Firing Equipment SL 5-1-1

Hand Firing Devices Classified as a flammable solid Consult MSDS

Fusees Used to ignite fine fuels Characteristics Grass Forest litter Light weight Portable Produces a 2-4” flame Suitable for small projects Readily available Available in 5 to 30 minute burn times Wands can be assembled Not the same as road flares; do not burn as hot or long Classified as flammable solid

Correct Method Back straight Eyes and head pivoting

Drip Torch Characteristics Capable of handling most firing operations Used to ignite all fuel types Forest litter Grass Brush Ladder fuels Heavy fuels Easily Carried on engines and utility vehicles

Parts Know your torch

Drip Torch Liquid fuel device Fuel classified as a combustible liquid Fill only ¾ full 2 parts diesel fuel 1 part gasoline Fuel classified as a combustible liquid

Drip Torch at Work SL 5-1-8

Application Methods Trail torch slightly behind you or... Swing torch back and forth beside body from front to back Do not swing torch side to side in front of body and walk through lit fire Only apply amount of fire necessary to achieve desired results Extinguishment Upon completion of assignment or if standing by for extended periods, blow out wick

Drip Torch Safety Possible problems Defective vent/clogged Improper mix Poor gasket seal

Drip Torch Safety Fuel may “spurt” out of spout when hot. CAUTION Fuel may “spurt” out of spout when hot. Do not get unburned fuel on PPE Maintain spacing with other crew members to ensure lit fuel does not hit anyone as it is applied

Terra Torch The Terra Torch requires separate and specific training prior to use. SL 5-1-12

Characteristics Used when other ignition devices are ineffective Range up to 100 feet Requires specialized training Requires crew of 2 or more SL 5-1-13

Charactersitics Trailer mount Skid mount

Characteristics Fuel is a mixture of alumagel/surefire and gasoline Dispenses fuel under pressure through a hand held nozzle Classified as a flammable liquid

Terra Torch Hazards Radiant heat Mixing Fuel Rotate personnel Additional PPE For thermal protection Mixing Fuel

PROJECTED AERIAL DEVICES

Very Pistols

Very Pistol Best in light contiguous fuels Extended reach

Very Pistol Characteristics Specialized flare launcher requiring operator to be qualified before use Burn time of approximately 8 seconds at 1,400°F 12 gauge and 25 mm Classified as an explosive 1.4 and flammable solid Range up to 375 feet

Very Pistol 25 mm w / Insert Adapter 12 Gauge 25 mm Insert

Very Pistol Hazards Firing Communicate to personnel I.D. target Use hearing protection

Very Pistol Hazards (continued) Misfires Accidental Firing Communicate to personnel Repeat firing sequence If round doesn’t fire Keep pointed down range for three seconds Remove round Store in an approved container Ship to disposal facility Accidental Firing

Very Pistol Beware of ricochet

Fire Quick Flare Launcher

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Follow manufacturer’s recommendation Used by qualified personnel only

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Characteristics Specialized launcher requiring operator training Uses 22 caliber blanks Launches 1 inch diameter flares Range up to 300 feet Burns approx. 6 to 8 seconds at 4000°F Aerial burst covers 10 to 20 feet Monitor wind direction and speed Classified as 1.4 explosive and flammable solid

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Hazards Communicate to personnel before firing Hearing protection required Misfires Communicate to personnel when a misfire occurs Repeat firing sequence Treat faulty 22 caliber rounds the same as Very Pistol rounds

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Dud Flares Identify flare location to personnel Do not approach flare until area is cooled off and flare is safe to approach Dispose of flare in accordance with disposal guidelines

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Firing the Launcher Load 22 cal. cylinder

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Firing the Launcher (cont.) Insert flare Directional arrow

Firing the Fire Quick Flare Launcher Firing the Launcher Communicate to personnel before firing ID target Aim at 45 degree angle Pull trigger

Fire Quick Flare Launcher Photo of flare aerial burst

Hand Thrown Flares 1.5 and 2.5 inch flares Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for use Used in all fuel types

Hand Thrown Flares Characteristics Fuse burn time 30 to 40 seconds Flare burn time 6 to 8 seconds at 4,000°F Ignited material covers 30 to 60 foot diameter Classified as a flammable solid

Hand Thrown Flares Preparing flare For use Expose fuse

Hand Thrown Flares Arrow on flare directs the direction of throw

Hand Thrown Flares Light fuse

Hand Thrown Flares Throw flare Must be thrown a minimum distance of 100 feet from personnel, equipment, and control lines

Hand Thrown Flares Flare ignition

IGNITION DEVICES USED WITH AIRCRAFT

Helitorch Used in all fuel types Can ignite fuels with high fuel moisture Capable of burning standing fuel and continuous surface fuel beds

Helitorch Produces large amounts of fire in a short period

Helitorch Characteristics Used as an external sling load under rotary wing aircraft Uses aluma-gel/surefire and gasoline mix Consult MSDS Can reach areas not accessible by ground Classified as a flammable liquid

Plastic Sphere Dispenser / Aerial Ignition Device internal load

Plastic Sphere Dispenser / Aerial Ignition Device Requires less time to initiate than a helitorch To be effective, requires 1 hour fuel bed Requires special training to operate

Plastic Sphere Dispenser / Aerial Ignition Device Ignition results from 1 cc of ethylene glycol being injected into the ball which is filled with potassium permanganate This forms an exothermic (heat producing) reaction

Plastic Sphere Dispenser / Aerial Ignition Device Characteristics Normally used with rotary wing aircraft Mounted internally Classified as an oxidizer Consult MSDS

Plastic Sphere Dispenser / Aerial Ignition Device Dispersal rates can be varied by Aircraft speed Altitude Machine dispersal rate

Firing Equipment Are you and your firing equipment ready?