6 Minutes for Safety: HAZARD TREE - RISK MANAGEMENT

HAZARD TREE - RISK MANAGEMENT

Situational Awareness/ Hazard Assessment

Environment:

• Existing winds and forecast.
• Night operations.
• Steep slopes.
• Diseased or bug-kill areas.
• Number, density, and height of hazard trees. 
• Anticipated burn-down time.
• Potential for domino effect to surrounding trees.
• Maintain situational awareness and continually reassess hazards. 

Hazard Tree Indicators:

• Trees burning for any period of time.
• High risk tree species (rot and shallow roots).
• Numerous downed trees.
• Dead, broken, or burning tops and limbs overhead.
• Accumulation of downed limbs.
• Absence of needles, bark or limbs.
• Leaning or hung-up.

Note: In addition to suppression and mop-up operations, assess, control, and monitor hazard  trees along roads and when selecting break areas or campsites.

Hazard Control:

• Eliminate the hazards with qualified sawyers, blasters/explosives, or heavy equipment. 
• Avoid hazards by designating “No Work Zones” (NWZ) – (flag, sign, and map). 
• Modify suppression tactics or fire-line location to avoid extreme/high risk rated area. 
• Post lookouts to help maintain secure area.
• Fire proof potential hazard trees to  prevent ignition.
• Initiate road/traffic control and area closure. 
• Keep clear of bucket drops near trees/snags. 
• Establish trigger points for re-position to secure areas in response to high winds.  

 References: 6 Minutes Home

 Hazard tree .pdf Link
Hazard tree picture credit: http://www.americanyouthworks.org

CFN - California Fire News 2012 

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