•Call emergency services and report exact location •Evacuate personnel and bystanders to a safe zone Harvey recommended posting this pro- tocol clearly in all vehicles and on the job site for easy access and referral. It is also crucial to conduct occasional drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and can act quickly and calmly under pressure. The faster you respond, the more damage you limit. KEEP EQUIPMENT FIRE-SAFE Routine maintenance is more than just preserving equipment performance—it plays a critical role in fire prevention. Spark arrestors and mufflers should be inspected frequently and replaced if they are damaged or clogged, as they serve as the first line of defense against stray sparks. Daily cleaning of chainsaws, chippers, and stump grinders is equally import-
Harvey concurred, recounting an in- cident in which his crew was working with large machinery in a rural area, and an equipment fire ensued. Since the team was prepared, they were able to notify the authorities and quickly get help, preventing a potential disaster and financial repercussions. “Being a retired fire chief with Cal Fire, I carry a fire radio, and I was able to call it in,” he explained. “We were able to isolate it and hold it into the area, but we did take assistance from the fire department.” Since accidental starts can spread rap- idly — particularly when job site condi- tions are fire-prone — crew members should be trained to: •Immediately stop work if fire or smoke is detected •Shut down equipment safely •Use proper fire extinguishers or other suppression tools
ant, particularly in dry or dusty condi- tions. Sawdust and resin buildup can cause equipment to overheat and po- tentially ignite. Pay close attention to cooling fins, air filters, and fuel lines, which are common sources of heat-re- lated malfunctions. In addition to regular inspections, consider implementing a maintenance log that tracks service intervals and flags any equipment that might pose a risk. Having a documented process also supports your credibility should you ever be evaluated for certification or liability. GET FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATIONS In some states, arborists can receive additional certifications for wildfire safety. For example, the Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualification (WRRQ) is a two-day course that delivers spe- cial training to arborists on reducing the risk of wildfires around homes, properties, and natural areas. Though
14 | Summer 2025 ArborTIMES ™
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