safety
NC State Leads Research on a New Fire Shelter
NC State University is leading the development of a suite of potential new fire shelters for wildland firefighters. Recent research published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire describes the results of their efforts to improve the thermal protection provided by fire shelters. For more information, check out this story on Wildfire Today and NC State News. Videos below by Dr. Joe Roise (NC State) show some of the prototype shelters being tested during prescribed fires. **SAVE THE DATE FOR AN UPCOMING SFE WEBINAR ON THIS RESEARCH: WED. AUG. 31ST 1:00-2:00 PM ET**
Continue ReadingGetting Our Heads Around the New Fire Environment
A recent article by Joint Fire Science Program Board Chair Dana Skelly discusses how to improve risk assessment and on the ground choices in the face of a wildland fire environment that grows increasingly extreme due to climate change.
Continue ReadingNWCG Safety Warning: Drip Torch Lock Rings Detaching
NWCG has issued a safety warning noting that lock rings may unexpectedly detach from drip torches.
A lock ring detached from a full drip torch that a firefighter carried horizontally on a pack. Fuel spilled out of the drip torch and ignited, and the firefighter sustained burn injuries. Following this incident, other firefighters have reported lock rings loosening during burn operations.
To lessen the likelihood of having a lock ring detach, when tightening, ensure that the lock ring
engages threads for at least 1-1/2 full turns (540° minimum). Any less may indicate inadequate thread
engagement and could lead to a possible detachment of the lock ring. If the lock ring becomes tight with
less than one full turn (360°), assume that the components are mismatched; DO NOT USE
SGSF and USFS Release Fire Safety Package
The Southern Group of State Foresters Fire Committee and US Forest Service Region 8 have developed a tire safety package. Their goal is to get this information to fire departments and other partners throughout the region in an attempt to reduce the risk of tire failure causing accidents, so please share it widely!
Tire Safety is as Easy as 1-2-3
Continue ReadingPartner Webinar: Improving Firefighter Safety Tools
Host: Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service
Presenter: Dr. Matt Jolly, Ecologist, Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDA Forest Service
Abstract: Safety tools for wildland firefighters.
Connection Information: Click here to join the webinar. Audio: 888-844-9904, Access 1625330#