Personal Protective Equipment

Problems with heat and smoke in current equipment.

Fire shelters inadequate for grassland fires. Black areas are safe areas.

Nomex coveralls.

Problems with breathing during fires, face shields don’t seal over hair.

Jump suits are too hot, TNC burn crew has gone to ?? (pants and long sleeve shirts)

Nomex pants and nomex shirts.

Straps on backpacks, too narrow, use plastic collapsible packs with wider straps.

Polk co. uses Mules, (ATV’s) that carry a tank with a pump, can cover lots of ground easily. Carry fence cutters and equipment on the mule. TNC uses Polaris for adaptability in hilly ground, can shift weight. Run the wheels over the fire line to knock down the fire. Saves on personnel by using the ATV’s.

Walk behind brush mower (3 foot swath) can cut a firebreak in a short time, preplanning.

Carbon monoxide a consideration, some have a patch that rates exposure.

TNC doesn’t allow burn boss to run the torch, would let them out of the range to manage the fire. Polk Co. can’t allow volunteers, insurance reasons.

Cascade Fire Equipment Company

P.O. Box 4248,

Medford, OR 97501

(503) 779-0394

The Supply Cache, Inc.

P.O. Box 272819

Fort Collins, CO 80527-2819

800-839-0821

Foamers were discussed, laying down fire break goes quickly, the chemical is expensive, TNC has a protein-based foam that smells in hot weather.

Disposable diapers can be used to protect poles, since they hold a lot of liquid.

An important piece of equipment is personal radios for communication.

TNC uses radios for all crewmembers on small crews. At least a radio for any crew that is out. Procedures for radio protocol is important.

Wildfire Pacific. Inc.

P.O. Box 88540

Seattle, WA 98138

800-426-5207

Procedures for fire protocol are important, especially for volunteers. Training and courses could be required. Certification of fire experience? Prescribed Fire burn boss?

Problems with Iowa versus western states, differences between forest fires and prairie fires? Big timber vs. prairie?

Experience with fire necessary to recognize potential problems. A training session to share problems and potential problems would be desirable. A 3-day course to help people responsible for large areas of grass would be good.

Problems with holding a course, would be timing, people who could hold the course would be busy burning already!

Volunteer fire departments don’t necessarily have training and equipment for all grass fires, some are against any burning.

Leave a fire spotter on the scene, call the fire department before and after the burn. Establishing a rapport with the local fire department is important for cooperation.

Federal Fire courses 130 is basic tool use 290 is advanced fire behavior,

For roadside fire management, they are bringing in some federal trainers?

Having the Federal fire courses 130, 190, might be useful, 290 and 390, would be nice to have available. County conservation board meetings might be a good time to hit a group of people across the state.

(PPE has gone towards training)

Training would be good for recommending to private landowners before any burning. Training would need to be available. Polk Co. is suggesting a fall clinic, no details yet.

Training coordination is important, need to centralize information.

Polk co. isn’t helping private landowners unless they have native remnants. Insurance and time don’t permit extensive private help. Problems with encouraging private plantings and helping with management were discussed.

PPE for private landowners (can’t require, just suggest) if not nomex, use cotton and wool, not synthetics, leather boots, not plastic or rubber. Need extension publication listing basic equipment and what not to use. Missouri has a publication, perhaps we could use as a basis for Iowa publication.

Fire weather forecasts available on the web, Loren uses this for fire planning. An address may be available if found. Weather service helps with humidity and possible wind shift predictions.

Extensive PPE for small operators may not be practical. A publication listing basic equipment with sources would be helpful.

Face shields can help facing a fire, may be hot, but necessary. Loren has sewn ear shields on a ballcap to help protection.

TNC has made hardhats not required fire equipment for Iowa (midwest) fire conditions.

Everyone on fire for TNC has to carry a pumpcan (?) A better backpack (more comfortable) would be very useful.

Nomex suits with patches, the patches are probably flammable!

TNC folks will stage water around the fire for resupplying backpacks if needed. Useful especially on hills.

Pooling resources on larger fires can help contain the fires, preventing public misconceptions of prescribed burning. Loren says a photographer could be useful for public relations. Using the ATV for lighting the fire can work, for large area.