# Presentation: 034851

## MTDC Fire, Aviation, and Residues Programs

## Aerial Ignition Projects

**Aerial Ignition Projects**

**Project Leader:  Wes Throop**

## Helitorch   

**Prototype Fabricated**
**Flight Characteristics Testing Completed**
**Modifying Tip to Improve Shutoff and Flow**
**Hope to Field Test During Spring Burning Season**
**Est. Completion: Early FY06**** **

## Northern Helitorch Suspension Mods

**Modified Suspension to Enhance Safety and Improve Flight Characteristics**
**Successfully Flight Tested **
**Installed on All Three USFS Northern Helitorches**
**Currently in Use By R-9 **

## Evaluate Northern Helitorch

**Attended Operational Demonstration**
**Waiting for Burning Opportunity to Complete Evaluation**

## Evaluate Raindance R2 Aerial Incendiary Machine

**Australian Design**
**Uses “Cups” Molded Together in a Belt Instead of Spheres**
**Waiting for Example to Test**

## Evaluate SEI Blue Dragon

**Flight Testing Revealed Problems With Machine & Sphere Manufacturing Process**
**SEI Modified Machine and Sphere Manufacturing Process**
**Waiting for Burning Opportunities to Retest**

## Evaluate SEI Red Dragon

**Bench Tested at MTDC**
**Problems Encountered:**
**Frequent Jamming**
**Water Leakage**
**Must Disassemble Machine to Un-jam**
**Cannot Visually Confirm Spheres Are Feeding Properly**
**SEI Redesigning Machine to Correct Problems**

## Evaluate PSD Emergency Procedures

**Had Different Makes & Models of Operators Try Current Emergency Procedure – Some Could Not Jettison Machine**
**Fabricated Adapter Plate with Jettison Capability**
**Next Steps:  **
**Field Test Adapter Plate**
**Evaluate Harness Attachment Hardpoints**

## Aerial Ignition Website

**Available to Forest Service & BLM Employees**
**Working On:**
**Adding Additional Content**
**Making Pages Accessible to Visually Impaired **
**Allowing Access to Other Agencies**

## Batch Mixer 

**Field Tested With Good Results by Lassen NF**
**Operator’s Manual and **
**    ****Drawings Available From MTDC**

## Ground Ignition Projects

**Ground Ignition Projects**

##  ATV Helmet for Fire Application 

**Project Leader: ****Mary Ann Davies**
**Investigating Helmet vs Hardhat Requirements for ATV Burning Operations **
**Researched Testing Standards for Hardhats & ATV Helmets**
**Procured Pit Crew Helmets for Field Testing**
**Working With WO and OSHA**

## Terra Torch

**Project Leader: Wes Throop**
**Designed to Use Two 55 Gallon Drums as Fuel Tanks**
**No CDL Required for Use**
**Currently Working on Design**
**Est. Completion: FY07**

## Adapt Plastic Sphere Dispenser to ATV

**Project Leader: Gary Kees**
**Project Goal: Adapt Plastic Sphere Dispenser  for Use on ATV or UTV**
**Waiting for Development of ATV/UTV Policy**
**Will Evaluate New Generation PSD Machines as They Become Available**

## Ground Ignition Hand Launcher

**Project Leader: Wes Throop / Gary Kees**
**Tested 2 Prototype Vendor Systems – Mixed Results**
**Researching Different Methods of Propelling Sphere**
**Developing Sphere Injector for Use With Sling Shot**
**Completion: End of FY06**

## ATV Torch

**Project Leader: Wes Throop**
**Prototype Fabricated**
**Working on Electrical System Improvements**
**Est. Completion: Early FY06**

## Evaluate ForesTech Flares

**Project Leader:  Wes Throop**
**New Flare Designed to be Used in Existing Fire Quick Launcher**
**Undergoing Field Testing – Results Favorable So Far**

## Alternative Drip Torch Fuel

**Project Leader:  Wes Throop**
**Project Goal - Evaluate Biodiesel, Vegetable Oil, and Other Alternative Fuels for Drip Torches**
**Field Tested Vegetable Oil and Pre-Mixed Fuels  – Results Mixed**
**Will Evaluate Biodiesel and Other Fuels**
**Completion Date:  End of FY 06**

## Fuel Transport Projects

**Fuel Transport Projects**

**Project Leader:  Wes Throop**

## Safety Can Improvement

**Worked With Vendor to Improve Existing Safety Can**
**Improved Can Now Available From Safe T Way as the Safety Transport LM Can**

## Fuel Transport Guide

**Provides Guidance to Field**
**Allowable Tanks & Containers**
**Marking, Labeling, Placarding**
**Shipping Papers & Emergency Response Info**
**Licensing & Training **
**Estimated Completion: 1****st**** Quarter FY 06**

## New Projects

**Fuel Transport Training**
**Fuel Transport Web Site**
**Est Completion: FY 06**

## Smokejumper Projects

**Smokejumper Projects**

**Project Leader:  Pat Wilson**

## FS-14 Upgrades

**Project Goals **
**Increase Forward Speed**
**Lower Descent Rate**
**Increase Stability**
**Project Status:  Ongoing**** **

## Smokejumper Emergency Procedure Training

**Based on Video of Various Malfunctions Rigged Into Parachutes During Dummy Drops**
**Est. Completion: End of FY06**** **

## Smokejumper Helmet & Face Mask

**Light Weight With Integrated Mask**
**Will Meet Snell Ski and Snowboard Standard.**
**Undergoing Field Evaluation**
**Est. Completion: End of FY06 **

## Wireless Spotter Helmet

**Allows Spotter Unrestricted Movement Inside of Aircraft**
**Est. Completion: End of FY06**

## New Projects

**Updated Smokejumper Spotter Training**
**Estimated completion End of FY07**
**Improved Padding for Smokejumper Protective Suit**
**(Tech Services)**

## Fire Shelters

**Fire Shelters**

**Project Leader:  Tony Petrilli**

## Large Size Fire Shelter

**For People Over 6’1” **
**Large Shelter Now Available**
**Large Practice Shelter Available Soon**
**See Tech Tip 0551-2325-MTDC For More Information**

## Continual Improvement Process Design Upgrades

**Single Floor Piece**
**3/4 Inch Pipe in Handles**
**Binding Tape Removed**
**New Line of Stitching**
**Recycle Symbol Added to Plastic Liner**
**PVC Bag Pull Strap Attachment Reinforced (See Tech Tip 0651-2322-MTDC for More Information)**

## Other Ongoing Improvements

**Improving Material Strength**
**Refining Toxicity  Protocols**
**Refining Material Strength Standards**
**Researching Ways to Make Shelter More Self-Supporting**
**Continuing Field Testing**

## Interagency Fire Shelter Advisory Board

**Board Purpose:**
**Provide Project Direction **
**Involve Stakeholder Groups in Management Decisions**
**Ensure MTDC Specialists Receive Leadership Support & Guidance**
**First Meeting - 02/06 in Boise**

## Alternate Folding & Packaging

**New Project (Tech Services)**
**Improved Ways to Fold and Protect Shelter**

## Firefighter Protective Clothing and Accessories 

**Firefighter Protective Clothing and Accessories**** **

**Project Leader: Tony Petrilli**

## Fireline Pants/Gloves Questionnaire

|  | Male | Female |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1963 Responses | 1619 | 316 |
| Average Height | 5’-11” | 5’-6” |
| Average Weight | 186 lbs. | 144 lbs. |

## Questionnaire Participants

**All Agencies**
**45 states**

## Pants Overall Fit

**Male = 2.85 Avg.**
**Female = 2.79 Avg.**

## Gloves Overall Fit

**Male = 2.60 Avg.**
**Female = 2.50 Avg.**

## Fireline Pants Improvements in Response to Questionnaire

**Relaxed Fit**
**Increased Seam Strength**
**Improved Waist & Cuff Adjusters**
**Added Additional Inseam:**
**30” - Short**
**33” – Regular (Was 34”)**
**36” – Long (New Size)**

## Redesign Firefighter Gloves

**New Project (Tech Services)**
**Worldwide Search for Gloves That Are (or Could Be) NFPA 1977 Compliant**

## Prototype Fireline Pants Trials  

**5 Different Fabrics**
**200 Pairs Sent Out for Field Evaluation**
**In Year 1 of a 2 Year Study**
**Low Rate of 1****st**** Year Evaluation Returns**

## Fireline Pack

**Improved Fire Shelter Sleeve to Reduce Entry of Dirt**
**Added ID Tag Window**

## Effects of DEET on Nomex Clothing

**Application of DEET to Nomex Clothing Led to Failure of Flame Resistance Test**
**See Tech Tip 0551-2327-MTDC for More Information**

## Chainsaw Chap Care

**Tech Tip (0451-2324-MTDC) Available**
**New User Instruction Sheet to Accompany New Chaps.**
**Chaps Now Covered by NFPA 1977**
**Additional Testing Reinforced the Initial Finding That Greasy Grimy Chaps Offer Less Protection Than Clean Chaps**

## Hardhat Temperature Testing

**Project Leader: John Smith**
**Request from Field to Determine Color Effect on Temperature Inside Hardhat**
**Testing Showed Temperature Difference of Up to 20 Degrees  Between Black and White**
**For More Information See Tech Tip 0651-2312-MTDC**

## Helicopter Rappel Equipment and Procedures

**Helicopter Rappel Equipment and Procedures**

**Project Leader:  Tim Lynch**

## Rappel Website

**Current Information**
**Rappel & Cargo Let Down Equipment**
**Rappel Anchors**
**Information to be Added**
**Model Specific Powerpoint Presentations**
**Safety Bulletins**
**Safecoms**

## New Equipment Designs

**Bell 407 Snub Strap**
**Extendable Spotter Tether**
**Raptor Knife Sheath**
**Personal Gear Bag**
**300’ Cargo Letdown Line & Accordion Pack**

## Manufacture of New Equipment

**Manufacture of New Equipment Transferred From MTDC to John Day Rappel Base**
**MTDC Will Continue to Provide Technical Support**

## Evaluate New Equipment

**Miller Revolution Harness for Rappel Spotter Use**
**RQ-3 Cargo Letdown Friction Device**
**Cargo Letdown Friction Device Extender Strap**

## Designed & Constructed Spotter Harnesses, Restraints & Other Equipment for Trial Program
Assisted With Training & Evaluating Spotters
Produced Initial Report & Video of First Live RADS Deployment
Will Continue to be Involved as Program Progresses

**Assisted With Training & Evaluating Spotters**
**Produced Initial Report & Video of First Live RADS Deployment**
**Will Continue to be Involved as Program Progresses**

_**Rope Assisted Deployment System (RADS)**_

## Helicopter Rappelling Accessories

**Helicopter Rappelling Accessories**

**Project Leader:  Keith Windell**

## Bell 210 Rappel Kit Installation

**Investigate Installation of Existing Bell Medium Rappel Anchor in New Bell 210**
**Status:  Ongoing**

## Rappel Simulator

**New Project**
**Design a Rappel Training Tower & Simulator That Conforms to OSHA and Other Requirements**

## Other Projects

**Other Projects**

## Entrapment Avoidance

**Project Leader:  Leslie Anderson**
**Develop Training Materials for Crew Leaders About Work Practices Used to Establish and Maintain Crew Cohesion**
**Established Data Collection Procedures and Conducted 26 Interviews**
**Estimated Completion:  End of FY 07**

## Situational Awareness Firefighting Equipment (SAFE)   

**Project Leader: Bob Roth**
**Project Goal:  Identify & Deploy New Technologies That Will Increase Safety and Reduce Costs By:**
**Allowing 24 Hr Operations**
**Providing Real Time Command & Control**
**Improving Situational Awareness**
**Enhancing Ability to Order Resources & Prioritize Requests**
**Improving Accuracy of Resource Deliveries**
**Improving Operational Effectiveness**

## Helicopter Support Equipment and Procedures for BAER

**Project Leader: Tim Lynch**
**Evaluating Equipment and Procedures for Safe Distribution of Hay/Shredded Wood **
**Developing Prototype Grapple to Replace Net System**
**Estimated Completion:  FY 07**

## Accurate Fuel Stick Scale

**Project Leader: Mary Ann Davies**
**Evaluated Seven Different Scales for Accuracy**
**See Tech Tip 0551-2347-MTDC**

## Wildland Firefighter Safety and Health

**Project Leader: Brian Sharkey**
**WLFF Health and Safety Report #10 in Editing**
**New Project:  Firefighter Nutrition Training Materials **

## Wildland Fire and Aviation Specifications

**Project Leader: Dennis Davis**
**Maintains Currency of 56 Specifications**

## Modified Range Drill

**Project Leader: Dick Karsky**
**Working With BLM to Improve Seed Depth Control and Seed to Soil Contact**
**Est. Completion: End of FY06 **

## Slash Conveyer, Slash Concentrator, and Slash  Mat Remover

**Project Leader: Scott Groenier**
**Evaluating 3 Systems for Fuels Reduction Projects: **
**Slash conveyor,**
**Slash concentrator,**
**Slash mat remover,**
**Est. Completion: End of FY06**

## Incident Sign Installation Guide

**Project Leader:  Andy Trent/Donna Sheehy (R-1)**
**Describes Proper Use of Signs at Incidents**
**Available From MTDC Pubs**
**Working on Ordering Guide:  Estimated Completion FY 06**

## Generator Use in Small Camps

**Project Leader:  Dennis Davis**
**Project Goal:  Provide Guidance for Use of Generators in Spike Camps**
**Tech Tip 0651-2323-MTDC Available Soon**

## Product Feedback Form

**Provides a Place for Users to Make  Comments & Suggestions on T&D Products**
**Located on MTDC Website**

## Questions?

**Questions?**