings below grade for the tower foundation.

• Worobong South Forest Reserve (Kwahu Portion), Hill #3. This site provides excellent visibility with a wide field of view in the direction of historical wildfires. Reference 1 proposed a tower height of 5m. The USFS Team concurs with this recommendation. However, if the surrounding hillside is planted with plantation trees in the future, the tower height should be adjusted to rise above the estimated canopy.

Task 2 Conclusions: The tower sites identified by Reference 1 were carefully selected by RMSC. The required tower heights ranged from 5m to a probable maximum of 30m. It is recommended the towers be constructed using braced galvanized steel for the tower structure, stairs, and platform, with a timber observation cab located on top. This will enable the components of the towers to be hauled by hand, or bundled and hauled by long-line with a sky-crane helicopter. The tower components can be assembled with bolted connections on site, using simple hand tools. If adequate pressure-treated sawn lumber is available, it

8 may be more economical to build the shorter towers with bolted timber, braced with galvanized steel wire guy ropes. In the USA, untreated field cuts or holes are often made during construction. This greatly reduces the durability of the timber structure. An example photo of a USA timber tower is shown on the previous page. An example of a USA steel tower is also shown at the right. Note that the observation cab is only 2m on each side, but is adequate for one observer. This reduces the dead load and wind load used for design of the tower structure.

Task 3: The Forestry Commission of Ghana published a solicitation in the Daily Graphic newspaper on 20 October, 2004. The scope of work stated, “The Forestry Commission is therefore requesting for the design of fire observatory towers to be built in some specific sites within selected forest reserves in the country”. In response to this solicitation, the Forestry Commission received proposals from three separate Ghana Architectural/Engineering design firms.

The USDA Team reviewed these proposals on 10 Oct, 2005. All three proposals were very well presented, but because the solicitation was not specific with design criteria, the proposals varied widely in the height and size of their respective lookout tower concept. Also, none of the proposals provided examples of previous tower design project documents. On 11 October, 2005 the USDA Team Structural Engineer met with two of A/E firms that submitted design proposals. We shared design and construction methods from our respective countries, and had an excellent exchange of information.

Task 3 Conclusion: Since the Forestry Commission does not have an in-house engineering branch, it is recommended the FCG develop a Memorandum-of- Understanding with another Ghana government agency that has this capability. RMSC personnel identified possible government engineering resources are available at the KNUST Faculty of Engineering, or the Ghana Army. These agencies may provide the

9 necessary design specifications used in Ghana, specify the live loads and wind loads to be used for the tower design, specify the required load combinations, perform a subsurface investigation for each tower site, and list the material specifications to be applied to the project. The selected agency may elect to design the towers in house, or contract out the design. In either case, the agency would inspect the various phases of construction, verifying conformance to the contract design documents. The agency would also provide an environmentally friendly, engineered road design to the towers, with correctly sized culverts and cross drains.

In addition, since Reference 2 identified up to forty towers are needed, it is recommended a standard tower drawing be developed, which will envelope all the various tower heights anticipated. A separate standard drawing would be developed for steel and timber tower options, as well as, a drawing for a large or small observation cab. A standard drawing detailing utilities such as the photovoltaic power supply, and one for lightening protection is also desirable. Examples of similar standard drawings, specific for the conditions in the USA, are shown in the Appendix.

After the standard drawings have been developed, a single sheet drawing can be prepared for each tower site, showing the tower height required, and the site specific details for the tower footings. The appropriate standard drawings are simply referenced on the project drawing, providing details for the tower structure, cab, and utilities.

The final recommendation is to develop a detailed project schedule, listing all tasks required, and who does what, and when. This will identify all resources required, and show the critical path for completion of the project. Since the budget for the towers is very limited, it is necessary that the tower engineers be familiar with construction methods and unit costs in Ghana. Utilize the excellent engineering design resources within Ghana. If an outside Ghana engineering firm is selected, it is recommended they establish a design office within Ghana. This will expedite the response for design revisions, and will allow them to be readily available to solve the inevitable problems that occur during construction.

10 II. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION TOOLS AND ENGINES – FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings The Ministry of Lands, Forestry, and Mines of the Government of Ghana is uncertain as to what fire apparatus and equipment to purchase for the District Interagency Fire Organization (DIFO), and the Community Fire Organization (CFO) to suppress wildland fires in the transitional zone. According to the Manual of Procedures (2003) Forest Resource Management Plan for the High Forest Zone, “The objective of wildfire suppression is to contain and control wildfire at a minimum cost”.

The results that follow are listed by the two functional groups involve in wildfire management, Community Fire Organization, and District Interagency Fire Organization. Initial recommendations for fire fighting tools focus on the local communities’ fire volunteers as they appear to be the most critical link to the success of the project.

Recommendations: Community Fire Organizations

Hand-tools: Shovel, Pulaski, fire swatter, brush hook, rake, spanner wrench, cutlass, fusee, backpack pump (Appendix 1)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye protection, leather gloves, protective footwear (leather boots), hardhats, headlamps, motorcycle, helmets, fire-resistant clothing (polyamide) and fire shelters

Communication: Handheld radios for crewboss positions and whistles for squad leaders.

Power Equipment: Portable pumps (small pumps capable of moving 25-40 gallons-per-minute (gpm). Small chainsaws will be required in order to expedite fireline construction and to clear access roads for fire apparatus [only after training and PPE (saw chaps, leather boots, eye protection, ear protection, leather gloves, long trousers, long sleeve fire shirt) have been obtained] and motorcycles

Forestry Hose: One inch hose for initial attack of very small fires and mop-up

11 Lookout Tower Equipment: Hand-operated siren, radio, very accurate compass mounted to a table and maps

Recommendations: District Interagency Fire Organization

Hand-tools: Shovel, Pulaski, felling axe, brush hook, fire swatter, rake, cutlass, spanner wrench, fusee, drip torch, and backpack pump (appendix 1).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye protection (safety glasses), leather gloves, protective footwear (leather boots), headlamps, fire-resistant clothing (polyamide), fire shelters, and small backpacks (for carrying fire shelters, water bottles, fusee, etc.). Communication: Handheld radios for field personnel and radios in vehicles.

Power Equipment: Chainsaws and small portable pumps (small pumps capable of pumping 25-40 gpm at low pressure and 50-100 gpm at higher pressures).

Forestry Hose 1½-inch hose for direct attack, 1-inch hose for initial attack of very small fires and mop- up, ¾-inch hose used for mop- up along with class “A” foam, and appropriate hose fittings and nozzles. Other Personal Equipment: Binoculars, belt weather kits, compass, hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) units, and topography maps.

Water Tanks: Water tanks are small and portable containers that can be set up very quickly and will hold several thousand gallons of water (fire engines can dump the water into these tanks, set up a portable pump for firefighting, and send the fire apparatus to the nearest water source for more water)

12 Recommendations: Fire Apparatus Most fire engines designed for wildland use would work for 70% of the roads that we traveled. Some roads as well as all off-road use of fire apparatus will require extreme terrain mobility (very robust with independent suspension). Few standard wildland fire engine packages would hold up to the constant use on the rough dirt roads, rocks, vegetation, and topography of the Ghana forest system. It is, therefore, the recommendation of this team that all fire vehicles purchased for the purpose of wildfire suppression be a mix of light and heavy extreme terrain vehicles.

The following two vehicles are examples of extreme terrain wildland fire apparatus. 668 Wildland Ultra XT “Heavy” and 662 Light Engine on Hummer H1 “Light”

1.) 668 Wildland Ultra XT “Heavy” (Appendix 2) • Six Person Crew Cab • 6x6 All Wheel Drive • Independent Tatra Suspension Technology • Central Tire Inflation System • 425 hp Cat C13 Engine • 6 Speed Twin Disc Automatic Transmission • 2400 gallons: 2350 water – 50 foam • 125 gpm Darley Pump • FoamPro 1601 • Akron FireFox Front Turre

2.) 662 Light Engine on Hummer H1 “Light” (Appendix 3) • Two Person Cab • 4x4 All Wheel Drive w/ Ind. Suspension • Central Tire Inflation System • Automatic Transmission • 300 gallons: 285 water – 15 foam • Waterbus E501 High Pressure Pump System • FoamPro 1601 Foam System

13 All wildland fire fighting apparatus are expensive at the time of procurement, but a recent study has indicated that fire apparatus used by the USFS and Bureau of Land Management that have a water capacity greater than 800 gallons transport water to wildland fires several times cheaper per gallon water used than fire apparatus that transport 300 gallons or less to the scene. Additionally, these pieces of equipment should be housed out of the weather during the off season to maximize service life. Proper maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer should be followed at all times to maintain the integrity of the fire fighting equipment.

The road system in Ghana is very adequate for fire apparatus designed for the wildland; however the equipment recommended should be put in the hands of a skilled driver that has had training in the operation of this equipment and is certified by the manufacturer (part of the contract).

CONCLUSIONS

The Forestry Commission of Ghana has made significant progress on the Wildfire Management Project. The role of USFS is important in bringing together all components of the project. Community participation is inevitable in wildfire management as most of Ghana’s wildland fires are anthropogenic. Also, adequate training for all partners and clear communication between partners are strongly encouraged for the realization of USFS recommendations. Finally, it is important to note that USFS findings and recommendations will undergo further scrutiny by RMSC and the Forestry Commission of Ghana. The final decision on the types of fire fighting equipment purchased will be made by the Forestry Commission of Ghana.

14 Appendix 1: Scope of Work

USDA Forest Service International Programs Support to the Wildfire Management in the Forest Transitional Zone of Ghana Review of Fires Suppression Capabilities in Ghana and Recommendations of Primary Field Equipment for Fire Suppression

Background Wildland fire is the direct cause of severe deforestation and irreversible environmental damage in all ecotypes of Ghana. Not only has wildfire severely reduced the productive capacity of many Ghanaian forests (3% loss in annual GDP), but it has also damaged water supply, water quality, soil fertility, agriculture and biodiversity. For example, in 1993 fire affected over half of the nation's total reserved forest area (of the 2 million hectares of tropical forest, 80% are in government managed forest reserves).

Recent major initiatives have begun to improve overall natural resource management and formulate strategies to mitigate the threats to these valuable resources. In 1998, the Ministry of Lands and Forestry of the Government of Ghana launched a three-year program to prevent and control forest fires. The USDA Forest Service (USFS) was an integral partner in the fire management program. The USFS worked closely with the Forest Research Institute of Ghana and the Resource Management Support Centre on a three-year fire management research project. Together, the team determined causes of ignition, the effects of fire, and a number of appropriate means of fire prevention and control measures. These findings along with recommendations for implementation strategies were compiled in a handbook, Manual of Procedure: Forest Resource Management Planning in the High Forest Zone – Wildfire Management. A follow-up to the compilation of the handbook was a thorough and detailed preparation for fire suppression including the institution of national wildfire management policies and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the following participating government of Ghana (GOG) agencies.

• Meteorological Services Department to provide daily fire weather forecasting services to the FSD during the dry season • Ghana National Fire Service to combat wildfire and administer trainings for foresters and the local populations participating in the project. • National Disaster Management Organization to coordinate large fire disaster assistance • Ghana Air Force to survey, monitor and combat the wildfire.

The USFS has again entered a three-year agreement with the Ministry of Lands, Forest and Mines of Ghana on the second phase of the Wildfire Management Program. Under the supervision of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, the USFS will make recommendations to the FCG on the appropriate fire suppression equipment for the transitional zone where the Wildfire Management Project is currently focused.

15 The following site and logistical efforts have been accomplished in preparation for this next phase: • Preparation for suitable lodging and vehicle support for both domestic and international technical assistants • Identification of seven key forest reserves in the transitional zone as pilot areas for the Wildfire Management Project • Organization of community groups collaborating with forest guards to plant green fire breaks, clear foot paths and conduct prescribed burns • Pre-selection of installation locations for fire observation towers based on field studies and GIS information

Goal The overall goal of the USFS/IP involvement in the Wildfire Management Program of Ghana is to periodically travel to Ghana and provide technical assistance to help identify the necessary equipment for various aspects of fire suppression as requested by the Forestry Commission of Ghana. The USFS will also assist in developing and conducting training sessions to present utilization methods and techniques for the wildfire suppression equipment after procurement and installation are finalized by the Forestry Commission.

Mission Objectives The goal of this scope of work will be accomplished through a number of missions to Ghana, each with specific objectives.

First Mission Objectives The objective of the first mission will be for two USFS wildfire management experts to work alongside the Forestry Commission, Ghana National Fire Service and community members participating in the project from seven targeted forests, to assess the current situation, outline a realistic and feasible work plan for the project, and identify primary tools and equipment necessary for an immediate response to fire. Based on conversations with the Forestry Commission, the primary field equipment they envision range from fire-trucks to be operated by the Ghana National Fire Service; back-pumps and fire-gears for local community forest committee members.

Activities Activities during the first mission will include: • A three-person USFS wildfire suppression expert will visit the Forestry Commission of Ghana during October of 2005. • The USFS team will spend the majority of their time in Kumasi where the FCG Resource Management Support Centre (RMSC) is located along with other national and local collaborators on the project. • The USFS team will perform field visits to project cites identified by RMSC to review the capacity of the project for the procurement of primary field equipment for fire suppression. Activities will include dialogues with community forest committees, forest guards, district directors. • The USFS team will also assess selected forest reserves and review individual forest reserve fire management /suppression plans.

16 • Review the procedures for the selection of sites for the construction of fire observation towers. • Design appropriate tower for design in fire risk forest reserves. • Assist in evaluating applications on the construction of fire observation towers. • The three-member USFS team will include: 1. A fire suppression specialist with knowledge in design and construction of fire lookout towers. 2. A second fire suppression specialist with expertise in identification and procurement of fire fighting gears, hand tools and fire engines 3. A USFS/IP Africa Programs Specialist with knowledge in logistics, cross- cultural assimilation and team coordination

Deliverables • The USFS team is expected to provide recommendations and assist in identifying the appropriate wildfire suppression tools and equipment to the RMCS office of the FCG. Initial recommendations must be made at the end of the first mission before the team leaves the country. • Compile a thorough report for distribution to the USFS/IP and FCG

Timing The first mission is expected to occur during the first two weeks of October 2005.

Funding All costs incurred during this detail will be covered by the Ministry of Land, Forest and Mine of Ghana and the USFS / IP.

Logistics All logistics will be coordinated by the USFS/IP Africa Program Specialist.

17 Appendix 2: USFS Team Agenda

DATE/DAY TIME ACTIVITY SITE REMARKS Friday 6:30 PM Arrival of Blessing Asuquo Accra Contact Person 30th Mr. Oppon Sasu September Friday Pass Night in Accra Contact Person 30th Night Mr. Oppon Sasu Sunday 7:00 PM Arrival of Chris and Clay Accra Contact Person 2nd October Mr. Oppon Sasu Sunday Pass Night in Accra Contact Person 2nd Night Mr. Oppon Sasu Monday, 3rd Meet and introduce the USFS Accra Contact Person October team members to Mr. Oppon Sasu Officials at the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines or Forestry Commission of Ghana

Hold a briefing meeting on Accra Contact Person information Mr. Oppon Sasu pertaining to this mission

Meet with USAID/Ghana Natural Accra Contact Person Resource Mr. Oppon Sasu Management team and USDA FAS staff if necessary Monday Pass Night in Accra Contact Person 3rd Night Mr. Oppon Sasu Tuesday, Travel to Kumasi by road Contact Person 4th Mr. Oppon Sasu October Lunch Kumasi 2:00 – Meet with RMSC Wildfire Contact Person 6:00 Management Staff as well as Director, RMSC District Implementation Teams at RMSC’s Conference Room Tuesday/ Pass Night in Kumasi Contact Person Wednesday, Mr. Rex Barnes 4th -5th Night Wednesday, Allow the USFS team to review Kumasi Contact Person 5th available Emmanuel October Whole material for Opoku day wildfire suppression; Forest Management Plans, fire suppression plan, etc. 6th to 9th Allow the USFS team to assess Detailed itinerary October selected sites below; for fire towers, road accessibility, community preparedness and awareness, etc. Thursday, Travel to Afram Headwaters Offinso Contact Person 6th Whole Forest Reserve Emmanuel October day Opoku/District

18 Manager Night of Pass the Night at Sunyani Eusbett Contact Person October 6 Hotel Regional Manager Friday, Travel to Bosomkese and Bechem Contact Person 7th Whole Mpameso Forest Reserves and Emmanuel October day Dormaa Opoku/ District Manager Night of Pass the Night at Koforidua Capital Contact Person October 6 View Regional Manager Saturday, Travel to Bomfobiri Wildlife Kumawu Contact Person 8th Whole Sanctuary Emmanuel October day Opoku / District Manager Sunday, Whole Travel to Worobong South Begoro Contact Person 9th October day Forest Reserve (Akim Portion) Emmanuel Opoku / District Manager Monday - Pass Night in Kumasi Contact Person Tuesday, Mr. Rex Barnes 9th - 11th Night Monday, USFS team members 10th Whole return to Kumasi to put together October day their final recommendations for Contact Person fire towers, engines, gears, Kumasi Emmanuel pumps, etc. Opoku To Tuesday 11th October

Tuesday 7:30 pm Dinner (Project Staff and Kumasi Contact Person 11th October Regional Managers) Project Secretary Wednesday, USFS team return to Accra Accra Contact Person 12th Mr. Oppon Sasu October Thursday - Pass Night in Accra Contact Person Saturday, Mr. Oppon Sasu 13th - 15th Night Thursday, USFS team debrief with Forest Accra Contact Person 13th Services Division of Forestry Mr. Oppon Sasu October Commission in the Company of RMSC Project Staff Friday, 14th (Activity to be decided by Forestry Accra Contact Person October Commission) Mr. Oppon Sasu

USFS team meets with Abraham Baffoe of Friends of the Earth to discuss forest certification activities in Ghana Saturday, 15th USFS team travel back to the US Accra Contact Person October Mr. Oppon Sasu Sunday, 16th USFS team arrives in the US US October

19

APPENDICES 1-6

FIRE LOOKOUT TOWERS: EXAMPLE DRAWINGS

APPENDICES 1-3

HAND TOOLS AND ENGINES: EXAMPLE PHOTOS

Appendix 1

Fire Fighting Hand Tools

Rake The rake quickly clears a path of leaves and is an efficient tool in areas where there is little brush and the primary material burning is leaves.

Shovel and Axe The shovel and axe are used in traditional ways. The axe is used to cut limbs and clear logs and other debris in the way of fire line construction. The shovel is used to dig out burning roots, and logs.

Bladder Bag The bladder bag holds 5 gallons of water and uses a hand pump with an adjustable nozzle.

Drip Torch The drip torch, filled with a mixture of diesel and gasoline, allows fire fighters to burnout or backfire along an established control line.

Pulaski The Pulaski is a combination tool, ax and mattock invented by forest ranger, Ed Pulaski, in 1910. This tool enables firefighters to cut trees and limbs with the ax side and to dig and scrape with the mattock side.

Flapper Called a flapper, a swatter or a beater, this tool’s long handle allows firefighters to stand well back from hot grass fires while literally swatting out the flames with the thick rubber flap. Where groundcover is short, the flapper can be dragged along the fire edge to smother the fire.

Fire Hoe The fire hoe is sharp toothed and cuts through sod and small roots to clear a fire line.

McLeod The McLeod is a combination heavy-duty rake and hoe tool. It is named after Ranger Malcolm McLeod. Firefighters use this tool to cut through matted litter and duff and clearing loose surface materials.

Appendix 2

668 Wildland Ultra XT “Heavy”

Model • American Truck Co. 6x6 High Mobility Truck with Tatra Technology Cab & Seating • Four (4)-Door Crew Cab with Seating for Six (6) • Fully adjustable air suspension driver seat, fixed front passenger seat • Fixed forward-facing seats in rear • 3-point restraints at each outboard position, lap-belt in center rear positions • Ergonomically designed instrumentation with tilt/telescoping steering • Air conditioning, heating, ventilation in one electronically controlled unit • Heated/remotely-adjustable west-coast-style mirrors • Single-piece windshield with 3 wipers/washers • Multiple storage areas • 12V electrical outlets, dome & map lights, AM/FM radio Chassis • Rigid, full-length 10.5” diameter backbone tube bolted to axle final drive housings and cross beams, which encases the drive shafts, ring/pinion assemblies & differentials locks • High-strength steel-welded frame with closed section profile for body mounting • Towing: Two pins in front bumper for recovery, automatic NATO-type hitch at rear Suspension • Front: Two (2) independent, driving, swinging half axles integrated into backbone tube; torsion bar suspension with heavy-duty hydraulic telescoping shocks & anti-sway bar • Rear: Four (4) independent, driving, swinging half axles integrated into backbone tube and incorporating a combination airbag over steel coil suspension providing adjustable ride height control; heavy-duty hydraulic telescoping shock absorbers and center axle anti-sway bar Weight Capacities • GVWR: 59,530 lbs. • Front axle: 17,640 lbs. • Intermediate axle: 20,945 lbs. • Rear axle: 20,945 lbs. • Towing Capacity: 55,115 lbs.

Engine • Caterpillar C 13 425 HP 6-cylinder diesel, electronically controlled with turbocharger and intercooler o Displacement: L o Horsepower: 425 @ 1600-1800 rpm o Torque: 1,550 lb-ft @ 1200 rpm o Rated Speed: 2100 rpm • Engine brake: Caterpillar compression brake – (High – Low Switch? Brake HP?) Transmission • Twin Disc TD-61-1177, fully automatic 6-speed with power shift, electronic control w/on-board diagnostics • Ratios: o 1st – 6.029 4th – 1.704 Reverse – 6.7 o 2nd – 3.951 5th – 1.117 o 3rd – 2.608 6th – 0.737 • Hydraulic torque converter mounted to engine flywheel case, equipped w/clutch lock • Flat tow capability Brakes • Dual-circuit, full air, automatic self-adjusting, load sensing wedge-type acting on all wheels • WABCO Anti-lock brake system • WABCO Air Dryer • WABCO Air Compressor rated at 180 psi and 30.3 CFM @ 2100 rpm • Service Brakes: spring-loaded, manual brake control acting on all rear wheels • Parking Brakes: spring-loaded, manual brake valve control acting on all rear wheels Tires & Wheels • Tires: 16.00 R20, All-Terrain tread, radial, tubeless (Spare tire included, but not mounted on truck) • Rims: Steel 2-piece bolt-together with Beadlock • Central Tire Inflation System, controlled at dash with preset functions Steering • Power steering, 4.5 wheel turns lock-to-lock • Curb-to-curb turning radius: 34’10” Electrical System • 24V chassis system with 2 x 12V batteries in series with converter to 12V for fire apparatus package • Alternator: Delco Remy 28V/100A, Starter: Delco Remy 24V Fuel System • Single 110 gal tank mounted on driver’s side with second fuel pick-up for pump engine designed to leave 10 - 15% of tank capacity for chassis engine only • Fleetguard FS 1003 fuel filter, WIF sensor, water & sludge separator General • Wheelbase: 189.6 in • Ground Clearance: 16.65 in • Approach/Departure Angle: 36/37 degrees • Front & Rear Axle Track: 81.6 in • Fording Depth: 50 inches • Maximum Speed: 68 mph Appendix 3

662 Light Engine on Hummer H1 “Light”

Chassis: • Hummer two door hard top • 2 Person Capacity • 6.5-liter, four-cycle, 8-cylinder, liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel engine • 4-speed automatic transmission • All wheel drive with independent suspension • Extreme Duty Package – o Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) o Run-flat Tire Inserts o Driveline & Rocker Panel Protection o Aluminum Wheels o Goodyear MT/R Tires Apparatus Body: • All aluminum construction • Dual 59 inch wide by 26 inch tall by 16 inch deep side compartments o The passenger side rear compartment will have tunnel pass through with a screened or CNC punched door to allow adequate air flow to the pump engine radiator. o Approximate dimensions. Sweep out – no vents • Dual 19 inch wide by 47 inch tall by 16 inch deep right side compartment o Approximate dimensions. Sweep out – no vents • One adjustable shelf in each rear compartment • Two adjustable shelves in each forward compartment o Aluminum uni-strut o Fiberglass pul-truded shelves • Overlap door construction w/ automotive style slam latches o Locking D-rings o Rear PS Compartment door needs pass through vent for pump engine radiator o Piano hinge, automotive seal • Turtle Tile dry decking in floor of each compartment • BASF Paint on Apparatus • Sealed electrical compartment behind seats in cab with Duetz connectors • In-cab electrical switch panel • Sealed strip lighting in all compartments • NFPA 1906 Lighting Package o Whelen Centurion lightbar o Whelen LED lights on front, sides, and rear o Code 3 3692 Siren w/ front speaker • Rear 7x3 scene light, one on each side • Back up alarm

Pump: • Waterous E501 w/ Daihatsu 26.5 hp water-cooled diesel engine • 105 gpm @ 100 psi, 25 gpm @ 450 psi • Stainless steel welded intake and discharge manifold • Akron valves • 2" rear suction w/ valve, 2" tank-to-pump valve • Spray systems strainer • Hale oil less electric primer • 1½" tank fill • 1½" rear discharge • Hannay model aluminum hose reel w/ 1" valve (can hold 150' of 1" booster hose) o This needs to have double rollers and fittings similar to 662 set up. o Should use wide reel that will still fit adequately on top of tank to lower drum height as much as possible and still fit hose. • FoamPro 1601 Automatic Foam Proportioning System • Stainless steel pump panel at rear with normal 662 controls o Electronic water tank level gauge at pump panel Tank: • 300 gallon tank – 285 water w/ 15-gallon integral foam cell o Foam cell tower should be located at rear in location where it can be relatively easily accessed for refill, but not interfere with tank fill or hose reel lines • Black UV resistant polypropylene construction • Skid deck construction • No spare tire compartment

BIBLIOGRAPHY

FORIG, ITTO, GNFS and USDAFS; Manual of Procedures: Wildfire Management Section G; Forestry Commission of Ghana; December 2003.

Victor Rex Barnes, Albert Brown Gaisie and Julius Kuunor; Wildfire Suppression Training Manual for Community Fire Organizations; FC/RMSC and Ghana National Fire Service; September 2004.

Victor Rex Barnes, Albert Brown Gaisie and Julius Kuunor; Wildfire Suppression Training Manual for Resource Managers; FC/RMSC and Ghana National Fire Service; September 2004.

Environmental Conservation Unit; Wildfire Management Project in the Transition Zone; RMSC; August 29, 2002.

Resource Management Support Unit; Summarized Form of Management Plans for Mpameso Forest Reserve, Bosomkese Forest Reserve, Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve, Bomfobiri Wildfire Sanctuary and Worobong South Forest Reserve; RMSC.

Project Implementation Team; Implementation of the Wildfire Management Project in the Transitional Zone: Achievement for the Period March, 2002 - Dec. 2004; Resource Management Support Centre; September 2005.

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