- This topic has 64 replies, 21 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 10 months ago by
mule.
mule.-
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Jon Skuba
Folks, I think we are missing the point here. Our fire fighting skills and equipment have been up to the job for at least 12 years. As John Wilke said, “We’ve been living a charmed life.” With this summer’s exceptionally long grass, that is true. The problem on Saturday is that we (USFS and us) should have said, “This is not a safe situation, the launch is cancelled.” WE HAVE TO BE WILLING TO CANCEL LAUNCHES for conditions like these. The RSO (which for all practical purposes is Joe Hinton) makes that call and we MUST abide by it.
Steve Jensen
as we were short of tools.
The flap tools worked well.
We need a lot more tools. I was really glad I wore a pair of thick soled hiking boots. Some of the people stomping in tennis shoes really were discomforted quickly.
The other thing is that I was far down the flight line busily messing with my rocket and it took several minutes for me to realize what was up.
We need a formalized fire fighting plan including a means to quickly alert everyone. I feel badly that I was tardy in joining the effort.
However, I was amazed that it was put out by everyone’s efforts. When I looked up at the end I was equally amazed how far we had progressed from the launch area.
Let’s learn from this.
Greg Rapp
We got there after all the excitement; good job to everyone who hustled and kept the fire from being a lot worse! It was quite a site coming over the top of the hill leading down to the launch site and seeing that big black smudge on the prarie.
As an irregular participant in the launches I’d just say that regular training or at least an explanation of what to do would really help. I think I probably attended half a dozen launches before the need for fire suppression even occurred to me – and to date no one has ever said, if there’s a fire, here’s what to do. Now a lot of it is obvious but still, not knowing what to do, I might hold back for fear of getting in the way. Even something as simple as a hand-out at the LCO table would clue folks in to the need for fire awareness and being ready to jump in if necessary – and some basic safety info might prevent a tragedy.
My two bits,
Greg
mule
Joe,
What do you think of the water tank ideas?
What about a training session?
I like the backpack water tank idea, what about them?
Radios would make good sense, I like the GMRS ones we clip on and have an ear bud w/ mic. Spotters would be the best use of them though.I’m personally ramping up for this hobby (now that I’m around) and don’t want to loose our use of Pawnee. I want to be proactive on this….
Mike Bennett
Sorry to hear about the mishap and I am glad to hear no one was hurt.
A couple of thoughts: First off on the bright side, fires are natures way of cleaning up. They can be started naturally by lightning and I can guarantee you next year that fire spot will be the greenest spot the prairie has seen in a long time. The other is the birds nesting is out of season so there should be no issue there.
Not sure what the forest service will do but again this could have been a natural occurrence as well.
That being said I have 5 fire brooms from the old EX group I would be willing to donate to replace and increase the fire fighting equipment.
mule
Did some checking on Wild-lands fire equipment. I’m not seeing the brooms we used. I need some for my property too, wish they were out there still.
5 gallon tank backpack. Cheapest place I could find it, lots of other stuff too.
http://www.benmeadows.com/store/Fire_and_Rescue/Fire_Fighting_Equipment/Wildland_Fire_Fighting_Equip/12323/?s_kwcid=wildland+fire+fighting+equipment%7C3025418278edward
After chatting with a friend he suggested we try and look for fish tape material if we want to build our own brooms. I thought for a second and I’m sure that is the type of material they use. 1/8″ wide x .060″ thick, spring material. I’ll check with my friend who has the replaceable bristle brooms, but I think it would work. I might have to case a couple pawn shops for cheap fish tapes and test the idea out.
Edward
Warren B. Musselman
Did some checking on Wild-lands fire equipment. I’m not seeing the brooms we used. I need some for my property too, wish they were out there still.
5 gallon tank backpack. Cheapest place I could find it, lots of other stuff too.
http://www.benmeadows.com/store/Fire_and_Rescue/Fire_Fighting_Equipment/Wildland_Fire_Fighting_Equip/12323/?s_kwcid=wildland+fire+fighting+equipment%7C3025418278That would most definitely be an Indian pump. There is another variety though with a rubberized bladder that is a bit more comfortable. The price isn’t bad at all. No need to pressurize them either and maintanence is essentially empty them and dry them out, fill them before you need them and check the pump gaskets once a year.
Brooms are a good idea, although I’d think fish-tape thickness spring steel is way to heavy and stiff. 1/3 of that at most.
John A. Wilke
These are also dependable –
http://www.gemplers.com/product/L485/Solo-Backpack-Sprayer-5-gal-Diaphragm-Pump
they have a pump that you run with your left hand, and a wand you direct with your right hand. They can be bought a lot cheaper than this, and in different sizes. The 5 gallon ones are a bit unwieldy… 4 gallon might be a bit better? They are in most of the farm stores if we want to go look at one, and I may be able to get a deal as I know some folks who sell them.
edward
I was in Jax Farm & Ranch and saw those – they look very nice…add some fire retardant to the water and think they’d work great.
5 gallons * 8.4 pounds/gallon = 42 pounds – we might have to start some training before you attempt to run 100 yards with one of those 🙂
Edward
Jon Skuba
Steve Jensen
Greg Rapp
mule
Mike Bennett
edward
Warren B. Musselman
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